By Bonnie Miller Rubin
and Monique Garcia
June 17, 2014
Beth Rom-Rymer, president of the Illinois Psychological Association, said psychologists “took on organized medicine” during a 12-year fight to pass a bill allowing them to prescribe medications. Such a measure awaits Gov. Pat Quinn’s signature. (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune)
After a contentious, 12-year battle, Illinois may become the third state to allow specially trained psychologists to prescribe certain medications commonly used to treat mental illness.
The new legislation would require that psychologists undergo extensive training, work under the supervision of a physician, only be permitted to prescribe a limited class of drugs and be prohibited from writing prescriptions for minors, seniors or any patient with a serious medical condition.
The measure advanced out of the General Assembly last month and is awaiting the signature of Gov. Pat Quinn, who said he is reviewing it.
Advocates say the proposal would improve access to mental health care, especially in some of the state’s most underserved areas.
“When someone needs help, they can’t wait weeks or travel great distances,” said the Senate sponsor, Don Harmon, D-Oak Park. “These shortages can cost lives and cause needless suffering. … But properly trained psychologists, in consultation with medical doctors, could relieve this problem.”