1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The proposed NY State Senate Bill 2023-S66A, which grants prescriptive authority to licensed psychologists, raises significant concerns. While the intention to address the mental healthcare crisis is commendable, the potential risks to patient safety cannot be overlooked. Psychologists, despite their expertise, do not possess the comprehensive medical training that psychiatrists undergo, which is crucial for prescribing psychotropic medications. This could lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate medication use, and potential harm to patients. Therefore, it is crucial to reconsider this legislation and explore alternative solutions that prioritize patient safety and quality of care, such as enhancing collaboration between psychologists and psychiatrists or increasing the number of trained psychiatrists. The health and safety of mentally ill patients must be our primary concern.