House Bill 2315, also known as Senate Bill 2570, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to establish a framework for psychologists to obtain prescriptive authority. The bill introduces a new section, 63-11-227, which defines terms related to prescribing psychologists, outlines the certification process for doctoral-level psychologists to prescribe medication, and specifies the educational and training requirements necessary for obtaining an advanced certificate to prescribe. This includes completing a post-doctoral master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology, passing a prescribing examination, and completing a fellowship involving psychopharmacological evaluations. The bill also mandates that prescribing psychologists fulfill continuing education requirements and maintain records of prescriptions.

Additionally, the bill makes several amendments to existing laws, replacing references to "veterinarian" and "optometrist" with "prescribing psychologist" in various contexts, thereby recognizing their new role in the healthcare system. It also clarifies that prescribing psychologists are not permitted to prescribe narcotic drugs or opiates and must work in conjunction with a treating physician for patient care. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rule promulgation purposes, while other provisions will be effective from July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-402(23)(A), 39-17-402, 53-10-105, 63-7-103(a)(2)(D), 63-7-103, 63-10-204(42), 63-10-204, 63-11-204(a), 63-11-204, 63-11-218(a), 63-11-218, 63-31-101, 68-29-121