SB 180

This bill authorizes the Psychology Examining Board in the Department of

Regulation and Licensing to issue a certificate of prescriptive authority to a

psychologist licensed by the examining board. "Prescriptive authority" is defined,

generally, to mean authority to prescribe, distribute, and administer drugs to treat

disorders identified within the practice of psychology. A person certified by the

examining board may use the title, prescribing psychologist.

To qualify for certification under the bill, a psychologist must complete

educational requirements and supervised practice established by the examining

board by rule and must pass an examination approved by the examining board by

rule. A person certified under the bill must annually submit proof to the examining

board of malpractice insurance coverage in an amount established by the examining

board by rule.

The bill requires the examining board to promulgate rules governing the

certification, supervision, and practice of prescribing psychologists. The bill also

authorizes the examining board to make investigations and conduct hearings to

determine whether a violation of the bill has occurred. The board may reprimand

a prescribing psychologist or deny, limit, suspend, or revoke a certificate granted

under the bill if a prescribing psychologist or applicant for certification has engaged

in prohibited conduct.

Under current law, with certain exceptions, only persons registered under

21

U.S.C. 822

may lawfully possess controlled substances in the state. This bill requires

applicants for certification to register under

21 U.S.C. 822

.

Finally, the bill modifies the definitions of practical nursing and professional

nursing under current law to include taking certain actions under the direction of a

prescribing psychologist.