Should psychologists prescribe in Michigan?

That is a rhetorical but not an idle question. MPS has learned that the Michigan Psychological Association intends to request that a bill be introduced 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 2009, in Oregon, after a brutal fight, a compromise was enacted requiring a study of the issue.  The bill came up for a vote in 2010, and although the Oregon legilsature passed the bill, the Governor vetoed it.  The leading Oregon newspaper editorial departments came out strongly against the bill. 

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.