FL S0448

Creates certification program allowing licensed psychologists to prescribe drugs and controlled substances for psychiatric, mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders under Board of Psychology oversight.

Requires applicants to hold a doctoral degree in psychology, pass a nationally recognized psychopharmacology examination, complete intensive didactic education in core areas including pharmacology and clinical medicine, and gain relevant clinical experience.

Exempts physicians, nurse practitioners, and certain other licensed health care practitioners with comparable prescriptive authority, as well as those who completed the Department of Defense Psychopharmacology Demonstration Project.

Mandates that prescribing psychologists consult and collaborate with patients' primary care physicians before prescribing, cannot prescribe to patients without a primary care physician, and must complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years for certification renewal.

Requires psychologists authorized to prescribe controlled substances to file their federal Drug Enforcement Administration registration number within 10 days and directs the Board of Psychology to share prescriber information with the Board of Pharmacy.