Assessment of Prescribing Authority for Psychologists with Certain Training
The Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) is tasked with providing a preliminary assessment of a proposed scope expansion for Vermont-licensed psychologists. The Vermont Psychological Association has submitted a petition asking OPR to analyze whether authorizing doctoral-level psychologists with certain training to prescribe medications – an expansion of such professionals’ current scope of practice – is consistent with the principles and standards set forth in 26 V.S.A. Chapter 57. The House Committee on Government Operations has also asked OPR to conduct this preliminary assessment because a bill pending before the Committee, H. 392 (2021), proposes a similar expansion in the scope of practice of psychologists to permit those professionals with certain training to prescribe medications.
OPR’s preliminary assessment of the proposed scope expansion is governed by 26 V.S.A. § 3108. OPR's goal is to be informed of relevant issues, receptive to all views, and faithful to the analytical criteria set out in the statute. To best understand the process, participants are strongly encouraged to review the Chapter 57 criteria and standards.
The Psychologist Prescribing Sunrise Assessment was submitted to the Vermont Legislature on January 31, 2025.
Comments and Questions
The public comment period closed on November 24, 2021. Thank you to those who provided comment.
Public Hearings
OPR held two (2) public meetings in October and November 2021 to invite comment from the public and stakeholders. Public hearings were held in the OPR Board Room at 89 Main Street, 3rd floor, Montpelier, VT 05620 and available by video link.