Quinn signs bill to let psychologists prescribe medication

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed off on a measure that allows psychologists in Illinois to prescribe medication to patients.

The governor signed the legislation Wednesday in Chicago. It was sponsored by Sen. Don Harmon of Oak Park and Rep. John Bradley of Marion, both Democrats.

Psychologists have to receive specific training for prescription-writing privileges and be required to work with a coordinating physician.

Bradley says the legislation "increases access to medical care."

Quinn says the new law will cut down on the number of appointments patients need to make in order to get their medication.

The measure was opposed by the Illinois State Medical Society. The physicians' group says psychologists don't have enough medical training to safely dispense medication.