LAUSR

Since the endorsement of prescriptive authority for psychologists (RxP) by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1995, it has become legal in five states (Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico). The Department of Defense, including the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy, as well as the Public Health Service, and the Indian Health Service, continue to utilize prescribing psychologists as well. There are now over 200 prescribing psychologists in the United States. Five APA-designated RxP training programs offer a pathway to attain prescription privileges and future board certification when approved. The purpose of this article is to provide information for those with minimal exposure to RxP, updates for those more informed, and recommendations for the next phase of RxP. This article examines scholarship related to RxP as well as newsletter columns, state legislative efforts, current RxP laws, policies, training programs, and critical events in the RxP history. Public access to quality and comprehensive mental health services can be expected to improve as more psychologists complete the necessary RxP training and licensure requirements. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).