Gives psychologists limited prescription authority

SPRINGFIELD – A law signed by the governor today will help address Illinois’ shortage of mental health professionals. The law, sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), gives psychologists – under the careful supervision of doctors – the ability to prescribe some mental health medication.

“People who suffer from mental illnesses need treatment,” Harmon said. “They can’t always wait weeks or travel great distances. We have to do something to make mental health care more accessible in rural communities and lower-income neighborhoods.”

The new law, originally 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.

“The unfortunate truth is that there aren’t enough psychiatrists in Illinois to meet our state’s needs,” Harmon said. “Giving psychologists limited authority to prescribe medicine, in consultation with medical doctors, should help us 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.

The new law takes effect immediately, but due to its training requirements, it will likely be some time before Illinois has prescribing psychologists.