A minority of psychologists have, for more than a decade, lobbied the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation that would allow them to circumvent national training and certification standards to practice medicine. Senate Bill 2187 recently failed in the House, but because it is likely to be re-introduced again, the Peoria Medical Society wishes to voice strong opposition to this political maneuvering.

According to the bill, a doctorate-level psychologist could prescribe medicine following completion of a master's degree in pharmacology, less than 500 hours of supervised clinical practice, and "completion of a national certifying exam." These requirements are grossly inadequate relative to the requirements in place for other prescribers. In comparison, psychiatrists must complete four years of medical school, more than 10,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, and five nationally accredited examinations, among other requirements.

A careful reading of the bill reveals glaring loopholes. For example, a psychologist could meet degree requirements by taking an online course offered by an out-of-state organization with no medical oversight. In our review of the bill, we were shocked to find a West Coast program inviting "every psychologist" to "earn your degree at home on weekends." Another grave concern is the absence of any reference to a national accrediting body for a national examination. Perhaps most alarming is that the practice would be regulated, not by the board of medicine, but by the board of psychology. It's as if the drafters of the bill intended to dupe legislators with disingenuous language and so-called requirements.

Proponents of the bill reference two other states that have passed legislation allowing psychologists to prescribe. What is not mentioned is that it's illegal in the other 48 states. Further, the Peoria Medical Society is not aware of a single empirical study suggesting that the practice is safe in those two states.

We recognize that some Illinois citizens have difficulty accessing care. But no data supports that the recent law would do anything whatsoever to meet this need. Instead, we support the effort of our local University of Illinois College of Medicine. Peoria is home to a newly established, nationally accredited training program for psychiatry that has, in just two years, recruited a dozen physicians to the area.

The Peoria Medical Society appreciates the important role that psychologist have in the treatment of those with mental illness, but we join more than a dozen organizations and hospitals that have formally opposed a bill that creates shortcuts to the practice of medicine.

J. Eric Lomax, M.D., writes on behalf of the board of directors of the Peoria Medical Society, which he serves as president.