What Oregon Psychologists Think and Know About Prescriptive Authority: Divided Views and Data ‐Driven Change

Following a veto of a prescriptive authority (RxP) bill in Oregon, 397 of 743 randomly selected psychologists were surveyed online regarding their attitudes and knowledge. Participants were randomly assigned to a control (n = 203) or education (n = 194) condition. After being exposed to information regarding access, training, and legislation, education participants completed post‐test measures. Evidence supporting proponents’ argument of improved access was not forthcoming. There was a division about scope expansion (43% support, 32% opposed, 25% undecided). Respondents’ knowledge of RxP was minimal, but education increased knowledge. Views were more stable, with attitudes shifting only in targeted areas. Using a “cultural cognition” framework, the discussion centers on exploring the need to evaluate RxP and use this information to educate psychologists about this issue.
Source: Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research