Guam psychologists gain right to prescribe

The Guam legislature recently enacted the first national law allowing clinical psychologists to administer, prescribe and dispense prescription drugs in collaboration with a physician. The law was passed after the Guam legislature unanimously overrode a governor's veto in the final hours of the legislative session.

"Guam is the first jurisdiction where the legislature has clearly indicated that psychologists should be able to prescribe," says Pat DeLeon, APA's president-elect. "It's the first time there is absolutely no question or hesitation."

The new law requires clinical psychologists to follow a physicians'-assistant model for prescribing drugs: They would only be able to prescribe under collaborative agreements with physicians practicing the same area of specialty.

"This is a very nice first step that will be modified over time, eventually providing for complete professional autonomy," DeLeon says. Guam psychologists hope to modify the law to allow psychologists to obtain full prescription privileges. Russ Newman, PhD, JD, APA's executive director for practice, wrote a letter to the Guam legislature supporting prescription privileges for psychologists. "Psychologists are highly trained mental health specialists, many of whom are extremely interested in acquiring this additional training in psychopharmacology and in developing the skills to prescribe psychotropic medications," states Newman's letter.

Allowing more health-care professional, like psychologists, to prescribe medication will enhance the health of the community, says Mamie Balajadia, EdD, a clinical administrator with the Guam Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

Clinical psychologists in Guam who seek prescription privileges must obtain a Collaborative Practice Agreement approved by the Board of Allied Health Examiners, Board of Pharmacy and Board of Medical Examiners.
--L. Rabasca



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