Bill > HB2315

This bill establishes the framework for certain licensed psychologists in Tennessee to gain the authority to prescribe medications, a process that requires them to obtain an "advanced certificate to prescribe as a prescribing psychologist" from the board of examiners in psychology. To qualify, psychologists must hold a doctoral-level license, complete a post-doctoral master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology with specific core coursework, pass a national prescribing exam, and complete a supervised fellowship involving at least 100 patient evaluations. This new authority, referred to as "prescriptive authority," allows these psychologists to evaluate and manage patients, and to prescribe drugs for behavioral health or mental, nervous, substance abuse, emotional, or cognitive disorders, but explicitly excludes narcotic drugs and opiates, and requires patients to be under the care of a physician or primary care provider. The bill also amends various existing Tennessee Code Annotated sections to include "prescribing psychologist" alongside other healthcare professionals in contexts related to drug scheduling, prescription authority, and medical practice definitions, and outlines requirements for certificate renewal, continuing education, and reporting to the board of pharmacy.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2315&ga=114