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

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.