CMA Kills Psychologists Prescribing Bill
[Posted 04/28/08]

A CMA-opposed bill (insert bill number here) that would have allowed psychologists to prescribe psychotropic drugs was soundly defeated when it died in committee for lack of motion.

While CMA understands the importance of the psychologist’s role in mental health, psychologists are trained to assess behavioral and cognitive problems.  Without the training necessary to discern physical problems from purely behavioral ones, important treatable conditions could very likely be overlooked and go untreated.  Additionally, all prescription medications have side-effects and can be dangerous in the hands of those with inadequate training. 

CMA is also fending off an attempt to expand the scope of practice of optometrists. The bill (SB 1406), which would allow optometrists to diagnose and treat diseases of the visual system, and even perform minor surgeries, has been gutted. The bill’s author has, however, indicated that he intends to introduce new language on this issue in this legislative session.

More information on these and other bills of interest to physicians is available at http://www.cmanet.org/news/hotlist.asp.

Contact: Jodi Hicks, 916/444-5532 or jhicks@cmanet.org.