The New Jersey Assembly passed legislation on 4/29/13 allowing prescriptive authority for Psychologists who complete a masters degree in psychopharmacology.
Both the House (HB603) and Senate (SB329) have bills introduced to allow specially-trained Psychologists authority to prescribe ‘mental health medications’ in Ohio correctional facilities. The special training proposed is a Masters degree in Psychopharmacology.
The Illinois Psychological Association is helping to lead the way for Prescribing Psychologists. Check out this comprehensive examination of the issues.
“There is a dearth of child psychiatrists…Furthermore, many barriers remain that prevent children, teenagers, and their parents from seeking help from the small number of specially trained professionals… This places a burden on pediatricians, family physicians, and other gatekeepers to identify children for referral and treatment decisions.” (Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, 1999).
Here are the facts about this topic from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Click here.
Improving Quality of Care and Reducing Costs through Prescriptive Authority for Licensed Psychologists with Specialty Training. American Psychological Association, Division 55 News.
From the Lund Report. This is the 5th try. Will the issue of access to care turn the tide?
http://lundreport.org/resource/psychologists_continue_push_for_prescribing_rights?quicktabs_1=0
Prescribing Psychologist 