HB 996 Tennessee House · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Psychologists - As introduced, creates prescribing authority for certain psychologists if certain conditions and prerequisites are met. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68.

This bill would allow certain licensed psychologists in Tennessee to independently prescribe medications for mental health conditions after meeting specific training and certification requirements. It directly affects doctoral-level psychologists who complete a post-doctoral master's program in clinical psychopharmacology, pass a national prescribing exam, and complete a one-year fellowship with 100 patient evaluations under supervision. Key provisions require 450 patient contact hours in training, a master's degree covering neurosciences and pharmacology, and verification by the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology. The board would issue an "advanced certificate to prescribe" for independent authority, expanding psychologists' scope to include prescribing psychotropic medications without physician oversight.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2025 Last action Jan 20, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
4
Committee
6
Mar 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Def. to Summer Study in Health Subcommittee
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Action Def. in s/c Health Subcommittee to 3/26/2025
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Health Subcommittee for 3/26/2025
lower
Mar 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Health Subcommittee for 3/19/2025
lower
Feb 11, 2025
Committee
Assigned to s/c Health Subcommittee
lower
Feb 10, 2025
Committee
P2C, ref. to Health Committee - Government Operations for Review
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Brock Martin
Brock Martin
RRepublican
TN
79