ARC 8149C

ARC 8149C

Rulemaking related to prescribing psychologists

Notice of Intended Action for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on January 24, 2024, as ARC 7292C. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

●February 13, 2024

●February 14, 2024

No one attended the public hearings.

A Board member noted instances in the rules in the Notice that were not updated to remove a requirement for a physician to be board-certified or specialized. It also was noted that a definition of “primary care provider” should be added, and additional guidance should be given in rules that detail types of practices for primary care providers.

The definition of “primary care physician” was modified to reflect the change to “primary care provider.” A primary care provider can be a physician, a registered nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. The definition for “collaborating physician” was updated to replace “specialize in” with “engage in the practice of”, and the definition of “training physician” was updated to replace “be board-certified in” with “engage in the practice of”. Subrule 244.7(1) was updated with a list of appropriate practice types.

Nonsubstantive and grammatical changes from the Notice also have been made.

ITEM 1.Rescind 645—Chapter 244 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 244

PRESCRIBING PSYCHOLOGISTS

645—244.1(148,154B) Definitions—joint rule.

“APA” means the American Psychological Association.

“Applicant” means a psychologist applying for a conditional prescription certificate.

“Board” means the Iowa board of psychology.

“Board of medicine” means the Iowa board of medicine.

“Collaborating physician” means a person who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine in Iowa, who regularly prescribes psychotropic medications for the treatment of mental disorders as part of the physician’s normal course of practice, and who serves as a resource for a prescribing psychologist pursuant to a collaborative practice agreement. A collaborating physician shall engage in the practice of family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, or psychiatry.

“Conditional prescribing psychologist” means a person licensed to practice psychology in Iowa who holds an active conditional prescription certificate. This term does not include prescribing psychologists.

“Conditional prescription certificate” means a certificate issued by the board to a psychologist that permits the psychologist to prescribe psychotropic medication under the supervision of a supervising physician.

“CSA registration” means a Controlled Substance Act registration issued by the Iowa board of pharmacy authorizing a psychologist to possess and prescribe controlled substances.

“DEA registration” means a mid-level practitioner registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration authorizing a psychologist to possess and prescribe controlled substances.

“Joint rule” means a rule adopted by agreement of the board of psychology and the board of medicine through the joint rulemaking process.

“Mental disorder” means a disorder that is defined by the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association March 2022, or contained within the mental and behavioral disorders chapter of the most recent version of the International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision, effective January 1, 2022.

“Prescribing psychologist” means a person licensed to practice psychology in Iowa who holds an active prescription certificate. This term does not include conditional prescribing psychologists.

“Prescription certificate” means a certificate issued by the board to a psychologist that permits the psychologist to prescribe psychotropic medication.

“Primary care provider” means a person who engages in the practice of family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, or psychiatry and oversees a patient’s general medical care, consistent with Iowa Code section 280A.1.

“Psychologist” means a person licensed to practice psychology in Iowa.

“Psychotropic medication” means a medication that shall not be dispensed or administered without a prescription and that has been explicitly approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a mental disorder, as defined by the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association March 2022, or the most recent version of the International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision, effective January 1, 2022. “Psychotropic medication” does not include narcotics.

“Supervising physician” means a person who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine in Iowa, who regularly prescribes psychotropic medications for the treatment of mental disorders as part of the physician’s normal course of practice, and who supervises a conditional prescribing psychologist. A supervising physician shall specialize in family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, or psychiatry.

“Training director” means an employee of the psychopharmacology training program who is primarily responsible for directing the training program.

“Training physician” means a person who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine in Iowa, who regularly prescribes psychotropic medications for the treatment of mental disorders as part of the physician’s normal course of practice, and who provides training to a psychologist as part of the clinical experience and practicum described in rule 645—244.3(148,154B). A training physician shall engage in the practice of family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, or psychiatry. A training physician shall be approved by the psychopharmacology training program.

645—244.2(154B) Conditional prescription certificate. A conditional prescription certificate shall authorize a psychologist to prescribe psychotropic medications to patients with mental disorders under supervision in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

244.2(1) Application. Unless a basis for denial exists in accordance with rule 645—244.9(154B), the board shall issue a conditional prescription certificate to an applicant who satisfies the following requirements:

a. Holds an active license to practice psychology in Iowa and an active health service provider certification issued by the board. Both the license and the health service provider certification must be in good standing.

b. Meets the educational requirements set forth in rule 645—244.3(148,154B). Official academic transcripts shall be sent directly from the school to the board.

c. Submits a supervision plan in accordance with subrule 244.4(1).

d. Possesses malpractice insurance that covers the prescribing of psychotropic medications.

e. Submits a completed application and a nonrefundable application fee of $270.

244.2(2) Term. A conditional prescription certificate shall be valid for a period of four years from the date of issuance. The board shall not renew a conditional prescription certificate unless a conditional prescribing psychologist cannot complete the requirements of supervised practice within four years due to extenuating circumstances. A conditional prescribing psychologist may request an extension of a conditional prescription certificate when extenuating circumstances exist to provide additional time for the requirements of supervised practice to be met.

645—244.3(148,154B) Educational requirements for conditional prescription certificate—joint rule. An applicant for a conditional prescription certificate shall have completed a program of study designated by the APA as a program for the psychopharmacology training of postdoctoral psychologists. The program must have included didactic instruction, a clinical experience, and a practicum satisfying the requirements of this rule. A minimum of 40 hours of basic training on clinical assessment skills shall be included as part of the program’s didactic instruction.

244.3(1) Degree. An applicant shall possess a postdoctoral master of science degree in clinical psychopharmacology from a program designated by the APA as a program for the psychopharmacology training of postdoctoral psychologists. The degree program must be a minimum of 30 credit hours, not including the practicum, and shall include coursework in basic science; neuroscience; clinical medicine; pathological basis of disease; clinical pharmacology; psychopharmacology; and professional, ethical and legal issues. A minimum of one-third of the coursework must be completed in a live interactive format. A program must be designated by the APA at the time the degree is conferred.

244.3(2) Clinical experience. An applicant shall have completed a clinical experience in accordance with the requirements of this subrule. During the clinical experience, a psychologist shall learn clinical assessment techniques and pathophysiology through direct observation and hands-on training with a training physician. During the clinical experience, a psychologist shall become competent in health history interviews, physical examinations, and neurological examinations with a medically diverse patient population. The clinical experience must be associated with the psychopharmacology training program from which the psychologist obtained the postdoctoral master of science degree in clinical psychopharmacology.

a. Scope. At the beginning of the clinical experience, the psychologist shall directly observe the training physician performing clinical assessments of patients. After the training physician determines the psychologist has gained sufficient knowledge, the clinical experience shall transition to the psychologist’s performance of clinical assessments of patients under the direct observation of the training physician. After the training physician determines the psychologist has gained sufficient knowledge and experience, the psychologist may perform clinical assessments of patients without being directly observed by the training physician, provided that the training physician is on site at all times when the psychologist is with patients and is reviewing all medical records. A psychologist and a training physician shall have ongoing discussions regarding the psychologist’s clinical assessment skills and progress in the clinical experience.

b. Minimum experience. The clinical experience shall consist of a minimum of 600 patient encounters that shall be completed by the end of the practicum.

c. Conflict of interest. A training physician shall not be an employee of the psychologist or otherwise have a conflict of interest that could affect the training physician’s ability to impartially evaluate the psychologist’s performance. A psychologist may utilize more than one training physician.

d. Milestones. To satisfactorily complete the clinical experience, a psychologist shall demonstrate competency in each of the following:

(1) Perform a health history interview to obtain pertinent information regarding a patient’s chief complaint, history of the present illness, past medical and surgical history, family history, allergies, medications, and psychosocial history. The psychologist shall perform a review of systems to elicit a health history and shall appropriately document the health history.

(2) Perform a physical examination in a logical sequence, ensuring appropriate positioning of the patient, proper patient draping, and proper application of the principles of asepsis throughout the examination. The psychologist shall verbalize and assess the components of a general survey and be able to accurately assess all of the following: vital signs, including pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; skin, hair and nails; head, face and neck; eyes; ears, nose, mouth and throat; thorax, lungs and axillae; heart; peripheral vascular system; abdomen; and musculoskeletal system. The psychologist shall be proficient in utilizing any equipment needed to conduct a physical examination.

(3) Complete a neurological examination demonstrating knowledge of the history related to the neurological system and the ability to assess the following: mental status, cranial nerves, motor system, sensory system, and reflexes. The psychologist shall differentiate normal laboratory values from abnormal laboratory values and correlate abnormal laboratory values with impaired physiological systems. The psychologist shall identify adverse drug reactions and identify laboratory data and physical signs indicating an adverse drug reaction.

e. Informed consent. At the initial contact, the psychologist shall inform the patient, or the patient’s legal guardian when appropriate, of the psychologist’s training role in the clinical experience. The psychologist shall provide sufficient information regarding the expectations and requirements of the clinical experience to obtain informed consent and appropriate releases. Upon request, the psychologist shall provide additional information regarding the psychologist’s education, training, or experience.

f. Training documentation. The psychologist and the training director shall maintain documentation accounting for all clinical experience patient encounters, including the dates, times, and locations of all clinical experience patient encounters, and documentation of completion of the milestones defined in these rules. The applicant shall provide additional documentation to the board upon request.

g. Certification. The training physician(s) and the training director shall certify on forms provided by the board that the applicant has successfully completed the minimum number of clinical experience patient encounters required and demonstrated competence in clinical assessment techniques and pathophysiology through completion of the milestones defined in these rules.

244.3(3) Practicum. An applicant shall have completed a practicum in accordance with the requirements of this subrule. During the practicum, a psychologist shall develop competencies in evaluating and treating patients with mental disorders through pharmacological intervention via observation and active participation. The practicum must be associated with the psychopharmacology training program from which the applicant obtained the postdoctoral master of science degree in clinical psychopharmacology and must be completed in a period of time not less than six months and not more than three years.

a. Scope. At the beginning of the practicum, the psychologist shall directly observe the training physician evaluating and treating patients with mental disorders. After the training physician determines the psychologist has gained sufficient knowledge, the practicum shall transition to the psychologist’s evaluation and treatment of patients under the direct observation of the training physician. After the training physician determines the psychologist has gained sufficient knowledge and experience, the psychologist may evaluate and treat patients without being directly observed by the training physician, provided that the training physician is on site at all times when the psychologist is with patients, has personal contact with the patient at each visit, and is reviewing all pertinent medical records. During the practicum, the training physician shall make all final treatment decisions, with consultation from the psychologist prior to making a final determination regarding the psychopharmacological treatment of a patient.

b. Minimum number of hours. A practicum shall consist of a minimum of 400 hours. Only hours spent face to face evaluating and treating patients with mental disorders and hours spent discussing treatment plans with a training physician may count as practicum hours. Time spent by the psychologist providing services that are within the scope of practice of a licensed psychologist, such as psychological examinations and psychotherapy, shall not be counted as practicum hours.

c. Minimum number of patients. A psychologist shall see a minimum of 100 individual patients throughout the practicum. A patient can be counted toward this requirement if the patient has a diagnosed mental disorder and pharmacological intervention is considered as a treatment option, even if a decision is made not to prescribe a psychotropic medication to the patient. Over the course of the practicum, the psychologist shall observe, evaluate, and treat patients encompassing a range of ages and a variety of psychiatric diagnoses.

d. Settings. At least 100 hours of the 400 hours must be completed in a psychiatric setting. At least 100 hours of the 400 hours must be completed in a primary care or community mental health setting.

e. Conflict of interest. A training physician shall not be an employee of the psychologist or otherwise have a conflict of interest that could affect the training physician’s ability to impartially evaluate the psychologist’s performance. A psychologist may utilize more than one training physician.

f. Milestones. To successfully complete the practicum, a psychologist shall demonstrate competency in each of the following:

(1) Physical examination and mental status examination. The psychologist shall perform comprehensive and focused physical examinations and mental status evaluations, demonstrate proper use of instruments, and recognize variation associated with developmental stages and diversity.

(2) Review of systems. The psychologist shall integrate information learned from patient reports, signs, symptoms, and a review of each major body system, recognizing normal developmental variations.

(3) Medical history interview. The psychologist shall systematically conduct a patient clinical interview, producing a patient’s medical, surgical, psychiatric, and medication history, as well as a family medical and psychiatric history, and be able to communicate the findings in written and verbal form.

(4) Assessment indications and interpretation. The psychologist shall order and interpret appropriate tests (e.g., psychometric, laboratory, and radiological) for the purpose of making a differential diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic and adverse effects of treatment.

(5) Differential diagnosis. The psychologist shall determine primary and alternate diagnoses using established diagnostic criteria.

(6) Integrated treatment planning. The psychologist shall identify and select, using all available data, the most appropriate treatment alternatives, including medication, psychosocial, and combined treatments, and sequence treatment within the larger biopsychosocial context.

(7) Consultation and collaboration. The psychologist shall understand the parameters of the role of a prescribing psychologist and work with other professionals, including a patient’s primary care physician, in an advisory or collaborative manner to effectively treat a patient.

(8) Treatment management. The psychologist shall apply, monitor, and modify as needed the treatment of a patient and learn to write valid and complete prescriptions.

(9) Medical documentation. The psychologist shall demonstrate appropriate medical documentation for the patient-psychologist interaction to include subjective and objective assessment; mental status, physical examination findings, or both; formulation; diagnostic impression; and comprehensive treatment plan.

g. Informed consent. At the initial contact, the psychologist shall inform the patient, or the patient’s legal guardian when appropriate, of the psychologist’s training role in the practicum. The psychologist shall provide sufficient information regarding the expectations and requirements of the practicum to obtain informed consent and appropriate releases. Upon request, the psychologist shall provide additional information regarding the psychologist’s education, training, or experience.

h. Training documentation. The psychologist and the training director shall maintain documentation regarding all patients observed, evaluated, and treated by the psychologist as part of the practicum. The documentation shall clearly identify the training physician for each patient. The psychologist and the training director shall maintain documentation of all practicum hours, including the dates, times, and locations of all practicum hours, and documentation of completion of the milestones defined in these rules. The applicant shall provide additional documentation to the board upon request.

i. Certification. The training physician(s) and the training director shall certify on forms provided by the board that the psychologist has successfully completed the minimum number of practicum hours, treated the minimum number of patients, and demonstrated competence in the evaluation and treatment of patients with mental disorders through pharmacological intervention through completion of the milestones defined in these rules.

244.3(4) Examination. A psychologist shall pass the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP) administered by the APA Practice Organization’s College of Professional Psychology or by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. The passing score utilized by the board shall be the passing score recommended by the test administrator. The examination score shall be sent directly from the testing service to the board.

645—244.4(148,154B) Supervised practice as a conditional prescribing psychologist—joint rule. A conditional prescribing psychologist shall complete a minimum of two years of supervised practice in prescribing psychotropic medications to patients with mental disorders in accordance with this rule to be eligible to apply for a prescription certificate.

244.4(1) Supervision plan. Prior to issuing a conditional prescription certificate, the board shall review and approve the proposed supervision plan.

a. The proposed supervision plan must include the following:

(1) Conditional prescribing psychologist information. The plan must include the name, license number, address, telephone number, and email address of the supervisee.

(2) Supervising physician information. The plan must include the name, license number, date of licensure, area of specialization, address, telephone number, and email address of each supervising physician.

(3) Primary supervising physician. The plan must include a designation of the primary supervising physician.

(4) Period of supervision. The plan must include the beginning date of the supervision plan and estimated date of completion.

(5) Locations and settings. The plan must include a description of the locations and settings where and with whom supervision will occur.

(6) Scope of practice. The plan must include a description of the scope of practice of the conditional prescribing psychologist, including any limitations on the types of psychotropic medications that may be prescribed and the patient populations to which a prescription may be issued and including the expectations and responsibilities of the supervising physician.

(7) Release of information. The plan must include a provision requiring the conditional prescribing psychologist to obtain a release of information from all patients who are considered for psychopharmacological intervention, authorizing the conditional prescribing psychologist to share the patient’s health information with the supervising physician.

(8) Consultation between the conditional prescribing psychologist and the supervising physician. The plan must include a provision requiring that the conditional prescribing psychologist consult with the supervising physician on a regular basis regarding a patient’s psychotropic treatment plan and any potential complications. A conditional prescribing psychologist shall not prescribe a new psychotropic medication, discontinue a psychotropic medication, or change the dosage of a psychotropic medication if the supervising physician objects on the basis of a contraindication.

(9) Consultation between the supervising physician and the primary care physician. The plan must include a provision requiring that the supervising physician consult with the patient’s primary care physician on a regular basis regarding the patient’s psychotropic treatment plan and any potential complications.

(10) Termination of the supervision plan. The plan must include a description of how the supervision plan may be terminated and the process for notifying affected patients.

(11) Signatures. The plan must include signatures of the psychologist and all supervising physicians.

b. A conditional prescribing psychologist shall inform the board of any amendments to the conditional prescribing psychologist’s supervision plan, including the addition of any supervising physicians, within 30 days of the change. Amendments to a supervision plan are subject to board approval.

c. The board shall transmit all approved supervision plans and approved amendments to the board of medicine.

244.4(2) Responsibilities of a supervising physician. A supervising physician shall provide supervision in accordance with rules established by the board of medicine.

244.4(3) Responsibilities of a conditional prescribing psychologist. At the initial contact, a conditional prescribing psychologist shall inform a patient, or a patient’s legal guardian when appropriate, that the conditional prescribing psychologist is practicing under the supervision of a physician for purposes of prescribing psychotropic medication and shall provide the name of the supervising physician. A conditional prescribing psychologist shall provide sufficient information regarding the supervision requirements to obtain informed consent and appropriate releases. Upon request, a conditional prescribing psychologist shall provide additional information regarding the conditional prescribing psychologist’s education, training, or experience with respect to prescribing psychotropic medications.

244.4(4) Specialization. A conditional prescribing psychologist shall complete the following training during the supervised practice period to be eligible to prescribe psychotropic medications to the respective population as a prescribing psychologist:

a. Children. To prescribe to patients who are less than 17 years of age, a conditional prescribing psychologist shall complete at least one year of the required two years of supervised practice in either:

(1) A pediatric practice,

(2) A child and adolescent practice, or

(3) A general practice provided the conditional prescribing psychologist treats a minimum of 50 patients who are less than 17 years of age.

b. Elderly patients. To prescribe to patients who are over 65 years of age, a conditional prescribing psychologist shall complete at least one year of the required two years of supervised practice in either:

(1) A geriatric practice, or

(2) A general practice with patients across the lifespan including patients who are over 65 years of age.

c. Serious medical conditions. To prescribe to patients with serious medical conditions including but not limited to heart disease, cancer, stroke, seizures, or comorbid psychological conditions, or patients with developmental disabilities and intellectual disabilities, a conditional prescribing psychologist shall complete at least one year prescribing psychotropic medications to patients with serious medical conditions.

244.4(5) Completion of supervised practice. A conditional prescribing psychologist shall see a minimum of 300 patients over a minimum of two years to complete the supervised practice period, provided each of the 300 patients has a diagnosed mental disorder and pharmacological intervention is considered as a treatment option, even if a decision is made not to prescribe a psychotropic medication to the patient. A conditional prescribing psychologist shall treat a minimum of 100 patients with psychotropic medication throughout the supervised practice period.

a. At the conclusion of the supervised practice period, a primary supervising physician shall certify the following:

(1) Supervision was provided in accordance with rules established by the board of medicine.

(2) A conditional prescribing psychologist has successfully completed two years of supervised practice, considered at least 300 patients for psychopharmacological intervention, and treated at least 100 patients with psychotropic medications.

(3) A conditional prescribing psychologist intending to specialize in the psychological care of children or elderly persons, or persons with serious medical conditions, has completed the requirements of subrule 244.4(4).

(4) A conditional prescribing psychologist has successfully completed the supervised practice period and demonstrated competence in psychopharmacology by demonstrating competency in the milestones listed in paragraph 244.3(3)“f” sufficient to obtain a prescription certificate.

b. If a conditional prescribing psychologist is unable to successfully complete the supervised practice period prior to the expiration of the conditional prescription certificate, the conditional prescribing psychologist may request an extension of the conditional prescription certificate provided that the conditional prescribing psychologist can demonstrate that the conditional prescribing psychologist is likely to successfully complete the supervised practice within the extended time requested. Any requests for extension must be submitted to and approved by both the board and the board of medicine.

645—244.5(154B) Prescription certificate. A prescription certificate shall authorize a psychologist to prescribe psychotropic medications to patients with mental disorders in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

244.5(1) Application. Unless a basis for denial exists in accordance with rule 645—244.9(154B), the board shall issue a prescription certificate to a conditional prescribing psychologist who satisfies the following requirements:

a. Holds an active license to practice psychology in Iowa, an active health service provider certification issued by the board, and an active conditional prescription certificate. The license, certification, and certificate must all be in good standing.

b. Submits documentation regarding successful completion of the supervised practice period.

c. Submits a collaborative practice agreement in accordance with rule 645—244.8(148,154B).

d. Possesses malpractice insurance that covers the prescribing of psychotropic medications.

e. Submits a completed application and a nonrefundable application fee of $60.

244.5(2) Initial term and renewal. An initial prescription certificate shall be valid through the current expiration date of the applicant’s psychologist license. Thereafter, a prescription certificate shall be renewed biennially concurrent with the renewal of the psychologist license. A prescribing psychologist may renew a prescription certificate by submitting a completed renewal application and a nonrefundable application fee of $60. A prescribing psychologist is responsible for renewing the prescription certificate prior to its expiration.

244.5(3) Continuing education required. A prescribing psychologist shall complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education in psychopharmacology each year. A total of 40 hours of continuing education in psychopharmacology is required to renew a prescription certificate. These hours are separate from, and in addition to, the continuing education hours needed to renew a psychologist license pursuant to 645—Chapter 241. If a psychologist specializes in treating children, a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education in psychopharmacology each year, for a total of 20 hours of continuing education per renewal period, must be directly related to prescribing psychotropic medication to children.

244.5(4) Late renewal. A prescription certificate shall become late when it has not been renewed prior to the expiration date. To renew a late prescription certificate, a prescribing psychologist shall complete the renewal requirements and submit a late fee of $60 within 30 days following the prescription certificate expiration date. A prescribing psychologist who fails to renew a prescription certificate within 30 days following the prescription certificate expiration date shall have an inactive prescription certificate. A psychologist whose prescription certificate is inactive continues to hold the privilege of certification in Iowa but may not prescribe psychotropic medications until the prescription certificate is reactivated.

244.5(5) Reactivation. To apply for reactivation of an inactive prescription certificate, a psychologist shall submit a completed reactivation application, a nonrefundable fee of $60, and documentation of a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education in psychopharmacology taken within the preceding two years. If a prescription certificate has been inactive for more than five years, a psychologist shall demonstrate competence in psychopharmacology through one of the following means:

a. Practiced as a prescribing psychologist in another jurisdiction in the preceding two years.

b. Completed a period of supervised practice for a minimum of 12 months. The board may issue a conditional prescription certificate to complete a supervised practice period for purposes of prescription certificate reactivation.

645—244.6(148,154B) Prescribing—joint rule. This rule applies to both conditional prescribing psychologists and prescribing psychologists. A psychologist shall comply with all prescription requirements described in 657—subrule 8.19(1). The following limits apply to a psychologist’s prescriptive authority:

1.A psychologist shall only prescribe psychotropic medications for the treatment of mental disorders.

2.A psychologist shall only prescribe psychotropic medications in situations where the psychologist has adequate education and training to safely prescribe.

3.A prescription shall identify the prescriber as a “psychologist certified to prescribe” and shall include the Iowa license number of the psychologist.

4.A prescription issued by a conditional prescribing psychologist shall contain the name of the supervising physician overseeing the care of the patient.

5.A psychologist shall not delegate prescriptive authority to any other person.

6.A psychologist is prohibited from prescribing narcotics as defined in Iowa Code section 124.101.

7.A psychologist shall maintain an active DEA registration and an active CSA registration in order to dispense, prescribe, or administer controlled substances.

8.A psychologist shall not self-prescribe nor prescribe to any person who is a member of the psychologist’s immediate family or household.

9.Before prescribing a psychotropic medication that is classified as a controlled substance, a psychologist shall check the patient’s prescriptive profile using the Iowa prescription monitoring program.

10.To prescribe to a patient who is pregnant or lactating, a psychologist shall consult with the patient’s obstetrician-gynecologist or the physician managing the patient’s pregnancy or postpartum care regarding all prescribing decisions. A psychologist shall not prescribe a psychotropic medication to a patient if the patient’s obstetrician-gynecologist or the physician managing care objects on the basis of a contraindication.

11.To prescribe to a patient who has a serious medical condition, including but not limited to heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, stroke, seizures, or comorbid psychological conditions, or to a patient who has a developmental or intellectual disability, a psychologist shall consult with the physician who is managing the comorbid condition for that patient regarding all prescribing decisions. A psychologist shall not prescribe a psychotropic medication if the patient’s physician objects on the basis of a contraindication.

12.A psychologist shall not prescribe a new psychotropic medication, discontinue a psychotropic medication, or change the dosage of a psychotropic medication if the supervising physician or collaborating primary care provider objects on the basis of a contraindication.

645—244.7(148,154B) Consultation with primary care providers—joint rule. This rule applies to both conditional prescribing psychologists and prescribing psychologists. A psychologist shall maintain a cooperative relationship with the primary care provider who oversees a patient’s general medical care to ensure that necessary medical examinations are conducted, the psychotropic medication is appropriate for the patient’s medical conditions, and significant changes in the patient’s medical or psychological condition are discussed.

244.7(1) Requirement for a primary care provider. A patient must have a designated primary care provider who engages in the practice of family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, or psychiatry in order for a psychologist to have the ability to prescribe psychotropic medications to the patient. If a patient does not have a designated primary care provider, a psychologist shall refer the patient to a primary care provider prior to prescribing psychotropic medications to the patient. A psychologist shall not prescribe psychotropic medications to a patient until the patient has established care with a primary care provider.

244.7(2) Requirement for a release. A psychologist shall obtain a release of information from the patient, or the patient’s legal guardian when appropriate, authorizing the sharing of the patient’s health information between the psychologist and the patient’s primary care provider. A psychologist shall not prescribe psychotropic medications to a patient who refuses to sign a release.

244.7(3) Cooperation and consultation with primary care provider. A psychologist shall contact each patient’s primary care provider on at least a quarterly basis and shall contact the primary care provider to relay information regarding the care of a patient whenever the following occur:

a. A psychologist is considering adding a new psychotropic medication to a patient’s medication regimen. A psychologist shall not prescribe a new psychotropic medication if the patient’s primary care provider objects on the basis of a contraindication.

b. A psychologist is discontinuing or changing the dosage of a psychotropic medication.

c. A patient experiences adverse effects from any medication prescribed by the psychologist that may be related to the patient’s medical condition.

d. A psychologist receives the results of laboratory tests related to the medical care of a patient.

e. A psychologist notes a change in a patient’s mental condition that may affect the patient’s medical treatment.

645—244.8(148,154B) Collaborative practice—joint rule.

244.8(1) A prescribing psychologist shall have one or more collaborating physicians at all times, as evidenced by a current collaborative practice agreement. Prior to executing a collaborative practice agreement, a prescribing psychologist and a collaborating physician shall review and discuss each other’s relevant education, training, experience, and competencies to determine whether a collaborative practice is appropriate and to facilitate drafting a suitable collaborative practice agreement. A collaborative relationship between a prescribing psychologist and a collaborating physician shall ensure patient safety and optimal clinical outcomes. Collaboration may be done in person or via electronic communication in accordance with these rules. A physician shall not serve as a collaborating physician for more than two prescribing psychologists at one time. A prescribing psychologist shall not prescribe without a current written collaborative practice agreement with a collaborating physician in place. All collaborative relationships shall be reviewed and evaluated on an annual basis to ensure that the prescribing psychologist is competent to safely prescribe psychotropic medications to patients and that the collaborating physician is providing appropriate feedback to the prescribing psychologist. A collaborative practice agreement shall establish the parameters of the collaborative practice that are mutually agreed upon by the prescribing psychologist and the collaborating physician and shall be reviewed on an annual basis.

244.8(2) A collaborative practice agreement shall include the following:

a. Prescribing psychologist information. The name, license number, DEA registration number, CSA registration number, address, telephone number, email address, and practice locations of the prescribing psychologist.

b. Collaborating physician information. The name, license number, DEA registration number, CSA registration number, address, telephone number, email address, and practice locations of the collaborating physician.

c. Time period. The time period covered by the agreement.

d. Locations and settings. The locations and settings where collaborative practice will occur.

e. Collaboration. A provision indicating that the collaborating physician and prescribing psychologist shall ensure that the collaborating physician is available for timely collaboration with a prescribing psychologist, either in person or via electronic communication, in accordance with these rules.

f. Scope of practice. The scope of practice agreed upon by the collaborating physician and the prescribing psychologist, as it relates to the prescribing psychologist’s prescribing of psychotropic medications, including provisions to ensure that the prescribing psychologist’s practice complies with all provisions of these rules.

g. Clinical protocols, practice guidelines, and care plans. Clinical protocols, practice guidelines, and care plans relevant to the scope of practice authorized.

h. Methods of communication. A description of how a prescribing psychologist and a collaborating physician may contact each other for consultation.

i. Limitations on psychotropic medications. A description of any limitations on the range of psychotropic medications the prescribing psychologist may prescribe. The collaborative practice agreement shall also include a provision indicating that the collaborating physician and prescribing psychologist shall ensure that the prescribing psychologist only prescribes psychotropic medications that are consistent with the prescribing psychologist’s education, training, experience, and competence.

j. Limitations on patient populations. A description of any limitations on the types of populations that the prescribing psychologist may treat with psychotropic medications. The collaborative practice agreement shall also include a provision indicating that the collaborating physician and prescribing psychologist shall ensure that the prescribing psychologist only provides psychopharmacology services to patient populations that are within the prescribing psychologist’s education, training, experience, and competence.

k. Release of information. A provision requiring the prescribing psychologist to obtain a release of information from all patients who are considered for psychopharmacological intervention, authorizing the prescribing psychologist to share the patient’s health information with the collaborating physician.

l. Chart review. A provision indicating that the collaborating physician and prescribing psychologist shall ensure that the collaborative physician personally reviews and documents review of at least 10 percent of the prescribing psychologist’s patient charts on a quarterly basis in each of the following categories:

(1) Juvenile patients,

(2) Pregnant or lactating patients,

(3) Elderly patients,

(4) Patients with serious medical conditions, and

(5) All other patients.

m. Annual review. A provision requiring an annual review and evaluation of the collaborative relationship and the collaborative practice agreement.

n. Consultation between the prescribing psychologist and the collaborating physician. A provision requiring that the prescribing psychologist consult with the collaborating physician on a regular basis regarding the patient’s psychotropic treatment plan and any potential complications. A prescribing psychologist shall not prescribe a new psychotropic medication, discontinue a psychotropic medication, or change the dosage of a psychotropic medication if the collaborating physician objects on the basis of a contraindication.

o. Consultation between the collaborating physician and the primary care provider. A provision requiring that the collaborating physician consult with the patient’s primary care provider on a regular basis regarding the patient’s psychotropic treatment plan and any potential complications.

p. Termination. A provision describing how the agreement can be terminated and the process for notifying affected patients if there will be an interruption in services.

q. Signatures. Signatures of the prescribing psychologist and all collaborating physicians.

645—244.9(154B) Grounds for discipline. The board may deny, suspend, revoke, or impose other discipline as outlined in 645—Chapter 13 against a psychologist who holds a conditional prescription certificate or prescription certificate for any of the following:

244.9(1) Violating any of the grounds for discipline set forth in rule 645—242.2(147,272C).

244.9(2) The inability to safely prescribe psychotropic medications.

244.9(3) Prescribing medications in violation of rule 645—244.6(148,154B).

244.9(4) Repeatedly failing to cooperate and collaborate with primary care physicians.

244.9(5) Prescribing psychotropic medications without a current written collaborative practice agreement.

244.9(6) Failing to maintain malpractice insurance that covers the prescribing of psychotropic medications.

244.9(7) Practicing outside the scope of a collaborative practice agreement.

244.9(8) Prescribing medications while the conditional prescription certificate or prescription certificate is inactive, or prescribing controlled substances while the DEA registration or CSA registration is not current.

244.9(9) Having a conditional prescription certificate or prescription certificate disciplined by the licensing authority of another state.

244.9(10) Having a license or health service provider certification disciplined by the board or the licensing authority of another state.

645—244.10(154B) List of psychologists. The board shall maintain a list of all current conditional prescribing psychologists and prescribing psychologists. The list shall be transmitted annually to the board of medicine.

244.10(1) Information. The list shall include the name of the psychologist, license number, license expiration date, expiration date of the conditional prescription certificate or prescription certificate, and practice locations.

244.10(2) Additions and deletions. When a psychologist is added or removed from the list, the board shall notify the board of medicine of the addition or deletion.

645—244.11(148,154B) Complaints—joint rule. Any complaint received by the board alleging a violation of this chapter shall be forwarded to the board of medicine. Any complaint received by the board of medicine alleging a violation of this chapter shall be forwarded to the board.

645—244.12(148,154B) Joint waiver—joint rule. Any rule identified as a joint rule may only be waived upon approval by both the board and the board of medicine.

645—244.13(148,154B) Amendment—joint rule. Any rule identified as a joint rule may only be amended by agreement of the board and board of medicine through a joint rulemaking process.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code chapters 148 and 154B.

[Filed 6/25/24, effective 8/28/24]

[Published 7/24/24]

EDITOR’S NOTE: For replacement pages for IAC, see IAC Supplement 7/24/24.