RxP History

The American Psychological Association advocates strongly for the increased involvement of psychologists into the primary health care sector, including providing psychotropic medications for their patients. In anticipation of the expanding role of psychologists to include prescriptive authority, the American Psychological Association published American Psychological Association Recommendations for Postdoctoral Training in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Privileges (APA Council of Representatives, August, 12, 1996) based upon the work of a Blue Ribbon Committee, which was compromised of physicians, prescribing psychologists, pharmacists and other experts in the field. Specifically, three levels of training have been delineated:

Level I: At a minimum it is recommended that psychologists complete a mandatory course in psychopharmacology as part of the doctoral training;

Level II: Licensed psychologists are also expected to participate in additional training as necessary to be active collaborators with physicians and nurses in the medical management of their patients;

Level III: Finally, licensed psychologists are preparing themselves to achieve prescriptive authority of psychotropic medications for their patients. In addition, guidelines for a practicum experience that would complete the Level III training were also provided.

With the passage of New Mexico House Bill 170 in March 2002, New Mexico became the first state to allow properly trained psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications for their patients. The passage of House Bill 170 creates a compelling reason for New Mexico to offer psychologists post doctoral training in psychopharmacology that is modeled after the recommendations of the APA Blue Ribbon Committee as well as requirements of New Mexico House Bill 170.