Lets Some Psychologists Prescribe Certain Medications
Virginia · SB844 · Introduced Oct 22, 2026
Why it matters
Patients of qualified psychologists could get certain controlled-substance prescriptions from them instead of only from medical doctors or other prescribers. Other prescribers would not be affected by the change.
What it does
- Adds clinical prescribing psychologists to the list of providers who may write controlled-substance prescriptions
- Creates a new article in Virginia's Chapter 36 for licensed clinical psychologists
- Updates four existing Virginia code sections to match the new prescribing role
- Requires a report, as described in the bill's final sections
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Senatenot yet
- Housenot yet
- Governornot yet
About this bill
Would allow certain licensed clinical psychologists to prescribe controlled substances, with the rules set out in new sections of Virginia law.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Mental health groups would likely say psychologists could fill gaps where patients lack access to prescribers. Some would also say it puts psychologists under the same state controls.
💬 The case against
Some medical groups would likely say psychologists lack the training to safely prescribe controlled substances. They may also worry about patient safety and drug misuse.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
News
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