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Bill

SB 2999

Relating to the prescriptive authority of certain psychologists; authorizing a fee.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by José Menéndez

Expands Texas psychologists' authority to prescribe psychiatric medications under specified conditions and establishes an associated regulatory fee.

Referred to Health & Human Services
#behavioralhealthexecutivecouncil #texas(v1133) #continuingeducation(s0234) #medicalboard #texas(v0644) #medicine&prescriptiondrugs(s7338) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540) #psychologists(s2025) #psychologists #texasstateboardofexaminersof(v0281) #recordsmanagement(s0205)
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Bill Summary · SB 2999

Legislative bill overview

SB 2999 would expand the prescriptive authority of certain psychologists in Texas, allowing them to prescribe medications under specified conditions. The bill also authorizes the collection of a fee related to this expanded authority, likely for licensing or oversight purposes.

Why is this important

This proposal directly affects mental health care access and delivery in Texas by potentially allowing psychologists to prescribe psychiatric medications, which traditionally requires a medical degree (MD/DO). This could increase treatment options in underserved areas and reduce wait times for psychiatric care, but raises questions about patient safety and professional scope.

Potential points of contention

  • Professional scope boundaries: Medical organizations may oppose expanded psychologist prescribing authority, citing concerns about training differences between psychology and medicine in pharmacology and medical diagnostics
  • Patient safety and liability: Questions about whether psychologists have sufficient medical training to identify drug interactions, contraindications, and complex medical comorbidities that affect medication prescribing
  • Implementation details unclear: The bill's language regarding "certain psychologists" is vague without seeing the full text—unclear what qualifications, additional training, or supervision requirements would apply

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

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