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House advances bill allowing doctoral psychologists to pursue prescriptive authority under training and supervision
Summary
H.237 would authorize doctoral‑level psychologists to obtain prescriptive authority for psychotropic medications after specified postdoctoral training, clinical rotations, and a collaborative agreement with a licensed prescriber; the bill was amended for clarity by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading.
The Vermont House on March 26 advanced H.237, legislation to authorize prescriptive authority for doctoral‑level psychologists who complete a defined postdoctoral training program in psychopharmacology and meet clinical rotation and supervisory requirements.
Supporters framed the bill as a response to mental health provider shortages, particularly in rural areas. Committee testimony cited other states with similar statutes (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho) and described a pathway that requires substantial additional education, supervised clinical practice, and a collaborative agreement with a licensed prescribing practitioner (e.g., psychiatrist or qualified physician) before a prescribing psychologist may issue prescriptions for mental health conditions.
The bill as reported restricts prescriptive authority to diagnosing, treating or managing conditions recognized by the DSM and excludes dispensing, administering or distributing medications; it also excludes prescribing for patients under 18, patients over 80, and pregnant patients. The Board of Psychological Examiners is directed to adopt rules governing training programs, clinical rotations (described as not less than 14 months across multiple practice settings) and collaborative practice agreements.
Ways and Means proposed a clarifying word change recommended by legislative counsel—replacing “the required fee” with “any required fee” in the section describing application requirements—and the committee report incorporated that edit. The committee reported an estimated modest fee revenue if psychologists pursue the specialty; Ways and Means noted roughly 550 licensed psychologists in the state, with licensing renewals every two years; the fiscal analyst from JFO and secretary of state staff provided fiscal and procedural testimony.
The House adopted the committee amendments and ordered third reading. The bill sets staggered effective dates for rulemaking and implementation (some provisions effective July 1, 2025; others July 1, 2026) and directs the Board of Psychological Examiners to promulgate implementing rules.
