New Mexico becomes first state to gain Rx privileges

Complementary/alternative medicine: Ethical, professional, and practical challenges for psychologists.

“…As with CAM and with the increased focus on spirituality, the prospect of prescription privileges has challenged psychologists to rethink the very nature of the work they do and the explanatory models for illness. Proponents of prescription privileges for psychologists see this change as an “example of psychology's continuing growth and evolution as a comprehensive health profession” (Daw, 2002, p. 24). Even as the battle regarding prescription privileges rages, psychologists find themselves facing in CAM yet another set of challenges to their traditional ways of thinking, practicing, and defining themselves.…”

The Prescription Privilege Debate in Canada: The Voices of Today's and Tomorrow's Psychologists.

“…For example, Louisiana recently became the second state in that country to gain a law authorizing properly trained psychologists to prescribe certain medications for the treatment of mental disorders. New Mexico enacted such legislation in 2002 (Daw, 2002).…”

Psychology in the Prescription Era: Building a Firewall Between Marketing and Science.

“…Sorting out scientific fact from marketing “spin” can be challenging to say the least (e.g., Vedantam, 2001). As professional psychology moves into a new era of prescription privileges (Daw, 2002), it will likely receive increasing direct financial and marketing attention from the pharmaceutical industry (Antonuccio, Burns, & Danton, 2002; Beutler, 2002), causing potential conflicts of interest that may affect the scientific database. Opponents of prescription privileges argue that our profession will be harmed by these influences (Antonuccio & Danton, 2003), whereas proponents argue that our high scientific standards will protect us (Levant & Sammons, 2003).…”