The proposed bill would amend current statutes to allow licensed psychologists in Arizona to apply for a prescription license starting January 1, 2027, enabling them to prescribe psychotropic medications under collaborative agreements with licensed physicians. Key updates include new educational and certification requirements for psychologists, mandates for malpractice insurance, and specific procedural guidelines for prescribing. The bill also establishes that prescribing psychologists must maintain an established patient relationship and continue providing clinical services during the prescription period, while prohibiting prescriptions for vulnerable populations and requiring communication with patients' primary health care practitioners.

Additionally, the bill introduces definitions for terms related to prescribing practices and outlines the requirements for collaborative prescription agreements, including the types of medications that can be prescribed. It updates the regulatory framework by allowing the state board of psychologist examiners to refer complaints to medical boards and mandates collaboration on regulatory matters. The bill also exempts the involved boards from certain rulemaking requirements for two years, facilitating a streamlined implementation of these changes. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the role of psychologists in mental health treatment while ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance.

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