Rx without the M.D.: Psychologists start prescribing meds

New state legislation allows psychologists to prescribe drugs. New Mexico is the first state to allow psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medication, and four states may soon follow suit.
By Kaja Perina, published on May 01, 2003

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New Mexico is the first state to allow psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medication, and four states may soon follow suit.

New legislation, passed in March, addresses a shortage of psychiatrists in rural New Mexico, where the waiting time to see a psychiatrist ranges from six weeks to five months, according to Raymond Fowler, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the American Psychological Association. "Excluding Albuquerque and Santa Fe, there are 18 psychiatrists, compared to 176 psychologists."

Georgia, Illinois, Hawaii and Tennessee have introduced similar legislation, though most states allow only doctors and select nurse practitioners to prescribe medication.

The American Medical Association and American Psychiatric Association oppose prescription privileges for psychologists.

Tags: american medical association, american psychological association, chief executive officer, drug, five months, four states, medication, new mexico, nurse practitioners, prescription privileges, prescriptions, psychologist, santa fe, six weeks, waiting time

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