Hawaii and Vermont have become the latest states to expand prescribing authority for specially trained psychologists, bringing the total number of states that authorize the practice to nine, according to a July 15 news release from the American Psychological Association.
Here are five things to know:
1. Hawaii’s law took effect July 15. The new law created a three-year pilot program at federally qualified health centers on the islands of Hawaii and Kauai. Under the program, specially trained psychologists may treat adults ages 18 to 65 under the supervision of a psychiatrist or physician.
2. Vermont established a pathway to prescribing authority. Gov. Phil Scott signed the legislation into law April 27. Licensed psychologists who complete additional education, supervised clinical training and a national certifying examination will be eligible to prescribe certain medications for mental health conditions beginning in July 2029.
3. Nine states now authorize psychologists prescribing. Hawaii joined Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, Utah and Vermont in allowing specially trained psychologists to prescribe certain medications, according to the release.
4. Vermont requires additional graduate education and clinical training. Psychologists seeking prescribing authority must complete a master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from an APA-designated program, supervised clinical rotations spanning 14 months or more and pass a national certifying examination.
5. The APA said the laws aim to improve access to mental healthcare. The organization said expanding prescribing authority could help address provider shortages and long wait times, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to mental health services is limited.
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