Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024
A.
Medical psychologists shall prescribe only in consultation and collaboration
with the patient's primary or attending physician, and with the concurrence of
that physician.
B. The medical
psychologist shall also re-consult with the patient's physician prior to making
changes in the patient's medication treatment protocol, as established with the
physician, or as otherwise directed by the physician.
C. In the event that the primary or attending
physician does not concur with the psychopharmacologic treatment protocol
planned by a MP, the MP shall defer to the medical judgment of the
physician.
D. In the event a
patient does not have a primary or attending physician, the medical
psychologist shall not prescribe for that patient.
E. Documentation of Physician Consultation.
When psychopharmacologic management of a patient is indicated, the initial plan
shall include consultation with the patient's primary or attending physician.
The medical psychologist shall document the consultation with the primary or
attending physician in the patient's medical record. Documentation shall
include, but is not necessarily limited to:
1. patient authorization. In order to permit
the necessary coordination of care for the patient, the MP shall obtain a
release of information from the patient and/or the patient's legal guardian to
contact the patient's primary or attending physician in all cases in which
psychopharmacologic management is planned. If the patient or the patient's
legal guardian declines to sign a release of information authorizing
coordination of care with his or her primary or attending physician, the MP
shall inform the patient and/or the patient's legal guardian that he or she
cannot treat the patient pharmacologically without such consultation;
2. patient identity. The physician's name;
date of consultation; and contact information for the patient, physician and
MP;
3. purpose. The purpose of
consultation (e.g., new medication, change in medication, discontinuance of
medication, adverse treatment effects, treatment failure, change in medical
status, etc.);
4. psychological
evaluation and diagnosis. If known, the psychological evaluation of the
patient, including any relevant psychological history, laboratory or diagnostic
studies and psychological diagnosis; and any other information the MP or
physician deems necessary for the coordination of the care for
patient;
5. medication. The
specific drug(s) the MP plans to utilize, including the starting dosage and
titration plan if any; frequency of use, the number of refills and anticipated
duration of therapy; relevant indications and contraindications, any previously
utilized psychopharmacologic therapy, and any alternatives;
6. treatment plan. The MP's treatment and/or
management plan for the patient;
7.
results of consultation. The results of the consultation (e.g., concurrence,
deferring or denying medication recommended by the MP); medications ordered
(e.g., generic or trade; starting dosage and titration plan, if any; number of
refills; etc.) and any other information that might be necessary for the
appropriate coordination of care for the patient (e.g., review of prior labs or
diagnostic procedures; new labs or diagnostic procedures requested by the
physician, if any; etc.);
8.
responsibilities. Any specific responsibilities of the MP and physician
respecting the patient's care;
9.
reporting. Any reporting and documentation requirements between the MP and the
physician and/or a schedule by which such are to take place; and
10. immediate consultation. A plan to
accommodate immediate consultation between the MP, physician, and/or
patient.
AUTHORITY NOTE:
Promulgated in accordance with
R.S.
37:1270, 37:1360.51-1360.72.
