Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a shortcut of sorts to expand healthcare access, letting psychologists, not just psychiatrists, prescribe medication. A handful of states and the federal government already do so, but critics worry about a lack of proper training and other innovations of the past that have not panned out. HB 1000 would allow psychologists to qualify for prescription authority by meeting educational and training requirements set by the state Board of Psychology, granting them similar privileges as primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants for psychotropic medications.
