Washington, D.C., March 6, 2002 -- New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson (R) signed legislation into law authorizing properly trained psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications to patients, making New Mexico the first state in the country to institute such a law. Originally introduced by Rep. Edward Sandoval (D), bill 170 passed 56-11 in the New Mexico state house chamber and 29-9 in the Senate.

"The American Psychological Association is quite pleased that New Mexico enacted a law allowing prescription privileges for psychologists," says Russ Newman, Ph.D., J.D., Executive Director for Professional Practice, American Psychological Association. "Statistics show that there is a public health need in large rural areas with mental health service gaps and it is our understanding that this is particularly true in New Mexico. Increasing the number of mental health professionals trained to prescribe will improve access to quality mental health care."

There are only 18 psychiatrists serving the 72% of New Mexicans who live outside Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Waiting time to see a psychiatrist is six weeks to five months in these areas. Suicide in New Mexico, ages 15-24, is 75% higher than the national average; and 75% of those with mental health disorders in New Mexico are not receiving treatment.

New Mexico House Bill 170 recommends a prescription training program based on a proven model used by the Department of Defense to train psychologists in the military to prescribe psychotropic medications for their patients. To receive a prescribing license in New Mexico, psychologists must complete at least 450 hours of coursework; a 400 hour/100 patient practicum under physician supervision; and pass a national certification examination. The academic component includes psychopharmacology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, clinical pharmacology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacoepidemiology, as well as physical and lab assessments.

According to the newly signed prescription privileges law, after completing coursework, supervised training and passing a national exam, psychologists licensed to practice in New Mexico are eligible for a two year license allowing them to prescribe under supervision of a physician. At the end of two years if the supervisor approves, and the psychologist's prescribing records pass an independent peer review, the psychologist can apply to prescribe independently. As an independent prescriber, the psychologist maintains a collaborative relationship with the patient's health care practitioner.

"Independent evaluations of prescriptive privileges training for psychologists have clearly demonstrated that psychologists can be trained to prescribe safely and effectively," says Newman. "Psychologists are mental health professionals already trained in providing health and mental health services. Allowing properly trained psychologists to prescribe is a logical step in helping to improve access to quality mental health care for consumers."

As part of the Psychopharmacology Demonstration Project, the Department of Defense trained 10 psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications, seven of whom remain in the military and are practicing and prescribing today. These prescribing psychologists are among the most highly scrutinized health care professionals. Their experience has and continues to demonstrate that psychologists are providing safe and high quality care.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 44.3 million Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder. Additionally, untreated mental health disorders create huge costs for business and the economy. In the United States, lost productivity and absenteeism due to untreated mental health disorders totals $312 billion annually.

"We know from experience and research," says Newman, "that the ability of a single professional to provide combined treatments can provide quality care at a reduced cost."

For example, a study published in a 1998 issue of Psychiatric Services showed that combining psychotherapy and medication by one provider was more cost effective than splitting care between providers.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, four other states in the country have pending legislation on prescription privileges for psychologists: Georgia, Illinois, Hawaii and Tennessee. Psychologists in Guam gained prescription privileges in 1999. In the last 10 years, 13 states have introduced prescription privileges legislation. In addition, 31 state psychological associations have prescription privileges task forces lobbying for legislation.

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The American Psychological Association (APA), located in Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world’s largest association of psychologists. APA’s membership includes more than 155,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its 53 divisions and its affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science and profession, and as a means of promoting health and human welfare.