Senator Favola presented SB 752, a section 1 bill directing the Board of Psychology and the Board of Medicine to form a combined work group to study whether Virginia-licensed clinical psychologists with PhDs and appropriate training could be granted prescriptive authority. The bill would produce recommendations and a report by Nov. 1, 2025.

Mariah Marich Pitu of the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychology testified in support, saying seven states have enacted prescriptive authority for clinical psychologists and citing data that more than 30,000 prescriptions and refills have been written by prescribing psychologists with no complaints in those states. Dr. Jeremy Walden, a licensed clinical psychologist and president-elect of the VACP, told the panel that Virginia ranks roughly 38th nationally for mental-health access and that patients face long waits to see psychiatrists; he and others argued the study could identify safe pathways to expand access.

Trevor Moniker of the Virginia Psychiatric Society said psychiatrists had “serious concerns” with the concept but that negotiations with the petitioners and the sponsor produced language both groups could support for a work group; he said the society would bring concerns to the work group. Senator Pokarski recounted constituent burdens when psychologists cannot prescribe and noted this study could address a longstanding access problem.

The subcommittee voted to recommend SB 752 to the full committee; roll call showed Senators Boisco, Pillion, Bagby (aye by proxy), Head, Pokarski and Hashmi voting aye.