Psychologists Win Round Over Psychiatrists But Battle Continues

Psychologists are pushing for the right to prescribe drugs in Oregon—which would become only the third state to approve such a practice if the effort succeeds. Medical doctors—including psychiatrists, who have full prescription authority—oppose them.

It's the kind of low-profile, high-stakes battle that matters intensely to the groups involved. But it may not capture the attention of many people who lack a direct stake in the fight. In the special legislative session that ended today, however, psychologists moved closer to their goal, although the "form-a-task-force- and-report-back-to-us" result will still give doctors opportunity to protect their turf.

Here's a good summary of the situation from the Lund Report.