06 LC 33
1486
House
Resolution 1819
By:
Representative Cox of the
102nd
A
RESOLUTION
Creating
the House Study Committee on Prescriptive Authority of Psychologists; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS,
it has been held by some that prescribing privileges for psychologists should be
pursued in order to improve the availability of comprehensive, quality mental
health care; and
WHEREAS,
prescription medication is an important component of affordable and accessible
mental health services; and
WHEREAS,
under existing state law, patients needing psychotropic medications must obtain
prescriptions from psychiatrists, who are in shorter supply and often charge
higher rates; and
WHEREAS,
many patients who need both psychotherapy and medication must see separate
practitioners, adding inconvenience and cost to their care, which can pose a
substantial burden in underserved rural areas; and
WHEREAS,
a comprehensive evaluation of the limitations on the availability of
prescription medications is necessary to determine if current statutory
restrictions require modification.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that there is created
the House Study Committee on Prescriptive Authority of Psychologists to be
composed of five members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall designate one member as the
chairperson of the committee. The committee shall meet at the call of the
chairperson.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee shall undertake a study of the
conditions, needs, issues, and problems mentioned above or related thereto and
recommend any actions or legislation which the committee deems necessary or
appropriate. The committee may conduct such meetings at such places and at such
times as it may deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and
effectively its powers, perform its duties, and accomplish the objectives and
purposes of this resolution. The members of the committee shall receive the
allowances authorized for legislative members of interim legislative committees
but shall receive the same for not more than five days unless additional days
are authorized. The funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this
resolution shall come from the funds appropriated to the House of
Representatives. In the event the committee makes a report of its findings and
recommendations, with suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, such report
shall be made on or before December 31, 2006. The committee shall stand
abolished on December 31, 2006.