Quality and Access to Mental Health Services after Prescriptive Authority Expansion for Psychologists

Shoulders, Angela; Plemmons, Alicia

doi:10.2139/ssrn.4112652

Cited by 1 publication

(3 citation statements)

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“…Following such an intervention, it will be critical to reevaluate the overall impact of RxP to identify any deviations from the benefits shown in the currently emerging body of literature (Choudhury & Plemmons, 2023;Hughes, Phillips, et al, 2023;Shoulders & Plemmons, 2022). It is plausible that psychologists currently prescribing in RxP states may be a distinct subset of psychologists, and any such intervention may modify the overall efficacy or case mix of prescribing psychologists.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The focused intervention among thought leaders would ideally serve to substantially shift the perceived subjective norms within the state, further increasing the potential that psychologists may seek licensure. Following such an intervention, it will be critical to reevaluate the overall impact of RxP to identify any deviations from the benefits shown in the currently emerging body of literature (Choudhury & Plemmons, 2023; Hughes, McGrath, et al, 2023; Hughes, Phillips, et al, 2023; Shoulders & Plemmons, 2022). It is plausible that psychologists currently prescribing in RxP states may be a distinct subset of psychologists, and any such intervention may modify the overall efficacy or case mix of prescribing psychologists.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To date, six states (Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Idaho, Illinois, and Iowa) have implemented an RxP policy (Curtis et al, 2023; Licensed Psychologist Prescriptive Authority, 2023). There is an emerging body of evidence to suggest that these RxP policies have achieved their goal of improving population mental health and reducing mental health-related mortality (Choudhury & Plemmons, 2023; Hughes, McGrath, et al, 2023; Hughes, Phillips, et al, 2023; Shoulders & Plemmons, 2022).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing psychologists’ intentions to become licensed prescribers in Pennsylvania using the theory of planned behavior.

Hughes,

Warner,

Phillips

et al. 2024

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

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This study aimed to describe the beliefs associated with the intention to become licensed to prescribe among psychologists in Pennsylvania using the theory of planned behavior. We conducted a survey (March–May 2023) of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control among members of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association, generating a response rate of 24.2% (n = 284). The primary outcome was how likely the respondent was to become licensed to prescribe if authorizing legislation passes in Pennsylvania, followed by an open-ended question about their rationale. The association between the likelihood of becoming a prescriber and the attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control about prescribing was estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and professional information. Results were calculated as average marginal effects (AME) and corresponding 95% confidence interval. Open-ended responses were assessed using inductive thematic coding. Approximately 35% of psychologists reported being likely to become a prescriber. Direct social norms were associated with a 15.4 percentage-point increase ([0.12, 0.19]) in the probability of becoming a prescriber, and indirect attitudes were associated with a 9.7 percentage-point increase ([0.06, 0.14]). These results were supported by the qualitative themes that emerged: Personal Reasons, Professional Reasons, and Improving Patient Care. These themes included concerns about age, changing professional psychology, medication, increasing access to care, and licensure requirements. Psychologists’ attitudes and social norms about prescribing psychology are key indicators of their intention to become licensed to prescribe. These findings could inform interventions to improve licensure rates and policymakers considering the adoption of psychologist prescriptive authority.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%