What Does the N.M. Law Require?

HB 170a, the final version of the bill, amends the state’s Professional Psychologist Act to allow a licensed doctoral psychologist to prescribe psychotropic medications. The law, which goes into effect on July 1, sets minimum educational requirements; however, it calls on both the boards of medical examiners and psychology to work out the final acceptable requirements.

The law states that to be granted a conditional prescribing certificate, a psychologist must meet these conditions at a minimum:

• Pass a national certification exam.

• Successfully complete pharmacological training approved by both oversight boards, but composed of at least 450 classroom hours in neuroscience, pharmacology, psychopharmacology, physiology, pathophysiology, physical and laboratory assessment, and clinical pharmacotherapeutics.

• Successfully complete an 80-hour practicum in clinical assessment under physician supervision.

• Successfully complete at least 400 hours treating at least 100 patients under physician supervision.

• Obtain malpractice insurance.

After completing all of the above, a psychologist may prescribe for a period of two years under the supervision of a physician. After two years, the prescribing psychologist may apply for an independent prescribing certificate.