Colorado Prescribing Psychology (RxP)Dear CPA Community, My name is Jin Lee, and I’m the chair of the prescribing psychology (RxP) Task Force. Prescriptive authority is granted for licensed psychologists with advanced training in clinical psychopharmacology, and five states have passed legislation allowing for this expansion in psychology practice. Many other states are in the process of pursuing prescriptive authority legislation. I am very excited to announce that, as of 3/3/2023, Colorado became the sixth state to grant specially trained psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications. We introduced the bill HB23-1071 on 1/19/2023, and within 6 weeks, the bill was signed into law. Are you interested in becoming a prescribing psychologist? Please contact me at [email protected].
BACKGROUNDColorado is in a serious mental health crisis, with a high prevalence of mental health issues in Coloradans and a significant shortage of mental health professionals statewide. For example, nationally, Colorado ranks third for lowest access to mental health services, has the second highest percentage of adults with substance use disorder, and has the third-highest percentage of adults contemplating suicide. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of mental health issues in Coloradans have increased, with nearly 50% of Coloradans experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a more than a 50% increase in Coloradans calling or texting a crisis hotline. RxP FAQ's1. What is a Prescribing Psychologist (RxP)?
Fun Fact: APA has recognized RxP as a Specialty, and the APA DIvision 55 Society of Prescribing Psychology is in the process of pursuing a board certification status through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
2. What is this advanced training?
3. Do any states currently allow RxP? As of 2020, five states passed the RxP legislation:
Fun Fact: the following federal agencies permit prescribing psychologists:
4. Is this safe?
5. Do I have to prescribe psychotropic medication if RxP is passed in Colorado?
6. Would my liability insurance go up with RxP addition?
7. How would RxP in Colorado really improve access?
|