Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-244.5

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, December 11, 2024

Rule 645-244.5 - 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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-244.5

Adopted by IAB January 16, 2019/Volume XLI, Number 15, effective 2/20/2019

Adopted by IAB July 24, 2024/Volume XLVII, Number 3, effective 8/28/2024