Psychologists' attitudes toward prescription privileges.

Abstract

Questionnaires concerning prescription privileges were completed by 136 psychologists randomly chosen from the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology and by 110 psychologists from New Jersey. Results showed that although respondents on average believed that prescription privileges would not interfere with therapy and assessment skills and would enhance the image of psychologists, they were neutral about privileges in general. Negative attitudes toward prescribing privileges centered on their costs to psychologists in terms of increased malpractice rates and additional required training. We conclude that a consensus on prescription privileges does not yet exist.