Should psychologists prescribe medication. Psychology Research Paper

Should Psychologists Prescribe Medications
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Introduction
New Mexico is the first American state to allow psychologists to prescribe medications, and similar strategies are likely to be implemented in other parts of the United States, as well as in Canada, Europe, and Asia. However, a lot of controversies are associated with allowing psychologists to prescribe medications. Clinical psychologists hold doctoral degrees and gain sufficient experience before starting their jobs, but most of the psychologists working in public and private sector hospitals are not as qualified and well-prepared as they should be. It is, thus, better for the state to not permit psychologists to prescribe medications. Instead, they should be asked to continue doing what their actual job requirements are. It has long been argued that it would be effective for patients to receive psychotherapy from their regular practitioners, but when it comes to talking about drug treatment, psychologists may not be able to serve as efficiently as physicians or doctors can.
Literature Review
According to James Adams, psychologists are required to perform their own duties and should not be permitted to prescribe medications as they lack sufficient medical training and knowledge needed to determine the usefulness and short-term and long-term effects of medications. The only condition that applies here is when they agree to receive relevant training and promise to devote themselves to the wellbeing and health of patients. If it so happens, then the government can grant them permission, but before this, they should spend some months or years in a healthcare center where doctors collaborate with them and make them understand how to prescribe medications. After gaining a sufficient number of certificates, the mandatory training, and experience, they might be able to prescribe medicines based on the physical or mental condition of a patient. The author also argues that if psychologists do not fit the criteria, then there is no need to take the risk since many patients depend on them for their survival. The government should set some rules and regulations in this regard and ensure that psychologists have long worked with doctors before being able to prescribe medications independently (Adams, 2018).
In 2014, an article (APA Applauds Landmark Illinois Law Allowing Psychologists to Prescribe Medications) was published in which it was mentioned that psychologists are often allowed to prescribe medications. Not only in New Mexico but also in Illinois and other parts of the country, they are granted legal permission, which is a matter of serious concern. The government should take serious action in this regard, ensuring that now laws favoring psychologists are passed since most of the diseases are ...