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.