MD HB1021

Licensed psychologists in Maryland may obtain certification from the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists to prescribe psychiatric medications, including controlled substances, for patients with mental, emotional, cognitive, nervous, developmental, or behavioral disorders

Certification requires completing an educational program covering pharmacology, psychopharmacology, clinical medicine, and neurosciences, plus a postdoctoral fellowship with at least 400 hours treating 100+ diverse patients, and passing the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists

Creates a Prescriptive Authority Advisory Committee consisting of 3 licensed psychologists from the Board, 1 licensed physician from the Board of Physicians, and 1 licensed pharmacist from the Board of Pharmacy, with 3-year terms

Prescribing psychologists must coordinate with patients' medical providers, maintain DEA and Maryland controlled substance registrations, report to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, and complete at least 20 hours of prescriptive authority-related continuing education for license renewal

Effective October 1, 2026