21. Jahrgang / Heft 1 - 2000

Patrick H. DeLeon, Jack G. Wiggins, Jr.
Prescription Privileges for Psychologists

Abstract. As the profession of psychology has matured, serious in­terest has surfaced over the past decade in obtaining pre­scription privileges within the practitioner community. Other non physician disciplines have exercised this clinical responsibility for years, significantly improving their abil­ity to comprehensively serve current and new populations. Efforts are underway to develop appropriate and viable training modules. The primary objection expressed by medicine is once again that our practitioners will become „public health hazards.“ Not surprisingly, resistance to change exists within psychology's training programs. However, the power to prescribe represents the authority to ensure that psychotropic medications are appropriately utilized, if used at all, and will ensure that psychology’s practitioners can address society’s pressing needs.

Patrick H. DeLeon, c/o Senator Daniel K. Inouye
U.S. Senate
Washington DC 20510