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HB 1021

Health Occupations - Licensed Psychologists - Prescriptive Authority

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lesley Lopez and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1021 would authorize trained Maryland psychologists to prescribe medications, expanding mental healthcare access but potentially reducing physician oversight of pharmaceutical treatment.

First Reading Health
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Bill Summary · HB 1021

Legislative bill overview

HB 1021 would grant licensed psychologists in Maryland the authority to prescribe certain medications, subject to specific training and certification requirements. This represents an expansion of the clinical scope of practice for psychologists beyond their current diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Why is this important

Prescriptive authority for psychologists could increase access to psychiatric medication in underserved areas where psychiatrists are scarce, while potentially reducing overall healthcare costs. However, it fundamentally alters the professional boundaries between psychology and medicine, raising questions about training adequacy, patient safety oversight, and professional competition in mental health services.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical training concerns: Psychologists' medical education differs substantially from physicians and psychiatrists, with critics questioning whether additional certification alone ensures safe prescribing practices
  • Professional turf wars: Psychiatrists and medical organizations typically oppose such measures, citing patient safety and arguing it dilutes medical expertise requirements
  • Scope and limitations unclear: The bill's text (not provided) likely specifies which medications and conditions psychologists can treat; broader authority creates more opposition than narrow, limited prescribing

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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