Bill > HB1124

This bill establishes a new certification for prescribing psychologists in Washington state, allowing licensed psychologists to obtain additional credentials to prescribe psychotropic medications after completing extensive specialized training. The bill requires prescribing psychologists to have a doctorate degree, complete a master's program in clinical psychopharmacology with at least 400 contact hours of biomedical education, undergo 500 hours of clinical supervision, and pass a national competency examination. Prescribing psychologists will be limited to prescribing medications for mental health conditions and must maintain a collaborative relationship with a healthcare provider overseeing the patient's general medical care. The bill aims to address mental health provider shortages by expanding psychologists' scope of practice, with proponents noting that one in five Washington adults experience mental illness and more than half do not receive treatment. The legislation includes specific requirements for education, training, and ongoing certification, and modifies existing laws to incorporate this new professional category, including updating definitions in various state regulations to recognize prescribing psychologists as a new type of healthcare practitioner.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1124&Year=2025&Initiative=false