Should psychologists prescribe in Michigan?

That is a rhetorical but not an idle question. MPS has learned that the Michigan Psychological Association intends to have a bill introduced this fall that would grant prescribing privileges to psychologists.

Currently, New Mexico and Louisiana have laws granting prescribing authority to psychologists. Bills have been introduced in 20 states multiple times since 1985 and have been defeated in 18 states multiple times.  In 2009, bills were defeated in 8 states.  In Oregon, after a brutal fight, a compromise was enacted requiring a study of the issue.  The Wisconsin bill is still active, and Ohio and Michigan are anticipating bill introductions.

It may be the height of irony to have worked for decades to achieve parity for mental illness, only to have legislatures consign the state of the art treatment for these serious disorders to a non-medical profession.  Unlike nurse practitioners and physicians assistants, psychologists have no medical training at the undergraduate, masters, or doctoral level. Post-PhD prescribing training programs cannot bridge the gap. Furthermore, proponents seek independent prescribing without supervision by any medically trained professional and authority for prescribing from a broad formulary of very powerful drugs.

The case usually made by state psychological associations is that physicians are only protecting their turf.  The Michigan Psychiatric Society will not be apologizing for taking the position of safeguarding our profession and more importantly, defending access to medical care for patients and families.

Stay tuned for any updates or legislative developments.