Opinion
Nonphysicians do not have the training to warrant prescribing rights
LETTER — Posted Feb. 21, 2005
Regarding "Nonphysicians eager to pick up the prescription pad" (Article, Feb. 7): This is a deeply concerning matter for me.
I have invested a great deal of time and financial hardships into my education to gain a thorough understanding of the human body and how it is affected by pharmacological treatments. The thought of other professionals who have not had that training gaining the right to write prescriptions is rather scary.
Physicians have an understanding of human physiology and pharmacology. Psychologists and other professionals might not have that training, and until they do, they should not be permitted to prescribe.
I hope that the general public and our legislators will not be swayed to think otherwise. I will stand by my colleagues and the AMA to resist any attempt to expand the scope of prescription rights beyond fully trained and licensed physicians.
Carl Hoegerl, DO, Farmingville, N.Y.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/02/21/edlt0221.htm.
