PRESCRIBING RIGHTS FOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1506

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 4 NOVEMBER 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms He Ting Ru

MP for Sengkang GRC

Question No. 3301

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the Ministry’s position on clinical psychologists prescribing medication; (b) what regulations and approvals will be required before prescribing rights can be conferred; and (c) if such rights are granted, what safeguards will be required to ensure patient safety.

Answer

       Sir, with the rising prevalence of mental health conditions, clinical psychologists play an increasingly important role, particularly in community and preventive care, where they provide direct patient care such as assessment, formulation and intervention. Recognising their evolving role, we are working towards the registration of five subdisciplines of psychologists, including clinical psychologists, to strengthen professional standards and accountability. As clinical psychologists provide psychological interventions as part of the broader care team, if medication is required, psychologists can refer patients to psychiatrists and family doctors.

2       MOH currently has no plans to extend prescribing rights to clinical psychologists. The extension of prescribing rights to registered professional requires a clear clinical and service need, with appropriate training and qualifications, and subject to institutional governance and oversight.