Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 4 R · 2 D · 1 I cosponsors

H 237 — An act relating to prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists

Last action — House message: Governor approved bill on April 27, 2026

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 18, 2025. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Phil Scott (Republican) on April 28, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

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A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 78% · moderate confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 7 sponsors

    7 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 3 parties (4 R · 2 D · 1 I) — cross-party backing.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

244 added · 125 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amended version of Bill H 237 clarifies the definition of a "collaborating practitioner" by specifying that it includes physicians and other approved prescribing providers who can prescribe medications for mental health conditions. This change is significant because it ensures that licensed professionals who are knowledgeable about mental health treatment can collaboratively provide comprehensive care, which may improve patient outcomes. By clearly defining these roles, the legislation helps establish a supportive framework for mental health services.

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AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.237 Page 1 of 6 H.237 An act relating to prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 1 of 11 H.237 Introduced by Representatives McFaun of Barre Town, Cina of Burlington, Cordes of Bristol, Demar of Enosburgh, Galfetti of Barre Town, Goldman of Rockingham, and Page of Newport City Referred to Committee on Date:
Subject:
Professional regulation;
health;
doctoral-level psychologist;
prescribing Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:
This bill proposes to authorize prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists.
An act relating to prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
§ 3001 is amended to read:
§ 3001 is amended to read:
(1) “Practice of psychology” means rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, or organizations, for a consideration, any service involving the application of principles, methods, and procedures of understanding, predicting, and influencing behavior that are primarily drawn from the science of psychology.
(1) “Practice of psychology” means rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, or organizations, for a consideration, any service involving the application of principles, methods, and procedures of understanding, predicting, and influencing behavior that are primarily drawn BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 2 of 11 from the science of psychology.
VT LEG #382183 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.237 Page 2 of 6 * * * (12) “Collaborating practitioner” means a physician licensed to practice medicine pursuant to chapter 23 or 33 of this title with a specialty in psychiatry.
* * * (12) “Collaborating practitioner” means a physician licensed to practice medicine pursuant to chapter 23 or 33 of this title or other prescribing provider as approved by the Board who generally prescribes prescription drugs for the treatment of a mental health condition to the physician’s or prescribing provider’s patients in the normal course of the physician’s or prescribing provider’s medical practice.
(13) “Drug” means an agent related to the diagnosis, treatment, or management of a mental, nervous, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, or substance misuse disorder.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 3 of 11 (14) “Prescribing psychologist” means a licensed, doctoral-level psychologist who has undergone specialized training, has passed an examination as determined by rule, and has received a current prescribing specialty under section 3019 of this title that has not been revoked or suspended by the Board.
(15) “Prescription drug” has the same meaning as in section 2022 of this title.
(16) “Prescriptive authority” means the authority to prescribe or discontinue prescription drugs.
“Prescriptive authority” shall exclude the authority to dispense, administer, or distribute prescription drugs.
Sec.
2.
26 V.S.A.
§ 3009a is amended to read:
§ 3009a.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD (a) The Board shall adopt rules necessary to perform its duties under this chapter, including rules that:
(1) specify educational and other prerequisites for obtaining licensure;
(2) explain complaint and appeal procedures to licensees, applicants, and the public;
(3) explain continuing education requirements;
and (3) regulate prescribing psychologist licensees pursuant to section 3019 of this title, including the length of clinical rotations, appropriate instructional settings, and prescribing authority;
and BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 4 of 11 (4) explain how the Board shall investigate suspected unprofessional conduct regulate collaborative practice agreements pursuant to section 3019 of this title, including collaborating practitioner qualifications and annual competency evaluations.
* * * Sec.
3.
26 V.S.A.
§ 3019 is added to read:
§ 3019.
PRESCRIBING BY DOCTORAL-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGISTS (a) Prescribing psychologist license.
A psychologist-doctorate may apply to the Board for a prescribing psychologist license.
The application shall be made on a form approved by the Board, include the payment of any required fees, and be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant:
(1) holds a current license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in the State;
(2) has successfully completed the following minimum educational and training requirements either during the doctoral program required for licensure under this section or in an accredited undergraduate or master-level program prior to or subsequent to the doctoral program required under this section:
(A) a postdoctoral training program in psychopharmacology accredited by the American Psychological Association or its successor;
and BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 5 of 11 (B) two years of supervised practice for not less than 20 hours per week in a clinical setting agreed upon by both the psychologist-doctorate and collaborating practitioner;
(3) has completed a national certifying exam, as determined by rule;
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and (4) meets all other requirements for obtaining a prescribing psychologist license, as determined by rule.
(b) Criteria for prescribing medication.
(1) A written collaborative agreement is required for all prescribing psychologists practicing under a prescribing psychologist license issued pursuant to this section.
(2) The issuance of prescriptive authority by a collaborating practitioner to a prescribing psychologist may only include prescription drugs for the treatment of mental health conditions that the collaborating practitioner generally provides to patients in the normal course of practice, except prescriptive authority for the following shall not be authorized:
(A) patients who are less than 18 years of age or 80 years of age or older;
and (B) patients during pregnancy.
(3) The collaborating practitioner shall file the collaborative agreement with the Board and notice of any termination of the agreement.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 6 of 11 (4) Issuance of prescribing authority for Schedule II through V controlled substances shall identify the specific controlled substance by brand name or generic name.
Prescription or administration of a controlled substance by injection shall not be allowed.
(c) Specialty by endorsements.
The Director of the Board may, upon payment of the required fee, grant a prescribing specialty without examination if:
(1) the applicant holds active psychologist prescribing authority in another U.S.
or Canadian jurisdiction;
and (2) the requirements for psychologist prescribing authority in that jurisdiction are, in the judgement of the Director, substantially equivalent to the requirements of this section.
Sec.
4.
EFFECTIVE DATES (a) This section and Sec.
2 (power and duties of the Board) shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
(b) All remaining sections shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Sec.
1.
26 V.S.A.
§ 3001 is amended to read:
§ 3001.
DEFINITIONS As used in this chapter:
(1) “Practice of psychology” means rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, or organizations, for a consideration, any service BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 7 of 11 involving the application of principles, methods, and procedures of understanding, predicting, and influencing behavior that are primarily drawn from the science of psychology.
The science of psychology includes assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and amelioration of adjustment problems and emotional and mental disorders of individuals and groups.
(2) “Psychologist” or “practicing psychologist” means a person who is licensed to practice psychology under this chapter.
(3) “Psychologist-doctorate” means a person who is so licensed under this chapter.
(4) “Psychologist-master” means a person who is so licensed under this chapter.
(5) “Board” means the Board of Psychological Examiners established under this chapter.
* * * (12) “Collaborating practitioner” means a physician licensed to practice medicine pursuant to chapter 23 or 33 of this title with a specialty in psychiatry.
(15) “Prescribing psychologist” means a licensed, doctoral-level psychologist who has undergone specialized training, has passed an examination as determined by rule, and has received a current prescribing specialty under section 3019 of this title that has not been revoked or suspended by the Board.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 8 of 11 (15) “Prescribing psychologist” means a licensed, doctoral-level psychologist who has undergone specialized training, has passed an examination as determined by rule, and has received a current prescribing specialty under section 3019 of this title that has not been revoked or suspended by the Board.
VT LEG #382183 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.237 Page 3 of 6 Sec.
Sec.
§ 3009a is amended to read:
§ 3009a is amended to read:
(3) explain continuing education requirements;
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 9 of 11 (3) explain continuing education requirements;
* * * VT LEG #382183 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.237 Page 4 of 6 Sec.
* * * Sec.
§ 3019 is added to read:
§ 3019 is added to read:
§ 3019.
§ 3019.
(1) holds a current license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in the State;
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 10 of 11 (1) holds a current license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in the State;
VT LEG #382183 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.237 Page 5 of 6 (c) Criteria for prescribing medication.
(c) Criteria for prescribing medication.
(3) The collaborating practitioner shall file the collaborative agreement with the Board and notice of any termination of the agreement.
BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.237 Page 11 of 11 (3) The collaborating practitioner shall file the collaborative agreement with the Board and notice of any termination of the agreement.
The Director of the Board may, upon payment of any required fee, grant a prescribing specialty without examination if:
The Director of the Board may, upon payment of the any required fee, grant a prescribing specialty without examination if:
and VT LEG #382183 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.237 Page 6 of 6 (2) the requirements for psychologist prescribing authority in that jurisdiction are, in the judgement of the Director, substantially equivalent to the requirements of this section.
and (2) the requirements for psychologist prescribing authority in that jurisdiction are, in the judgement of the Director, substantially equivalent to the requirements of this section.
VT LEG #382183 v.1
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Amendments

2 amendments

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Action History

  1. House message: Governor approved bill on April 27, 2026

  2. Signed by Governor on April 27, 2026

  3. Delivered to the Governor on April 21, 2026

  4. House message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment

  5. Senate proposal of amendment concurred in

  6. Action Calendar: Action postponed until April 16, 2026

  7. Rep. Black of Essex moved to postpone action until April 16, 2026, which was agreed to

  8. Action Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment

  9. Notice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment

  10. Senate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

  11. Read 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment

  12. Division Yeas-11, Nays-15, as requested by Senator Brock

  13. Pending third reading, Senator Brock, and Chittenden proposal of amendment, disagreed to

  14. New Business/Third Reading

  15. 3rd reading ordered

  16. Proposal of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare agreed to

  17. Motion by Senator(s) Brock to substitute report of Committee on Finance agreed to

  18. Reported favorably by Senator Brock for Committee on Finance with proposal of amendment

  19. Read 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Gulick for Committee on Health and Welfare

  20. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Finance

  21. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare

  22. Unfinished Business/Second Reading

  23. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Finance

  24. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare

  25. Unfinished Business/Second Reading

  26. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Finance

  27. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare

  28. Second Reading

  29. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Finance

  30. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare

  31. Second Reading

  32. Entered on Notice Calendar

  33. Referred to Committee on Finance per Senate Rule 31

  34. Favorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare

  35. Second Reading

  36. Entered on Notice Calendar

  37. Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Health and Welfare

  38. Read third time and passed

  39. Action Calendar: Third Reading

  40. Third Reading ordered

  41. Report of Committee on Health Care, as amended, agreed to

  42. Report of Committee on Health Care amended as recommended by Committee on Ways and Means

  43. Rep. Branagan of Georgia recommended for the Committee on Ways and Means

  44. Rep. McFaun of Barre Town reported for the Committee on Health Care

  45. Read second time

  46. Action Calendar: Action postponed until 3/26/2025

  47. Rep. McFaun of Barre Town moved to postpone action until 3/26/2025, which was agreed to

  48. Action Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  49. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  50. Referred to Committee on Ways and Means per Rule 35(a)

  51. Notice Calendar: Favorable with Amendment

  52. Read first time and referred to the Committee on Health Care

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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7 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 183 not signed on

Sponsors (7)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (183)

183 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 183 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors H 237?
H 237 is sponsored by Woodman H Page (Republican), Leslie Goldman (Democrat), Gina M Galfetti (Republican), Allen "Penny" R Demar (Republican), Mari K Cordes (Democrat), Brian J Cina (Progressive/Democrat), and Francis M McFaun (Republican).
What is the current status of H 237?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 18, 2025. Enacted.
Where can I track H 237?
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