House Bill 1116 aims to establish licensure requirements for school psychologists in Hawaii, addressing the lack of a certification system in the state. As the only state without proper licensure for this profession, Hawaii cannot ensure that school psychologists are appropriately qualified to provide essential educational and mental health services to students. By adopting a structured licensure program, the bill seeks to improve both the quality of services offered and the ability of schools to seek federal reimbursement for services provided by licensed school psychologists under Medicaid.
One of the primary objectives of HB 1116 is to implement specific criteria for the licensure of school psychologists. This includes educational qualifications such as a specialist-level or doctoral degree in school psychology, internship requirements, and successful completion of a standardized examination. The legislation also mandates that all practicing school psychologists in Hawaii obtain their license by July 1, 2025, to continue working legally in educational settings, effectively raising the bar for professional standards in this field.
An additional measure included in the bill is the proposal to amend the composition of the board of psychology to include two licensed school psychologists. This change is intended to ensure that the board better represents the specific concerns and needs of the school psychology profession, thus enhancing regulatory practices in the field. Furthermore, the bill outlines the penalties for individuals practicing school psychology without a license, including fines for non-compliance, thereby underlining the importance of adhering to the established licensure structure.
The discussions surrounding HB 1116 highlight notable points of contention regarding its implementation. Supporters argue that licensure is crucial for improving service quality and accountability in educational settings, while critics may express concerns over the potential for restricted access to services and the challenges that existing school psychologists could face in meeting new requirements. As this bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be essential to balance the needs for professionalism in school psychology with the accessibility of services for students across Hawaii.