The Pseudo-Regulation of American Psychiatry
ROBERT L. TAYLOR M.D.1, and
E. FULLER TORREY M.D.2
1 Program Chief for Mental Health Services in Marin County, P.O. Box 2728, 250 Bon Air Rd., San Rafael, Calif. 94902
2 Special Assistant for International Activities, Office of the Director, National Institute of Mental Health, Rockville, Md.
The self-regulation of American psychiatry has evolved into a form of professional protectionism that fails to ensure appropriate and competent psychiatric service providers. Despite an elaborate regulatory facade, the fact remains that to practice as a psychiatrist in this country requires nothing other than a medical license. The authors suggest changes in the existing regulatory process including outside representation, mandatory psychiatric certification and periodic recertification, and proficiency standards.
