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Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities

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Prescriptive authority for psychologists.

Robert E McGrath¹

¹School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, New Jersey 07666, USA. mcgrath@fdu.edu

Annual Review of Clinical Psychology

|March 3, 2010

Summary

Psychologists gaining prescribing authority is a 25-year movement, now official APA policy. This review summarizes milestones and debates on psychologists prescribing medication.

Area of Science:

Psychology
Psychopharmacology
Healthcare Policy

Background:

The concept of psychologists prescribing medication was proposed 25 years ago.
It has been an official goal of the American Psychological Association (APA) for 15 years.
Prescriptive authority for psychologists has been approved in three US states, Guam, and military/public health services.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the historical milestones of the psychologists' prescriptive authority movement.
To summarize the arguments for and against psychologists obtaining prescribing privileges.
To provide an overview of the current status of prescriptive authority in psychology.

Main Methods:

Literature review of historical documents and policy changes.

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Analysis of arguments presented by proponents and opponents.

Summary of legislative and regulatory approvals.

Main Results:

Prescriptive authority for psychologists has been implemented in select US states and federal services.
Key arguments in favor include increased patient access to care and expanded roles for psychologists.
Concerns raised by opponents involve potential changes to the profession and patient safety.

Conclusions:

The movement for psychologists' prescriptive authority has achieved incremental progress.
Significant debate continues regarding the implications for professional psychology and safe prescribing practices.
Further evaluation is needed to assess the impact of prescriptive authority on mental healthcare delivery.