Louisiana enacts prescription privileges law for psy...( d effectively says Newman. In fact ...),Health

d effectively," says Newman. "In fact, the most comprehensive evaluation of training provided to psychologists in the military found that those psychologists who were trained to prescribe 'filled a critical need and served with excellence' wherever they worked. 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."

A psychologist's education and training includes an average of seven years of graduate education beyond the four years of undergraduate work, and several years of supervised clinical training. "Medical psychologist" is a term specifically used in the Louisiana law and refers to psychologists who have completed a post-doctoral master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology; have passed a national examination in psychopharmacology approved by the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and hold a current certificate of responsibility from the board. The law requires that medical psychologists engage in coursework that includes anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, biochemistry, clinical medicine, general pharmacology and clinical psychopharmacology.

"This is a victory for the people of Louisiana," says James Quillin, Ph.D., M.P., president, Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists. "This is model legislation that proves progressive change in our health care system is achievable."

In addition to improving access to care, authorizing appropriately trained psychologists to prescribe also has implications for reducing health care costs. "We know from experience and research findings," says Newman, "that the ability of a single professional to provide combined treatments can provide quality care at a reduced cost when compared with the provision of psychotherapy and medication by separate professionals."

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Contact: Luana Bossolo
202-336-5899
American Psychological Association Practice Directorate
6-May-2004

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