Urgent Oregon Legislative Alert
Dear Oregon AACAP Members:
In the Oregon legislature House Bill 2800 is being considered. This bill would grant psychologists prescriptive authority. You Must Act Now! This bill is currently in the Health Care Committee, Subcommittee on Health Policy.
It is extremely urgent that you contact the Health Care Committee and urge them to vote “NO” on HB 2800.
AACAP and our coalition partners are concerned that allowing psychologists to prescribe medications will expose children and adolescents to inadequate care. Medical training is necessary to prescribe appropriate medications at a safe dosage level and avoid potentially fatal drug interactions. This is especially true when prescribing for children and adolescents. We encouraged you to contact your state legislators to educate them on this issue.
Instructions
Ask for the legislator by name. Once you are connected, leave your name, along with our suggested message.
Members of the Health Care Committee
Suzanne Bonamici – 503-986-1434 – rep.suzannebonamici@state.or.us
Scott Bruun – 503-986-1437 – rep.scottbruun@state.or.us
Ben Cannon – 503-986-1446 – rep.bencannon@state.or.us
Linda Flores – 503-986-1451 – rep.lindaflores@state.or.us
Sara Gelser – 503-986-1416 – rep.saragelser@state.or.us
Mitch Greenlick – 503-986-1433 – rep.mitchgreenlick@state.or.us
Tina Kotek – 503-986-1444 – rep.tinakotek@state.or.us
Ron Maurer – 503-986-1403 – rep.ronmaurer@state.or.us
Karen Minnis – 503-986-1404 – rep.karenminnis@state.or.us
Dennis Richardson – 503-986-1449 – rep.dennisrichardson@state.or.us
Suggested Message
“I am calling to ask Representative ______________ to vote “NO” on HB 2800. Prescribing psychotropic medications for children and adolescents requires the judgment of a physician with training and qualifications in the use of these medications. Psychologists do not have the medical and clinical training to prescribe these medications safely. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I am asking you to please vote “NO” on HB 2800.”
Defeat of this bill depends on you taking action today! Once you have made contact with your legislator please contact Ramon Gardenhire, AACAP Assistant Director, State Advocacy at 202/966.7300 Ext. 107 or by e-mail at rgardenhire@aacap.org
Thank you for your action!
