Gives psychologists limited prescription authority

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois faces a shortage of primary care physicians, particularly in the field of mental health. State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) is taking on this problem by giving psychologists – under the careful supervision of doctors – the ability to prescribe some mental health medication.

“We need to do a better job of treating mental illnesses the same way we do physical maladies,” Harmon said. “When someone needs help, they can’t always wait weeks or travel great distances. Mental health care shortages can cost lives and cause needless suffering.”

Harmon’s legislation, Senate Bill 2187, allows psychologists who are willing to undertake additional rigorous training to prescribe certain medications commonly used to treat mental illness, such as Prozac.

Before they qualify for this authority, they must undergo extensive training requirements that Senator Harmon and the legislation’s House sponsor, Representative John Bradley (D-Marion), negotiated with the Illinois State Medical Society. They must also work in concert with a physician. They cannot prescribe medication to minors or seniors, because both groups are at higher risk for complications.

“In an ideal world, there would be more psychiatrists to help treat people with serious mental illnesses,” Harmon said. “But giving psychologists – mental health experts in their own right – limited authority to prescribe medicine, in consultation with medical doctors, is a good, safe way to help fill our system’s current gaps.”

According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Illinois would need hundreds more psychiatrists to fully meet the state’s mental health needs. There are shortages throughout Illinois, but they are focused in rural areas and lower-income urban areas. Many state prisons also lack proper mental health staffing.

Harmon’s measure passed the General Assembly last week and is on its way to the governor for his consideration.