Assessment of Prescribing Authority for Psychologists with Certain Training

The Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) is tasked with providing a preliminary assessment of a proposed scope expansion for Vermont-licensed psychologists. The Vermont Psychological Association has submitted a petition asking OPR to analyze whether authorizing doctoral-level psychologists with certain training to prescribe medications – an expansion of such professionals’ current scope of practice – is consistent with the principles and standards set forth in 26 V.S.A. Chapter 57. The House Committee on Government Operations has also asked OPR to conduct this preliminary assessment because a bill pending before the Committee, H. 392 (2021), proposes a similar expansion in the scope of practice of psychologists to permit those professionals with certain training to prescribe medications.

OPR’s preliminary assessment of the proposed scope expansion is governed by 26 V.S.A. § 3108. OPR's goal is to be informed of relevant issues, receptive to all views, and faithful to the analytical criteria set out in the statute. To best understand the process, participants are strongly encouraged to review the Chapter 57 criteria and standards.

Requests for Preliminary Assessment of Proposed Scope Expansion

• Petition from VPA
• Letter from Representative Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Chair House Committee on Government Operations, regarding H.392
• Notice of Preliminary Assessment of Scope of Practice Expansion: Prescribing Authority for Psychologists with Certain Training

Comments and Questions

We hope to hear from any person who has an interest or opinion regarding this question. Please email comments to sos.opr.comments@vermont.gov. Consider including your contact information in case we need to reach you for more information. Please be aware that submitted comments are a public record.

To comment by post, please direct mail to:

Psychologist Proposed Scope Expansion
Vermont Office of the Secretary of State
Office of Professional Regulation
89 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Montpelier, Vermont 05602

Public Hearings

We will hold two remote public hearings. Any interested person may participate:

Friday, October 29 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 
Microsoft Teams meeting
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+1 802-828-7667,,196480830#   United States, Montpelier
Phone Conference ID: 196 480 830#
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Tuesday, November 9 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 
Microsoft Teams meeting
Agenda
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+1 802-828-7667,,196480830#   United States, Montpelier
Phone Conference ID: 196 480 830#
Find a local number | Reset PIN
Learn More | Meeting options

We look forward to hearing from you.