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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa House has approved legislation that would allow specially trained psychologists to prescribe medication to mentally ill people in the state.
The Republican-majority chamber voted 72-22 Monday for the legislation, which would allow licensed psychologists to complete additional coursework and training to prescribe medication typically offered by psychiatrists and others.
The Democratic-controlled Senate passed a bill earlier this session that would allow the Board of Psychology to set rules related to prescribing psychologists. The House version would add more authority to the Board of Medicine in the rule making process and add other guidelines.
The bill will be sent back to the Senate before it can reach Gov. Terry Branstad's desk.
The legislation is meant to address a chronic shortage of psychiatrists and other medical professionals in Iowa.
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