VT H0237

Authorizes doctoral-level psychologists in Vermont to obtain a prescribing psychologist specialty license, allowing them to prescribe and discontinue prescription drugs for mental health conditions recognized in the DSM

Requires completion of an APA-designated postdoctoral psychopharmacology training program, clinical rotations across nine practice settings over at least 14 months, and passage of a national certifying exam

Mandates a written collaborative agreement with a psychiatrist for all prescribing psychologists, with the agreement filed with the Board of Psychological Examiners

Prohibits prescribing to patients under 18 years old, over 80 years old, or who are pregnant; also prohibits administering controlled substances by injection

Board provisions take effect July 1, 2025; prescribing authority provisions take effect July 1, 2026