An Act amending the act of March 23, 1972 (P.L.136, No.52), known as the Professional Psychologists Practice Act, further providing for definitions, for State Board of Psychology and for powers of the board; providing for prescription certificate, for prescribing and administrative practices and for controlled substances; and further providing for refusal, suspension or revocation of license, for reporting of multiple licensure and for penalties and injunctions against unlawful practice.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Argall and 8 co-sponsors

Bill expands Pennsylvania psychologists' authority to prescribe controlled substances with new certification and regulatory oversight requirements through the State Board of Psychology.

Referred to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure

Legislative bill overview

SB 1243 would amend Pennsylvania's Professional Psychologists Practice Act to grant licensed psychologists prescriptive authority for certain controlled substances. The bill would establish new requirements for prescription certificates, administrative practices, and oversight mechanisms through the State Board of Psychology, while strengthening enforcement provisions including license refusal, suspension, or revocation procedures.

Why is this important

This represents a significant expansion of psychologists' clinical scope of practice in Pennsylvania, potentially increasing access to medication management services in underserved areas while reducing reliance on physician referrals. However, it also creates new regulatory frameworks and raises questions about training standards, public safety oversight, and professional liability in medication prescribing by non-physicians.

Potential points of contention

Medical community opposition: Physicians and psychiatrists may resist prescription authority expansion, arguing psychologists lack medical training in pharmacology, drug interactions, and medical contraindications

Training and certification standards: Undefined requirements for what constitutes adequate training in psychopharmacology and whether existing practitioners would need additional education before prescribing

Patient safety and liability: Questions about accountability mechanisms, malpractice standards, and whether current insurance/regulatory frameworks adequately protect consumers when psychologists prescribe controlled substances

Controlled substance oversight: Concerns about whether psychology board oversight is sufficient for controlled substance prescribing compared to medical licensing boards with broader pharmaceutical experience