Continuing Education

Prescribing by Psychologists with Advanced Training (RxP)

What is RxP all about?

VPA is actively lobbying the Vermont legislature for passage of the pending legislation for prescriptive authority for doctorate-level psychologists. Under the RxP bill pending, the only psychologists who would have authority to prescribe psychotropic medications are doctorate-level psychologists with a post-doctoral master's degree in psychopharmacology.

Contact your legislator and ask them to support RxP!

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Is RxP safe?

The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation takes the position that the training and education required by the RxP legislation is equal to or greater than that required for other prescribers, and that RxP does not present any public safety issues. In addition, prescribing psychologists would have to consult with either a primary care provider or psychiatrist before making any prescribing decisions.

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What are the training requirements?

10 - 11 years for bachelor's degree and Ph.D. or Psy.D.
1 - 2 years supervised practice for licensing
1 - 2 years for post-doctoral master's degree in psychopharmacology
1 - 2 years supervised prescription training

TOTAL: 13 - 17 YEARS OF TRAINING

PLUS passage of national licensing exam

Are there restrictions on RxP?

Certain restrictions apply to the proposed prescribing authority:

Prescribing only for patients who have a primary care provider or psychiatrist of record
Consultations and collaborations with the patient's primary care provider or psychiatrist of record to obtain a concurrence prior to initiating, making changes to, or terminating a medication treatment plan.

Who else supports RxP?

Even though the Vermont Medical Society and VAHHS have been vocal in their opposition to RxP, other groups support this important legislation, including the Vermont Association of Naturopathic Physicians and OPR. An out-of-state proponent has also weighed in on RxP with the Vermont legislature. You can see that letter below.

VPA Legislative Priorities

Prescriptive Authority for Psychologists-Doctorate

VPA supports and advocates for current legislation giving prescriptive authority for doctorate-level psychologists with advanced post-doctoral training in clinical psychopharmacology.

You can find the text of the pending legislation in the Vermont House of Representatives here and the legislation in the Vermont Senate here.

VPA advocates for this legislation to increase access to qualified prescribers, increase the quality of care by placing medication prescription with the talk therapy provider, and reduce mental health care costs.

Rural Mental Health Care

VPA advocates for issues related to increased sustainability of, and access to, mental health care in the rural areas of Vermont.

Integrated Care

VPA supports and advocates for the establishment of more integrated care models. "Integrated care" is the systematic coordination of general and behavioral healthcare. Integrating mental health, substance abuse, and primary care services produces the best outcomes and proves the most effective approach to caring for people with multiple healthcare needs. You can read more about integrated care at the SAMHSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions website.

Advocacy News

Medicare Reimbursement & PSYPACT

The Rural Health Care Task Force, of which Rick Barnett (VPA Legislative Committe Chair) is a member, has proposed to the House Health Care Committee that master's level psychologists and licensed mental health counselors be eligible for reimbursement under Medicare. This issue is in the state legislature because of the Medicare waiver Vermont has received.

The Task Force also recommended the passage of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which would facilitate telehealth across state lines.

VPA Advocacy