Bill > HB1021

This bill authorizes licensed psychologists in Maryland to prescribe medication under specific circumstances, provided they are certified by the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. To achieve this certification, psychologists must complete a rigorous educational program covering basic sciences, pharmacology, and clinical medicine, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship involving patient treatment and passing a specialized examination. The bill also establishes a Prescriptive Authority Advisory Committee, composed of psychologists, physicians, and pharmacists, to guide the Board on the oversight and implementation of these new provisions. Certified prescribing psychologists will be required to coordinate with patients' medical providers, document their prescriptions, and adhere to regulations regarding controlled substances, with the Board maintaining records and reporting relevant information to the State Boards of Physicians and Pharmacy. This change aims to expand the scope of practice for psychologists to better address mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.