Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF23

Introduced
1/12/23  
Introduced
1/12/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the requirements for a prescribing psychologist or a psychologist with a conditional prescription certificate.(See HF 183.)

Impact

The primary impact of HF23 is that it expands access to prescribing psychologists by removing the time limit on educational and professional qualifications. This could potentially lead to a greater number of qualified professionals able to prescribe psychotropic medications, thus enhancing the treatment options available for patients dealing with mental health disorders. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the need for an ongoing collaborative relationship between prescribing psychologists and patients’ primary care providers, which is fundamental in ensuring comprehensive care.

Summary

House File 23 (HF23) aims to amend the requirements for prescribing psychologists in Iowa. Under this bill, it retains the necessity for psychologists to complete a postdoctoral master of science degree in clinical psychopharmacology and to have supervised clinical experience in the treatment of mental disorders. However, HF23 eliminates the stipulation that these qualifications must have been achieved within the five years prior to applying for a conditional prescription certificate. This change facilitates the application process for psychologists seeking the ability to prescribe medications for mental health treatments.

Conclusion

In summary, HF23 is designed to streamline and update the regulatory framework surrounding how psychologists can engage in psychopharmacological treatment. By addressing both educational requirements and collaborative care dynamics, the bill aims to enhance mental health service delivery in Iowa, while also introducing elements of contention regarding the implications of broadening definitions in medical practice.

Contention

Notably, the bill reflects a shift in how the term 'physician' is defined, moving away from requiring board certification in a specialty, meaning that more general practitioners may be involved in a collaborative care role with psychologists. This alteration has led to discussions about whether it might dilute the standards expected of health care providers in this context. Critics argue that the elimination of specialty requirements could undermine the quality of care, as mental health prescriptions require specific expertise and knowledge to manage effectively.

Companion Bills

IA SSB1008

Related A bill for an act relating to the requirements for a prescribing psychologist or a psychologist with a conditional prescription certificate.(See SF 133.)

IA SF133

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the requirements for a prescribing psychologist or a psychologist with a conditional prescription certificate.(Formerly SSB 1008.)

IA HF183

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the requirements for a prescribing psychologist or a psychologist with a conditional prescription certificate. (Formerly HF 23.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

Previously Filed As

IA SSB1008

A bill for an act relating to the requirements for a prescribing psychologist or a psychologist with a conditional prescription certificate.(See SF 133.)

IA HF183

A bill for an act relating to the requirements for a prescribing psychologist or a psychologist with a conditional prescription certificate. (Formerly HF 23.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SF133

A bill for an act relating to the requirements for a prescribing psychologist or a psychologist with a conditional prescription certificate.(Formerly SSB 1008.)

IA SB1125

Psychologists; prescribing authority

IA SB1457

Psychologists; prescribing authority

IA SB1249

Psychologists; prescribing authority

IA HB1432

Relating To Prescriptive Authority For Psychologists.

IA HB1432

Relating To Prescriptive Authority For Psychologists.

IA H0023

Prescriptive Authority Certification for Psychologists

IA SB677

Relating To Prescriptive Authority For Clinical Psychologists.

Similar Bills

LA HB702

Provides with respect to the practice of physician assistants

HI SB61

Relating To Associate Physicians.

HI SB61

Relating To Associate Physicians.

CO SB083

Physician Assistant Collaboration Requirements

TN SB2136

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to healthcare providers.

TN HB2318

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to healthcare providers.

TN HB1311

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to graduate physicians.

TN SB0937

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to graduate physicians.