The proposed bill establishes a certification process for prescribing psychologists in Washington state to address the increasing demand for mental health services amid a shortage of healthcare providers. It outlines the qualifications necessary for psychologists to obtain this certification, which include holding a current psychology license, completing a master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology, and undergoing supervised clinical experience. The bill grants these psychologists the authority to prescribe psychotropic medications while ensuring they maintain collaborative relationships with other healthcare practitioners. Key amendments include the creation of a new board to oversee certification, the establishment of administrative procedures for the certification process, and the introduction of continuing education requirements for license renewal.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to registered nursing, specifically regarding the delegation of nursing tasks. It includes "prescribing psychologist" as a licensed professional under whose direction registered nurses may administer medications, emphasizing the need for nurses to assess the competency of individuals to whom they delegate tasks. The bill also clarifies that registered nurses cannot be coerced into compromising patient safety and protects them from employer reprisal for refusing to delegate unsafe tasks. Furthermore, it updates definitions and regulations concerning controlled substances, particularly cannabis, by including advanced practice registered nurses and certified prescribing psychologists as practitioners. The bill also introduces a "social equity plan" for cannabis licensees, promoting social equity within communities affected by cannabis prohibition.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.83.010, 18.83.035, 18.83.050, 18.83.080, 18.83.090, 18.79.260, 69.50.101