And Idaho makes five

In April, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed into law legislation that authorizes clinical psychologists with advanced specialized training to prescribe certain medications for the treatment of mental health disorders, thereby improving access to a wide range of mental health services, particularly in poorly served areas.

The move brings to five the number of states that grant prescription privileges for psychologists. The other states are Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana and New Mexico.

"Access to appropriate mental health treatment is important throughout the United States, but is particularly critical in Idaho due to a shortage of psychiatrists, long waiting times and a high suicide rate," says APA President Antonio E. Puente, PhD. "This law will enhance access for many Idahoans who face challenges getting treatment for their mental health conditions."

The legislation grants prescriptive authority to Idaho licensed psychologists who have completed a postdoctoral master of science degree in clinical psychopharmacology, a supervised practicum in clinical assessment and pathophysiology, and passed a national examination. After meeting these requirements, a prescribing psychologist will have a two-year provisional certificate to prescribe under the mandatory supervision of a physician. These requirements are in addition to the education and training required to become a licensed psychologist—an average of seven years of graduate education beyond the four years of undergraduate work, and several years of supervised clinical training.

"Expanding the role psychologists play in managing the care of mental health patients will lead to shorter wait times for mental health services, and lead to stronger integrated-care teams," says V. Page Haviland, PhD, president of the Idaho Psychological Association. "We are committed to creating a flagship training program for psychologists desiring psychopharmacology training. This new law marks a win for our clients as well as psychologists."

Susan Farber, PhD, who chairs the Idaho Psychological Association state advocacy committee, applauds the collaborative nature of the legislation. "After three years of working with many in the medical community, a consensus was reached," she says. "A bipartisan legislature voted to support the legislation because it is an effective way to provide services to our citizens."

The training, which must meet APA's requirements to be designated a postdoctoral education and training program in clinical psychopharmacology, will be substantially equivalent to the education required of advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioners. This training could be offered by Idaho State University as soon as fall 2018.