ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
board of
psychologist examiners; reciprocity
Purpose
Makes several changes to the licensure laws under the Board of Psychologist Examiners (Board).
Background
In accordance with statute, out-of-state psychologists who apply for licensure in this State must submit documentation of education, training and examination qualifications. To assist states verify licensing information for applicants who are licensed in other states, some national psychology associations have developed credentialing banks to maintain documentation of education, training, examination scores and disciplinary actions. S.B. 1260 allows the Board to issue a license to an applicant who is in good standing with a credentialing bank, which includes the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology and the American Board of Professional Psychology.
Pursuant to statute, the Board is required to administer a national licensing examination provided by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. The Board is only allowed to recognize national examination scores that occurred after 1978, the date the exam was first given in Arizona. Applicants that passed the national examination in another jurisdiction prior to 1978 have to retake the national examination to qualify for licensure in Arizona. S.B. 1260 allows the Board to exempt applicants from this examination requirement if they achieved a score in another jurisdiction that equals or exceeds the score recommended by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards on the date the national examination was administered.
Additionally, S.B. 1260 increases the deficiency make-up allowance and creates re-specialization standards for psychologists. The Board anticipates minimal savings as a result of this legislation.
Provisions
1. Exempts an applicant for licensure from taking the national examination if the applicant has achieved a score in another jurisdiction that equals or exceeds the score recommended by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards on the date the exam was administered.
2. Specifies an applicant for licensure who is licensed to practice psychology independently in another jurisdiction meets the Board’s licensure requirements if the applicant:
a) has a certificate in good standing issued by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards;
b) is credentialed by the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology and has practiced for five years; or
c) is a diplomat of the American Board of Professional Psychology.
3. Authorizes the Board to require an applicant for licensure to complete a Board approved re-specialization program, and requires an applicant to:
4. Increases the course deficiency make-up allowance from one to two content areas.
5. Disqualifies an applicant for licensure if the applicant voluntarily surrendered a license while under investigation for unprofessional conduct or is being investigated for unprofessional conduct in another jurisdiction.
6. Makes conforming and technical changes.
7. Provides for a general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Staff
February 8, 2002