Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2999

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the prescriptive authority of certain psychologists; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The implications of SB 2999 are significant, particularly for the scope of practice for psychologists in Texas. By granting prescriptive authority, the bill would facilitate a more integrated approach to mental health care. This could alleviate some of the burdens placed on psychiatrists and general practitioners, leading to improved patient outcomes through quicker access to pharmacological treatment for individuals with mental health conditions.

Summary

Senate Bill 2999 aims to amend Texas's Occupations Code to expand the prescriptive authority of licensed psychologists. The bill enables qualified psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications under the supervision of a licensed physician or psychologist with a prescription certificate. This legislative change is premised on the need for enhanced mental health care access, allowing trained psychologists to address mental health disorders more effectively by prescribing necessary medications directly.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its points of contention. Critics argue that the expansion of prescriptive authority could lead to inappropriate prescribing practices if not tightly regulated. Concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of training received by psychologists in pharmacology and the potential risks associated with neuropsychological medication management. The establishment of an advisory committee will be crucial in ensuring that the guidelines governing prescriptive authority are clear and that ongoing education for practicing psychologists is mandated.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 576. Rights Of Patients
    • Section: 025
  • Chapter 481. Texas Controlled Substances Act
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 074
    • Section: 076
  • Chapter 483. Dangerous Drugs
    • Section: 001

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 301. Nurses
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 501. Psychologists
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB5537

Identical Relating to the prescriptive authority of certain psychologists; authorizing a fee.

Previously Filed As

TX HB343

Relating to the prescriptive authority of certain psychologists; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4156

Relating to the licensing of a psychologist as a licensed specialist in school psychology; authorizing a fee.

TX HB667

Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB25

Relating to wholesale importation of prescription drugs in this state; authorizing a fee.

TX HB5

Relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing penalties.

TX SB121

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, delivery, sale, and research of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with certain medical conditions and the licensing of medical cannabis organizations; authorizing fees.

TX SB1445

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3583

Relating to the licensing and regulation of youth sports programs; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

TX HB173

Relating to the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2557

Relating to the Licensed Professional Counselors Compact; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

TX HB5537

Relating to the prescriptive authority of certain psychologists; authorizing a fee.

NM SB127

Professional Psychologist Act Changes

NM SB117

Prescribing Psychologist Practice Act

HI HB1432

Relating To Prescriptive Authority For Psychologists.

HI HB1432

Relating To Prescriptive Authority For Psychologists.

HI SB2049

Relating To Psychologists.

NM SB53

Prescribing Psychologist Psychotropics

HI SB847

Relating To Psychologists.