The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes governing psychologists in Arizona by allowing licensed psychologists to apply for a prescription license starting January 1, 2027. This new authority would enable them to enter into collaborative prescription agreements with licensed physicians to prescribe psychotropic medications for mental health and substance use disorders. Key requirements for obtaining this license include educational qualifications, completion of specific training programs, and maintaining a collaborative agreement with a physician. The bill also introduces various conditions, such as the necessity of an established psychologist-patient relationship, ongoing clinical services during the prescription period, and restrictions on prescribing to certain vulnerable populations.

Additionally, the bill outlines new definitions and requirements for prescribing psychologists, including the need for a collaborative prescription agreement and 40 hours of continuing education in pharmacology every two years. It mandates written disclosure to patients regarding the psychologist's non-physician status and establishes oversight responsibilities for the Arizona Medical Board (AMB) and the Arizona Board of Examiners (ABOE) concerning complaints about prescribing psychologists. The bill also allows for the investigation of such complaints and exempts the state boards from certain rulemaking requirements for two years post-enactment, aiming to enhance regulatory compliance and patient safety in the practice of prescribing psychologists.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1403, 32-1460, 32-1803, 32-1862, 36-2604, 36-2606, 32-1436, 32-1405, 32-1451, 41-1091, 32-1272, 32-2095, 32-2907, 38-431.03, 32-1855, 32-1401, 32-1800, 32-2095.01, 32-2071, 32-2095.02, 32-2095.03, 32-2095.04, 32-2074, 32-2095.05, 32-1904, 12-2293, 23-1026, 11-593, 36-198, 36-2901, 11-594, 20-3151
Senate Engrossed Version: 32-1403, 32-1460, 32-1803, 32-1862, 36-2604, 36-2606, 32-1436, 32-1405, 32-1451, 41-1091, 32-1272, 32-2095, 32-2907, 38-431.03, 32-1855, 32-1401, 32-1800, 32-2095.01, 32-2071, 32-2095.02, 32-2095.03, 32-2095.04, 32-2074, 32-2095.05, 32-1904, 12-2293, 23-1026, 11-593, 36-198, 36-2901, 11-594, 20-3151