Division 55 - American Society for the Advancement of Pharmacotherapy

1. What are your opinions about psychologists pursuing prescriptive authority?

I am supportive of prescriptive authority. In fact this question has been answered by the work of psychologists in the military and the passing of laws in Louisiana and New Mexico. The models are there for prescribing.

2. What do you think of the association's work in support of prescriptive authority to this point? Have they done enough or too much? What could the association have done better?

APA has done a good job of supporting states that have pursued prescriptive authority. The grants through CAPP are very helpful. The praise from New Orleans and the gratitude expressed by my colleagues from Tennessee demonstrate that. Each year at the State Leadership Conference, prescriptive authority is on the agenda. The CEO flies out on a moment's notice if his testimony is needed to bolster a case before relevant groups.

APA could increase awareness that improvement in quality of care can happen when psychologists have the ability to prescribe. The Association needs to provide strategic updates about prescribing to key legislators at the state and national levels. Those updates should be evidenced-based data that comes from collaboration between scientists and practitioners.

3. What specific plans you have to support the quest for prescriptive authority during your presidential year?

What more should APA be doing in order to help psychologists pursue prescriptive authority? That is the question I will be asking individuals, SPTAs, each of the directorates and various boards and committees within APA. I will continue to enthusiastically support the work of CAPP and SPTA associations. We will use the Presidential column in the Monitor to bring attention to our success and provide direction for where we need to go. If we include a diverse group of people and "if we don't quit, we will win" (Ally, 2003).