Bill > SB0911

This bill creates a new category of psychologists with the ability to prescribe certain medications in Tennessee, known as "prescribing psychologists" or "medical psychologists". To obtain this advanced certification, a psychologist must meet rigorous requirements: hold a doctoral-level license, complete a post-doctoral master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology that includes extensive training in areas like life sciences, neuroscience, and pharmacology, pass a nationally recognized prescribing examination, and complete a one-year fellowship involving psychopharmacological evaluations of at least 100 patients under physician supervision. The prescribing authority is limited: psychologists can only prescribe drugs for behavioral health, mental, nervous, substance abuse, emotional, or cognitive disorders, and cannot prescribe narcotics, opiates, or administer electroconvulsive therapy. Prescribing psychologists must also maintain patient records, work in conjunction with a treating physician, and complete additional continuing education. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code to incorporate this new professional designation, including updating references in various medical practice statutes. The new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2025, with initial rule-making beginning immediately upon the law's passage.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0911&ga=114