Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-244.7

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 20, April 3, 2024

Rule 645-244.7 - Consultation with primary care physicians-joint rule

This rule applies to both conditional prescribing psychologists and prescribing psychologists. A psychologist shall maintain a cooperative relationship with the primary care physician 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.

(1)Requirement for a primary care physician. A patient must have a designated primary care physician 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 physician, a psychologist shall refer the patient to a primary care physician 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 physician.

(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 physician. A psychologist shall not prescribe psychotropic medications to a patient who refuses to sign a release.

(3)Cooperation and consultation with primary care physicians. A psychologist shall contact each patient's primary care physician on at least a quarterly basis and shall contact the primary care physician 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 physician 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.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-244.7

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