Specially licensed psychologists would prescribe medicines with age and pregnancy limits

Specially licensed clinical psychologists would prescribe medicines within an established behavioral health treatment relationship. Patients generally must be 17–64, not pregnant, and outside the first 12 months after childbirth. Prescribing must fit the psychologist's training and written collaboration agreement. Psychologists could not prescribe primarily to manage pain or prescribe Schedule II drugs, a legal category of controlled drugs. Transfer exceptions would apply to some patients already receiving medication treatment.

Virginia's psychology board would license applicants who meet the prescribing requirements. Applicants need an unrestricted Virginia psychology license and a postdoctoral master's focused on behavioral health medicines or another board-approved program. Applicants would also need liability insurance, current Basic Life Support certification, a background check, and payment of required fees.

Psychologists would arrange transfers of medication care for existing patients who turn 65 or become pregnant. These rules cover patients already receiving medication treatment from the psychologist. When pregnancy is discovered, the psychologist must contact the patient's pregnancy-care provider or make a referral, and consult about medication as soon as medically appropriate. Temporary prescribing during pregnancy would require documented consultation. It may continue for up to 60 days, or longer when medically necessary to avoid risks from stopping medication. For existing patients turning 65, the transfer process must begin no later than three months before their 66th birthday.

Prescribing psychologists would maintain collaboration agreements and complete at least 20 hours of training about behavioral health medicines each license renewal cycle. The agreement would not place the psychologist's clinical judgment under the collaborator's supervision. Agreements must cover medical consultation, case reviews, and emergency care. Case reviews must occur at least quarterly in the first year and annually afterward. Virginia's psychology board must adopt implementation rules by July 1, 2028.