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HB 2315

Psychologists - As introduced, creates prescribing authority for certain psychologists if certain conditions and prerequisites are met. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Brock Martin

Tennessee bill grants psychologists conditional medication prescribing authority to expand psychiatric care access and address provider shortages.

Action Def. in s/c Health Subcommittee to 3/25/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 2315

Legislative bill overview

HB 2315 would grant prescribing authority to psychologists in Tennessee who meet specific educational and training requirements. The bill modifies Tennessee's health professions regulations across multiple title codes to establish the framework, prerequisites, and oversight mechanisms for this expanded scope of practice.

Why is this important

Currently, only physicians and certain other licensed providers can prescribe medications in Tennessee. This bill would create a new category of prescribers, potentially increasing access to psychiatric medications in underserved areas and reducing patient wait times for treatment. However, it represents a significant expansion of professional scope that affects patient safety protocols and healthcare regulation.

Potential points of contention

  • Professional scope boundaries: Medical physicians may oppose this as encroachment on their traditional domain, while proponents argue it addresses provider shortages in mental health care
  • Patient safety and training standards: Questions about what specific education and supervision requirements are adequate for psychologists to safely prescribe psychiatric medications, particularly for complex or high-risk patients
  • Liability and oversight: Concerns about insurance coverage, malpractice liability frameworks, and whether existing regulatory bodies can adequately oversee a new prescribing class

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

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