The bill amends the Idaho Code to enhance the regulatory framework for psychologists, particularly concerning their qualifications and prescriptive authority. A significant change is the introduction of a fingerprint-based criminal history background check requirement for all applicants seeking licensure and endorsement, as well as for senior psychologists. The bill also establishes new terms such as "collaborative agreement" and "collaborative prescriber," which facilitate collaboration between psychologists and other licensed medical professionals in medication prescribing. Additionally, it mandates that the Board of Psychologist Examiners include at least one member with a master's of science in clinical psychopharmacology, ensuring that the board has relevant expertise.

Moreover, the bill repeals certain sections related to the unauthorized practice of medicine and an advisory panel for prescriptive rules, while revising the provisions regarding psychologists' prescriptive authority. It specifies that psychologists must hold a doctorate from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, rather than just any U.S. Department of Education-approved institution. The bill also requires a written collaborative agreement with at least one collaborative prescriber, replacing previous supervision agreements. To obtain certification for prescriptive authority, psychologists must complete two years of satisfactory prescribing under a collaborative agreement, with additional requirements for specialization in pediatric or geriatric patients. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, following an emergency declaration.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 54-2302, 54-2304, 54-2305, 54-2307, 54-2312, 54-2312A, 54-2313, 54-2316, 54-2317, 54-2318, 54-2320