Insight Matters
Spring, 2004

Here's our wake-up call
by Ralph G. Walton, M.D., Chairman, OPPAC

A bill allowing psychologists in Louisiana to prescribe powerful psychiatric medications flew through both the House and the Senate in only a matter of days at the end of April. Governor Kathleen Blanco signed the highly controversial measure on May 6, making Louisiana the second state (after New Mexico) to let some psychologists prescribe drugs even though there is grave concern that patients' lives will be at risk by giving too much authority to people who are not required to obtain the necessary training - namely medical school - to safely prescribe potent and potentially lethal medications.

This move should constitute a powerful wake-up call to us all. Indeed, if the malpractice crisis, managed care intrusions and lack of parity did not already stimulate us to action, then this certainly should!

It may surprise you to learn that, as Chairman of OPPAC, I do not oppose prescribing privileges for psychologists! I feel it is essential, though, that we educate our legislators about the appropriate training program for psychologists who wish to prescribe. That training program is called medical school!

Unfortunately, a political reality today is that making our voice heard requires adequate resources - i.e. money. As a discipline, we contribute far less to our political action committee than other professional groups do to theirs. For the sake of our profession and, most importantly, our patients, I urge you to all contribute as generously as possible to OPPAC. Please see the back cover of this issue.

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