CHAPTER 93
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CHAPTER 93
( HB 56 )
AN ACT relating to licensed professionals.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS 335.010 TO 335.170 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this compact is to facilitate interstate practice of regulated social workers by improving public
access to competent social work services. The compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public
health and safety through the current system of state licensure. This compact is designed to achieve the following
objectives:
A. Increase public access to social work services;
B. Reduce overly burdensome and duplicative requirements associated with holding multiple licenses;
C. Enhance the member states’ ability to protect the public’s health and safety;
D. Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate practice;
E. Promote mobility and address workforce shortages by eliminating the necessity for licenses in multiple
states by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses;
F. Support military families;
G. Facilitate the exchange of licensure and disciplinary information among member states;
H. Authorize all member states to hold a regulated social worker accountable for abiding by a member state’s
laws, regulations, and applicable professional standards in the member state in which the client is located at
the time care is rendered; and
I. Allow for the use of telehealth to facilitate increased access to regulated social work services.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
As used in this compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions
shall apply:
A. "Active military member" means any individual with full-time duty status in the active Armed Forces of the
United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve;
B. "Adverse action" means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a state’s laws
which is imposed by a licensing authority or other authority against a regulated social worker, including
actions against an individual’s license or multistate authorization to practice such as revocation,
suspension, probation, monitoring of the licensee, limitation on the licensee’s practice, or any other
encumbrance on licensure affecting a regulated social worker’s authorization to practice, including
issuance of a cease and desist action;
C. "Alternative program" means a nondisciplinary monitoring or practice remediation process approved by a
licensing authority to address practitioners with an impairment;
D. "Charter member states" means member states that have enacted legislation to adopt this compact where
such legislation predates the effective date of this compact as described in Section 14 of this compact;
E. "Compact commission" or "commission" means the government agency whose membership consists of all
states that have enacted this compact, which is known as the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission,
as described in Section 10 of this compact, and which shall operate as an instrumentality of the member
states;
F. "Current significant investigative information" means: ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2
1. Investigative information that a licensing authority, after a preliminary inquiry that includes
notification and an opportunity for the regulated social worker to respond, has reason to believe is
not groundless and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction as may be defined by
the commission; or
2. Investigative information that indicates that the regulated social worker represents an immediate
threat to public health and safety, as may be defined by the commission, regardless of whether the
regulated social worker has been notified and has had an opportunity to respond;
G. "Data system" means a repository of information about licensees, including but not limited to continuing
education, examination, licensure, current significant investigative information, disqualifying event,
multistate license or licenses, and adverse action information or other information as required by the
commission;
H. "Disqualifying event" means any adverse action or incident which results in an encumbrance that
disqualifies or makes the licensee ineligible to either obtain, retain, or renew a multistate compact license;
I. "Domicile" means the jurisdiction in which the licensee resides and intends to remain indefinitely;
J. "Encumbrance" means a revocation or suspension of, or any limitation on, the full and unrestricted
practice of social work licensed and regulated by a licensing authority;
K. "Executive committee" means a group of delegates elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the
powers granted to them by, the compact and commission;
L. "Home state" means the member state that is the licensee’s primary domicile;
M. "Impairment" means a condition or conditions that may impair a practitioner's ability to engage in full and
unrestricted practice as a regulated social worker without some type of intervention and may include but
are not limited to alcohol and drug dependence, mental health impairment, and neurological or physical
impairments;
N. "Licensee" means an individual who currently holds a license from a state to practice as a regulated social
worker;
O. "Licensing authority" means the board or agency of a member state, or equivalent, that is responsible for
the licensing and regulation of regulated social workers;
P. "Member state" means a state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States of America that has
enacted the compact;
Q. "Multistate authorization to practice" means a legally authorized privilege to practice, which is equivalent
to a license, associated with a multistate license permitting the practice of social work in a remote state;
R. "Multistate license" means a license to practice as a regulated social worker issued by a home state
licensing authority that authorizes the regulated social worker to practice in all member states under a
multistate authorization to practice;
S. "Qualifying national exam" means a national licensing examination approved by the commission;
T. "Regulated social worker" means any clinical, master’s, or bachelor’s social worker licensed by a member
state regardless of the title used by that member state;
U. "Remote state" means a member state other than the licensee's home state;
V. "Rule of the commission" means a regulation or regulations duly promulgated by the commission, as
authorized by the compact, that has the force of law;
W. "Single state license" means a social work license issued by any state that authorizes practice only within
the issuing state and does not include multistate authorization to practice in any member state;
X. "Social work" or "social work services" means the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods,
ethics, and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial
functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities through the care and
services provided by a regulated social worker as set forth in the member state’s statutes and regulations in
the state where the services are being provided;
Y. "State" means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States of America that regulates
the practice of social work; and CHAPTER 93
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Z. "Unencumbered license" means a license that authorizes a regulated social worker to engage in the full
and unrestricted practice of social work.
SECTION 3. STATE PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPACT
A. To be eligible to participate in the compact, a potential member state must currently meet all the following
criteria:
1. License and regulate the practice of social work at either the clinical, master’s, or bachelor’s
category;
2. Require applicants for licensure to graduate from a program that is:
a. Operated by a college or university recognized by the licensing authority;
b. Accredited, or in candidacy by an institution that subsequently becomes accredited, by an
accrediting agency recognized by either:
i. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or its successor; or
ii. The United States Department of Education; and
c. Corresponds to the licensure sought as outlined in Section 4 of this compact;
3. Require applicants for clinical licensure to complete a period of supervised practice; and
4. Have a mechanism in place for receiving, investigating, and adjudicating complaints about licensees.
B. To maintain membership in the compact, a member state shall:
1. Require that applicants for a multistate license pass a qualifying national exam for the
corresponding category of multistate license sought as outlined in Section 4 of this compact;
2. Participate fully in the commission’s data system, including using the commission’s unique identifier
as defined in rules;
3. Notify the commission, in compliance with the terms of the compact and rules, of any adverse action
or the availability of current significant investigative information regarding a licensee;
4. Implement procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for a multistate
license. These procedures shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based
information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s criminal history record
information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that
state’s criminal records;
5. Comply with the rules of the commission;
6. Require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the home state and meet the home state’s
qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure, as well as all other applicable home state laws;
7. Authorize a licensee holding a multistate license in any member state to practice in accordance with
the terms of the compact and rules of the commission; and
8. Designate a delegate to participate in the commission meetings.
C. A member state meeting the requirements of subsections A. and B. of this section shall designate the
categories of social work licensure that are eligible for issuance of a multistate license for applicants in that
member state. To the extent that any member state does not meet the requirements for participation in the
compact at any particular category of social work licensure, such member state may choose, but is not
obligated to, issue a multistate license to applicants that otherwise meet the requirements of Section 4 of this
compact for issuance of a multistate license in such category or categories of licensure.
D. The home state may charge a fee for granting the multistate compact license.
SECTION 4. SOCIAL WORKER PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPACT
A. To be eligible for a multistate license under the terms and provisions of the compact, an applicant,
regardless of category, must:
1. Hold or be eligible for an active, unencumbered license in the home state; ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 4
2. Pay any applicable fees, including any state fee, for the multistate license;
3. Submit, in connection with an application for a multistate license, fingerprints or other biometric
data for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of
Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that state’s criminal records;
4. Notify the home state of any adverse action, encumbrance, or restriction on any professional license
taken by any member state or nonmember state within thirty (30) days from the date the action is
taken;
5. Meet any continuing competence requirements established by the home state; and
6. Abide by the laws, regulations, and applicable standards in the member state where the client is
located at the time care is rendered.
B. An applicant for a clinical-category multistate license must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Fulfill a competency requirement, which shall be satisfied by either:
a. Passage of a clinical-category qualifying national exam; or
b. Licensure of the applicant in their home state at the clinical category, beginning prior to such
time as a qualifying national exam was required by the home state and accompanied by a
period of continuous social work licensure thereafter, all of which may be further governed by
the rules of the commission; or
c. The substantial equivalency of the foregoing competency requirements which the commission
may determine by rule;
2. Attain at least a master’s degree in social work from a program that is:
a. Operated by a college or university recognized by the licensing authority; and
b. Accredited, or in candidacy that subsequently becomes accredited, by an accrediting agency
recognized by either:
i. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its successor; or
ii. The United States Department of Education; and
3. Fulfill a practice requirement, which shall be satisfied by demonstrating completion of either:
a. A period of postgraduate supervised clinical practice equal to a minimum of three thousand
(3,000) hours;
b. A minimum of two (2) years of full-time postgraduate supervised clinical practice; or
c. The substantial equivalency of the foregoing practice requirements which the commission may
determine by rule.
C. An applicant for a master’s-category multistate license must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Fulfill a competency requirement, which shall be satisfied by either:
a. Passage of a master's-category qualifying national exam;
b. Licensure of the applicant in their home state at the master’s category, beginning prior to such
time as a qualifying national exam was required by the home state at the master’s category
and accompanied by a continuous period of social work licensure thereafter, all of which may
be further governed by the rules of the commission; or
c. The substantial equivalency of the foregoing competency requirements which the commission
may determine by rule; and
2. Attain at least a master’s degree in social work from a program that is:
a. Operated by a college or university recognized by the licensing authority; and
b. Accredited, or in candidacy that subsequently becomes accredited, by an accrediting agency
recognized by either:
i. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its successor; or CHAPTER 93
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ii. The United States Department of Education.
D. An applicant for a bachelor’s-category multistate license must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Fulfill a competency requirement, which shall be satisfied by either:
a. Passage of a bachelor’s-category qualifying national exam;
b. Licensure of the applicant in their home state at the bachelor’s category, beginning prior to
such time as a qualifying national exam was required by the home state and accompanied by a
period of continuous social work licensure thereafter, all of which may be further governed by
the rules of the commission; or
c. The substantial equivalency of the foregoing competency requirements which the commission
may determine by rule; and
2. Attain at least a bachelor’s degree in social work from a program that is:
a. Operated by a college or university recognized by the licensing authority; and
b. Accredited, or in candidacy that subsequently becomes accredited, by an accrediting agency
recognized by either:
i. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its successor; or
ii. The United States Department of Education.
E. The multistate license for a regulated social worker is subject to the renewal requirements of the home
state. The regulated social worker must maintain compliance with the requirements of subsection A. of this
section to be eligible to renew a multistate license.
F. The regulated social worker’s services in a remote state are subject to that member state’s regulatory
authority. A remote state may, in accordance with due process and that member state’s laws, remove a
regulated social worker’s multistate authorization to practice in the remote state for a specific period of
time, impose fines, or take any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens.
G. If a multistate license is encumbered, the regulated social worker’s multistate authorization to practice shall
be deactivated in all remote states until the multistate license is no longer encumbered.
H. If a multistate authorization to practice is encumbered in a remote state, the regulated social worker’s
multistate authorization to practice may be deactivated in that state until the multistate authorization to
practice is no longer encumbered.
SECTION 5. ISSUANCE OF A MULTISTATE LICENSE
A. Upon receipt of an application for multistate license, the home state licensing authority shall determine the
applicant’s eligibility for a multistate license in accordance with Section 4 of this compact.
B. If such applicant is eligible pursuant to Section 4 of this compact, the home state licensing authority shall
issue a multistate license that authorizes the applicant or regulated social worker to practice in all member
states under a multistate authorization to practice.
C. Upon issuance of a multistate license, the home state licensing authority shall designate whether the
regulated social worker holds a multistate license in the bachelor's, master's, or clinical category of social
work.
D. A multistate license issued by a home state to a resident in that state shall be recognized by all compact
member states as authorizing social work practice under a multistate authorization to practice
corresponding to each category of licensure regulated in each member state.
SECTION 6. AUTHORITY OF INTERSTATE COMPACT COMMISSION AND MEMBER STATE
LICENSING AUTHORITIES
A. Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, shall be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way
reduce the ability of a member state to enact and enforce laws, regulations, or other rules related to the
practice of social work in that state, where those laws, regulations, or other rules are not inconsistent with
the provisions of this compact. ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 6
B. Nothing in this compact shall affect the requirements established by a member state for the issuance of a
single state license.
C. Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, shall be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way
reduce the ability of a member state to take adverse action against a licensee’s single state license to
practice social work in that state.
D. Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, shall be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way
reduce the ability of a remote state to take adverse action against a licensee’s multistate authorization to
practice in that state.
E. Nothing in this compact, nor any rule of the commission, shall be construed to limit, restrict, or in any way
reduce the ability of a licensee’s home state to take adverse action against a licensee’s multistate license
based upon information provided by a remote state.
SECTION 7. REISSUANCE OF A MULTISTATE LICENSE BY A NEW HOME STATE
A. A licensee may hold a multistate license, issued by their home state, in only one (1) member state at any
given time.
B. If a licensee changes their home state by moving between two (2) member states:
1. The licensee shall immediately apply for the reissuance of their multistate license in their new home
state. The licensee shall pay all applicable fees and notify the prior home state in accordance with the
rules of the commission;
2. Upon receipt of an application to reissue a multistate license, the new home state shall verify that the
multistate license is active, unencumbered, and eligible for reissuance under the terms of the
compact and the rules of the commission. The multistate license issued by the prior home state will
be deactivated and all member states notified in accordance with the applicable rules adopted by the
commission;
3. Prior to the reissuance of the multistate license, the new home state shall conduct procedures for
considering the criminal history records of the licensee. These procedures shall include the
submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of
obtaining an applicant’s criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of
Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that state’s criminal records;
4. If required for initial licensure, the new home state may require completion of jurisprudence
requirements in the new home state; and
5. Notwithstanding any other provision of this compact, if a licensee does not meet the requirements set
forth in this compact for the reissuance of a multistate license by the new home state, then the
licensee shall be subject to the new home state requirements for the issuance of a single state license
in that state.
C. If a licensee changes their primary state of residence by moving from a member state to a nonmember state,
or from a nonmember state to a member state, then the licensee shall be subject to the state requirements
for the issuance of a single state license in the new home state.
D. Nothing in this compact shall interfere with a licensee’s ability to hold a single state license in multiple
states; however, for the purposes of this compact, a licensee shall have only one (1) home state, and only
one (1) multistate license.
E. Nothing in this compact shall interfere with the requirements established by a member state for the
issuance of a single state license.
SECTION 8. MILITARY FAMILIES
An active military member, or their spouse, shall designate a home state where the individual has a multistate
license. The individual may retain their home state designation during the period the service member is on active
duty.
SECTION 9. ADVERSE ACTIONS
A. In addition to the other powers conferred by state law, a remote state shall have the authority, in
accordance with existing state due process law, to: CHAPTER 93
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1. Take adverse action against a regulated social worker’s multistate authorization to practice only
within that member state, and issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the
attendance and testimony of witnesses as well as the production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a
licensing authority in a member state for the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production
of evidence from another member state shall be enforced in the latter state by any court of competent
jurisdiction, according to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in
proceedings pending before it. The issuing licensing authority shall pay any witness fees, travel
expenses, mileage, and other fees required by the service statutes of the state in which the witnesses
or evidence are located.
2. Only the home state shall have the power to take adverse action against a regulated social worker’s
multistate license.
B. For purposes of taking adverse action, the home state shall give the same priority and effect to reported
conduct received from a member state as it would if the conduct had occurred within the home state. In so
doing, the home state shall apply its own state laws to determine appropriate action.
C. The home state shall complete any pending investigations of a regulated social worker who changes their
home state during the course of the investigations. The home state shall also have the authority to take
appropriate action and shall promptly report the conclusions of the investigations to the administrator of
the data system. The administrator of the data system shall promptly notify the new home state of any
adverse actions.
D. A member state, if otherwise permitted by state law, may recover from the affected regulated social worker
the costs of investigations and dispositions of cases resulting from any adverse action taken against that
regulated social worker.
E. A member state may take adverse action based on the factual findings of another member state, provided
that the member state follows its own procedures for taking the adverse action.
F. Joint investigations.
1. In addition to the authority granted to a member state by its respective social work practice act or
other applicable state law, any member state may participate with other member states in joint
investigations of licensees.
2. Member states shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any
joint or individual investigation initiated under the compact.
G. If adverse action is taken by the home state against the multistate license of a regulated social worker, the
regulated social worker’s multistate authorization to practice in all other member states shall be deactivated
until all encumbrances have been removed from the multistate license. All home state disciplinary orders
that impose adverse action against the license of a regulated social worker shall include a statement that the
regulated social worker’s multistate authorization to practice is deactivated in all member states until all
conditions of the decision, order, or agreement are satisfied.
H. If a member state takes adverse action, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the data system. The
administrator of the data system shall promptly notify the home state and all other member states of any
adverse actions by remote states.
I. Nothing in this compact shall override a member state’s decision that participation in an alternative
program may be used in lieu of adverse action.
J. Nothing in this compact shall authorize a member state to demand the issuance of subpoenas for
attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another member state for lawful
actions within that member state.
K. Nothing in this compact shall authorize a member state to impose discipline against a regulated social
worker who holds a multistate authorization to practice for lawful actions within another member state.
SECTION 10. ESTABLISHMENT OF SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT COMMISSION
A. The compact member states hereby create and establish a joint government agency whose membership
consists of all member states that have enacted the compact known as the social work licensure compact
commission. The commission is an instrumentality of the compact states acting jointly and not an ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 8
instrumentality of any one (1) state. The commission shall come into existence on or after the effective date
of the compact as set forth in Section 14 of this compact.
B. Membership, voting, and meetings.
1. Each member state shall have and be limited to one (1) delegate selected by that member state’s
licensing authority.
2. The delegate shall be either:
a. A current member of the licensing authority at the time of appointment, who is a regulated
social worker or public member of the licensing authority; or
b. An administrator of the licensing authority or their designee.
3. The commission shall by rule or bylaw establish a term of office for delegates and may by rule or
bylaw establish term limits.
4. The commission may recommend removal or suspension of any delegate from office.
5. A member state’s state licensing authority shall fill any vacancy of its delegate occurring on the
commission within sixty (60) days of the vacancy.
6. Each delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote on all matters before the commission requiring a vote
by commission delegates.
7. A delegate shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may
provide for delegates to meet by telecommunication, videoconference, or other means of
communication.
8. The commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings may be held
as set forth in the bylaws. The commission may meet by telecommunication, video conference, or
other similar electronic means.
C. The commission shall have the following powers:
1. Establish the fiscal year of the commission;
2. Establish code of conduct and conflict of interest policies;
3. Establish and amend rules and bylaws;
4. Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws;
5. Meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this compact, the commission’s
rules, and the bylaws;
6. Initiate and conclude legal proceedings or actions in the name of the commission, provided that the
standing of any state licensing authority to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;
7. Maintain and certify records and information provided to a member state as the authenticated
business records of the commission and designate an agent to do so on the commission’s behalf;
8. Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;
9. Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel including but not limited to employees of a
member state;
10. Conduct an annual financial review;
11. Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant such individuals
appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the compact, and establish the commission’s
personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and
other related personnel matters;
12. Assess and collect fees;
13. Accept any and all appropriate gifts, donations, grants of money, other sources of revenue,
equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and receive, utilize, and dispose of the same; provided
that at all times the commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest; CHAPTER 93
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14. Lease, purchase, retain, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use, any property, real, personal, or
mixed, or any undivided interest therein;
15. Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property real,
personal, or mixed;
16. Establish a budget and make expenditures;
17. Borrow money;
18. Appoint committees, including standing committees composed of members, state regulators, state
legislators or their representatives, and consumer representatives, and such other interested persons
as may be designated in this compact and the bylaws;
19. Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement agencies;
20. Establish and elect an executive committee, including a chair and a vice chair;
21. Determine whether a state’s adopted language is materially different from the model compact
language such that the state would not qualify for participation in the compact; and
22. Perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this
compact.
D. The executive committee.
1. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the commission according to the
terms of this compact. The powers, duties, and responsibilities of the executive committee shall
include to:
a. Oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of the compact, including enforcement
and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its rules and bylaws, and other duties as
deemed necessary;
b. Recommend to the commission changes to the rules or bylaws, changes to this compact
legislation, fees charged to compact member states, fees charged to licensees, and other fees;
c. Ensure compact administration services are appropriately provided, including by contract;
d. Prepare and recommend the budget;
e. Maintain financial records on behalf of the commission;
f. Monitor compact compliance of member states and provide compliance reports to the
commission;
g. Establish additional committees as necessary;
h. Exercise the powers and duties of the commission during the interim between commission
meetings, except for adopting or amending rules, adopting or amending bylaws, and
exercising any other powers and duties expressly reserved to the commission by rule or bylaw;
and
i. Other duties as provided in the rules or bylaws of the commission.
2. The executive committee shall be composed of up to eleven (11) members:
a. The chair and vice chair of the commission shall be voting members of the executive
committee;
b. Five (5) voting members who are elected by the commission from the current membership of
the commission;
c. Up to four (4) ex officio, nonvoting members from four (4) recognized national social worker
organizations; and
d. The ex officio members will be selected by their respective organizations.
3. The commission may remove any member of the executive committee as provided in the
commission’s bylaws. ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 10
4. The executive committee shall meet at least annually.
a. Executive committee meetings shall be open to the public, except that the executive committee
may meet in a closed, nonpublic meeting as provided in subsection F.2. of this section.
b. The executive committee shall give seven (7) days’ notice of its meetings, posted on its website
and as determined to provide notice to persons with an interest in the business of the
commission.
c. The executive committee may hold a special meeting in accordance with subsection F.1.b. of
this section.
E. The commission shall adopt and provide to the member states an annual report.
F. Meetings of the commission.
1. All meetings shall be open to the public, except that the commission may meet in a closed, nonpublic
meeting as provided in paragraph 2. of this subsection.
a. Public notice for all meetings of the full commission of meetings shall be given in the same
manner as required under the rulemaking provisions in Section 12 of this compact, except that
the commission may hold a special meeting as provided in paragraph 1.b. of this subsection.
b. The commission may hold a special meeting when it must meet to conduct emergency business
by giving forty-eight (48) hours’ notice to all commissioners, on the commission’s website, and
other means as provided in the commission’s rules. The commission’s legal counsel shall
certify that the commission’s need to meet qualifies as an emergency.
2. The commission, the executive committee, or other committees of the commission may convene in a
closed, nonpublic meeting for the commission, executive committee, or other committees of the
commission to receive legal advice or to discuss:
a. Noncompliance of a member state with its obligations under the compact;
b. The employment, compensation, discipline, or other matters, practices or procedures related to
specific employees;
c. Current or threatened discipline of a licensee by the commission or by a member state’s
licensing authority;
d. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;
e. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate;
f. Accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;
g. Trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;
h. Information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy;
i. Investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;
j. Information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the
commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination
of compliance issues pursuant to the compact;
k. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or member state law; or
l. Other matters as promulgated by the commission by rule.
3. If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed, the presiding officer shall state that the meeting will
be closed and reference each relevant exempting provision, and such reference shall be recorded in
the minutes.
4. The commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting
and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefor, including
a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be
identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, CHAPTER 93
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subject to release only by a majority vote of the commission or order of a court of competent
jurisdiction.
G. Financing of the commission.
1. The commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its
establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.
2. The commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, as provided in subsection C.13.
of this section.
3. The commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state and impose
fees on licensees of member states to whom it grants a multistate license to cover the cost of the
operations and activities of the commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient
to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources.
The aggregate annual assessment amount for member states shall be allocated based upon a formula
that the commission shall promulgate by rule.
4. The commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet
the same; nor shall the commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with
the authority of the member state.
5. The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and
disbursements of the commission shall be subject to the financial review and accounting procedures
established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the
commission shall be subject to an annual financial review by a certified or licensed public
accountant, and the report of the financial review shall be included in and become part of the annual
report of the commission.
H. Qualified immunity, defense, and indemnification.
1. The members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the commission shall be
immune from suit and liability, both personally and in their official capacity, for any claim for
damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any
actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is
made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment,
duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any
such person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or
willful or wanton misconduct of that person. The procurement of insurance of any type by the
commission shall not in any way compromise or limit the immunity granted hereunder.
2. The commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee, and representative
of the commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged
act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or
responsibilities, or as determined by the commission that the person against whom the claim is made
had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or
responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from
retaining their own counsel at their own expense; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act,
error, or omission did not result from that person’s intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.
3. The commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director,
employee, and representative of the commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment
obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred
within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such person had a
reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or
responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the
intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.
4. Nothing in this compact shall be construed as a limitation on the liability of any licensee for
professional malpractice or misconduct, which shall be governed solely by any other applicable state
laws.
5. Nothing in this compact shall be interpreted to waive or otherwise abrogate a member state’s state
action immunity or state action affirmative defense with respect to antitrust claims under the ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 12
Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. sec. 1 et seq.; Clayton Act, 15 U.S.C. sec. 12 et seq.; or any other
state or federal antitrust or anticompetitive law or regulation.
6. Nothing in this compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity by the member
states or by the commission.
SECTION 11. DATA SYSTEM
A. The commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, operation, and utilization of a coordinated
data system.
B. The commission shall assign each applicant for a multistate license a unique identifier, as determined by
the rules of the commission.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of state law to the contrary, a member state shall submit a uniform
data set to the data system on all individuals to whom this compact is applicable as required by the rules of
the commission, including:
1. Identifying information;
2. Licensure data;
3. Adverse actions against a license and information related thereto;
4. Nonconfidential information related to alternative program participation, the beginning and ending
of such participation, and other information related to such participation not made confidential
under member state law;
5. Any denial of application for licensure, and the reasons for such denial;
6. The presence of current significant investigative information; and
7. Other information that may facilitate the administration of this compact or the protection of the
public, as determined by the rules of the commission.
D. The records and information provided to a member state pursuant to this compact or through the data
system, when certified by the commission or an agent thereof, shall constitute the authenticated business
records of the commission, and shall be entitled to any associated hearsay exception in any relevant
judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative proceedings in a member state.
E. Current significant investigative information pertaining to a licensee in any member state will only be
available to other member states. It is the responsibility of the member states to report any adverse action
against a licensee and to monitor the database to determine whether adverse action has been taken against
a licensee. Adverse action information pertaining to a licensee in any member state will be available to any
other member state.
F. Member states contributing information to the data system may designate information that may not be
shared with the public without the express permission of the contributing state.
G. Any information submitted to the data system that is subsequently expunged pursuant to federal law or the
laws of the member state contributing the information shall be removed from the data system.
SECTION 12. RULEMAKING
A. The commission shall promulgate reasonable rules in order to effectively and efficiently implement and
administer the purposes and provisions of the compact. A rule shall be invalid and have no force or effect
only if a court of competent jurisdiction holds that the rule is invalid because the commission exercised its
rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope and purposes of the compact, or the powers
granted hereunder, or based upon another applicable standard of review.
B. The rules of the commission shall have the force of law in each member state, provided however that where
the rules of the commission conflict with the laws of the member state that establish the member state’s
laws, regulations, and applicable standards that govern the practice of social work as held by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the rules of the commission shall be ineffective in that state to the extent of the
conflict.
C. The commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this section and
the rules adopted thereunder. Rules shall become binding on the day following adoption or the date
specified in the rule or amendment, whichever is later. CHAPTER 93
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D. If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule or portion of a rule, by enactment of a
statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact within four (4) years of the date of
adoption of the rule, then the rule shall have no further force and effect in any member state.
E. Rules shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the commission.
F. Prior to adoption of a proposed rule, the commission shall hold a public hearing and allow persons to
provide oral and written comments, data, facts, opinions, and arguments.
G. Prior to adoption of a proposed rule by the commission, and at least thirty (30) days in advance of the
meeting at which the commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule, the commission shall
provide a notice of proposed rulemaking:
1. On the website of the commission or other publicly accessible platform;
2. To persons who have requested notice of the commission’s notices of proposed rulemaking; and
3. In such other way as the commission may by rule specify.
H. The notice of proposed rulemaking shall include:
1. The time, date, and location of the public hearing at which the commission will hear public
comments on the proposed rule and, if different, the time, date, and location of the meeting where the
commission will consider and vote on the proposed rule;
2. If the hearing is held via telecommunication, video conference, or other electronic means, the
commission shall include the mechanism for access to the hearing in the notice of proposed
rulemaking;
3. The text of the proposed rule and the reason therefor;
4. A request for comments on the proposed rule from any interested person; and
5. The manner in which interested persons may submit written comments.
I. All hearings will be recorded. A copy of the recording and all written comments and documents received by
the commission in response to the proposed rule shall be available to the public.
J. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing on each rule. Rules may be
grouped for the convenience of the commission at hearings required by this section.
K. The commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed rule based on the
rulemaking record and the full text of the rule.
1. The commission may adopt changes to the proposed rule provided the changes do not enlarge the
original purpose of the proposed rule.
2. The commission shall provide an explanation of the reasons for substantive changes made to the
proposed rule as well as reasons for substantive changes not made that were recommended by
commenters.
3. The commission shall determine a reasonable effective date for the rule. Except for an emergency as
provided in subsection L. of this section, the effective date of the rule shall be no sooner than thirty
(30) days after issuing the notice that it adopted or amended the rule.
L. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the commission may consider and adopt an emergency rule
with forty-eight (48) hours’ notice, with opportunity to comment, provided that the usual rulemaking
procedures provided in the compact and in this section shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as
reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the rule. For the
purposes of this provision, an emergency rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:
1. Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;
2. Prevent a loss of commission or member state funds;
3. Meet a deadline for the promulgation of a rule that is established by federal law or rule; or
4. Protect public health and safety. ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 14
M. The commission or an authorized committee of the commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted
rule for purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical
errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the commission. The revision shall be
subject to challenge by any person for a period of thirty (30) days after posting. The revision may be
challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a rule. A challenge shall be
made in writing and delivered to the commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is
made, the revision will take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not
take effect without the approval of the commission.
N. No member state’s rulemaking requirements shall apply under this compact.
SECTION 13. OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, AND ENFORCEMENT
A. Oversight.
1. The executive and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this
compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to implement the compact.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this compact, venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against
the commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the
principal office of the commission is located. The commission may waive venue and jurisdictional
defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution
proceedings. Nothing herein shall affect or limit the selection or propriety of venue in any action
against a licensee for professional malpractice, misconduct, or any such similar matter.
3. The commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any proceeding regarding the
enforcement or interpretation of the compact and shall have standing to intervene in such a
proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide the commission service of process shall render a
judgment or order void as to the commission, this compact, or promulgated rules.
B. Default, technical assistance, and termination.
1. If the commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations
or responsibilities under this compact or the promulgated rules, the commission shall provide written
notice to the defaulting state. The notice of default shall describe the default, the proposed means of
curing the default, and any other action that the commission may take, and shall offer training and
specific technical assistance regarding the default.
2. The commission shall provide a copy of the notice of default to the other member states.
C. If a state in default fails to cure the default, the defaulting state may be terminated from the compact upon
an affirmative vote of a majority of the delegates of the member states, and all rights, privileges, and
benefits conferred on that state by this compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A
cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period
of default.
D. Termination of membership in the compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing
compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the commission
to the Governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state’s legislature, the defaulting state’s
state licensing authority, and each of the member states’ state licensing authority.
E. A state that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred
through the effective date of termination, including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of
termination.
F. Upon the termination of a state’s membership from this compact, that state shall immediately provide notice
to all licensees within that state of such termination. The terminated state shall continue to recognize all
licenses granted pursuant to this compact for a minimum of six (6) months after the date of said notice of
termination.
G. The commission shall not bear any costs related to a state that is found to be in default or that has been
terminated from the compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the commission and the defaulting
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H. The defaulting state may appeal the action of the commission by petitioning the United States District Court
for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices. The
prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
I. Dispute resolution.
1. Upon request by a member state, the commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the
compact that arise among member states and between member and nonmember states.
2. The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution
for disputes as appropriate.
J. Enforcement.
1. By majority vote as provided by rule, the commission may initiate legal action against a member state
in default in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where
the commission has its principal offices to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact and
its promulgated rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event
judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation,
including reasonable attorney’s fees. The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the
commission. The commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or the
defaulting member state’s law.
2. A member state may initiate legal action against the commission in the United States District Court
for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the commission has its principal offices to
enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact and its promulgated rules. The relief sought
may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the
prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
3. No person other than a member state shall enforce this compact against the commission.
SECTION 14. EFFECTIVE DATE, WITHDRAWA L, AND AMENDMENT
A. The compact shall come into effect on the date on which the compact statute is enacted into law in the
seventh member state.
1. On or after the effective date of the compact, the commission shall convene and review the enactment
of each of the first seven (7) member states ("charter member states") to determine if the statute
enacted by each such charter member state is materially different than the model compact statute.
a. A charter member state whose enactment is found to be materially different from the model
compact statute shall be entitled to the default process set forth in Section 13 of this compact.
b. If any member state is later found to be in default, or is terminated or withdraws from the
compact, the commission shall remain in existence and the compact shall remain in effect
even if the number of member states should be less than seven (7).
2. Member states enacting the compact subsequent to the seven (7) initial charter member states shall
be subject to the process set forth in Section 10.C.21. of this compact to determine if their enactments
are materially different from the model compact statute and whether they qualify for participation in
the compact.
3. All actions taken for the benefit of the commission or in furtherance of the purposes of the
administration of the compact prior to the effective date of the compact or the commission coming
into existence shall be considered to be actions of the commission unless specifically repudiated by
the commission.
4. Any state that joins the compact subsequent to the commission’s initial adoption of the rules and
bylaws shall be subject to the rules and bylaws as they exist on the date on which the compact
becomes law in that state. Any rule that has been previously adopted by the commission shall have
the full force and effect of law on the day the compact becomes law in that state.
B. Any member state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same.
1. A member state’s withdrawal shall not take effect until one hundred eighty (180) days after
enactment of the repealing statute. ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 16
2. Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing state’s licensing authority
to comply with the investigative and adverse action reporting requirements of this compact prior to
the effective date of withdrawal.
3. Upon the enactment of a statute withdrawing from this compact, a state shall immediately provide
notice of such withdrawal to all licensees within that state. Notwithstanding any subsequent statutory
enactment to the contrary, the withdrawing state shall continue to recognize all licenses granted
pursuant to this compact for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of such
notice of withdrawal.
C. Nothing contained in this compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any social work licensure
agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a member state and a nonmember state that does not
conflict with the provisions of this compact.
D. This compact may be amended by the member states. No amendment to this compact shall become effective
and binding upon any member state until it is enacted into the laws of all member states.
SECTION 15. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY
A. This compact and the commission’s rulemaking authority shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the
purposes, and the implementation and administration of the compact. Provisions of the compact expressly
authorizing or requiring the promulgation of rules shall not be construed to limit the commission’s
rulemaking authority solely for those purposes.
B. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this
compact is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be contrary to the constitution of any member state,
a state seeking participation in the compact, or of the United States, or the applicability thereof to any
government, agency, person, or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any other
government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.
C. Notwithstanding subsection B. of this section, the commission may deny a state’s participation in the
compact or, in accordance with the requirements of Section 13.B. of this compact, terminate a member
state’s participation in the compact, if it determines that a constitutional requirement of a member state is a
material departure from the compact. Otherwise, if this compact shall be held to be contrary to the
constitution of any member state, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining
member states and in full force and effect as to the member state affected as to all severable matters.
SECTION 16. CONSISTENT EFFECT AND CONFLICT WITH OTHER STATE LAWS
A. A licensee providing services in a remote state under a multistate authorization to practice shall adhere to
the laws, regulations, and applicable standards of the remote state where the client is located at the time
care is rendered.
B. Nothing herein shall prevent or inhibit the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not
inconsistent with the compact.
C. Any laws, statutes, regulations, or other legal requirements in a member state in conflict with the compact
are superseded to the extent of the conflict.
D. All permissible agreements between the commission and the member states are binding in accordance with
their terms.
SECTION 17. APPLICABILITY OF KENTUCKY STATE GOVERNMENT
In order to clarify the effect of certain provisions of this compact and to ensure that the rights and responsibilities
of the various branches of government are maintained, the following shall be in effect in this state:
A. By entering into this compact, this state authorizes the licensing authority as defined in Section 2.O. of this
compact and as created by KRS 335.050 to implement the provisions of this compact.
B. Notwithstanding any provision of this compact to the contrary:
1. When a rule is adopted pursuant to Section 12 of this compact, the licensing authority of this state as
defined by Section 2.O. of this compact shall have sixty (60) days to review the rule for the purpose of
filing the rule as an emergency administrative regulation pursuant to KRS 13A.190 and for filing the
rule as an accompanying ordinary administrative regulation, following the requirements of KRS CHAPTER 93
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Chapter 13A. Failure by the licensing authority of this state as defined by Section 2.O. of this
compact to promulgate a rule adopted by the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission as an
administrative regulation pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A shall result in withdrawal as set forth in
Section 14 of this compact. Nothing in these provisions shall negate the applicability of a commission
rule or Section 12 of this compact to this state.
2. If the proposed administrative regulation is found deficient and the deficiency is not resolved
pursuant to KRS 13A.330 or 13A.335, Section 14 of this compact shall apply. If the deficiency is
resolved in a manner determined by the commission to be inconsistent with this compact or its rules,
or if the procedures under Section 13 of this compact fail to resolve an issue, the withdrawal
provisions of Section 14 of this compact shall apply.
3. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission
created by Section 10 of this compact exercises its rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond
the scope of the purposes of this compact, or the powers granted under this compact, then such an
action by the commission shall be invalid and have no force or effect.
C. Section 10.G. of this compact pertaining to the financing of the commission shall not be interpreted to
obligate the general fund of this state. Any funds used to finance this compact shall be from money
collected pursuant to KRS 335.140.
D. This compact shall apply only to those regulated social workers who practice or work under a compact
privilege.
Section 2. KRS 319.053 is amended to read as follows:
(1) A person holding a credential as a certified psychologist or as a licensed psychological associate may apply for
a license to perform certain functions within the practice of psychology without supervision and to use the title
of "licensed psychological practitioner" when all of the following conditions are met:
(a) Submission of three (3) letters of endorsement to the board to sit for the examination;
1. One (1) of the letters shall be from the applicant's current board-approved supervisor of record
and shall include a statement describing the scope of practice demonstrated in the clinical
experience of the applicant; and
2. Two (2) letters shall be from licensed mental health professionals who are acceptable to the
board and who are familiar with the clinical work of the applicant;
(b) Payment of a fee not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200);
(c) Documentation of at least sixty (60) semester hours of graduate study in psychology or a related field or
its equivalent acceptable to the board; and
(d) Completion, after credentialing by the board as a certified psychologist, psychological associate, or
licensed psychological associate, of the equivalent of two (2)[five (5)] full-time years of professional
experience under the supervision of a board-approved licensed psychologist.
(2) An applicant for licensure under this section shall not have been subject to disciplinary action by the board. An
applicant who has been the subject of disciplinary action may appeal to the board for an exception.
(3) An applicant for licensure under this section shall be required by the board to pass the national objective
examination known as the EPPP, with a score equal to or exceeding the score required for passage for a
licensed psychologist candidate at the doctoral level at the time the examination is taken. The board shall
accept the applicant's previous examination results for the objective EPPP examination if the original test score
satisfied the licensure requirement at the doctoral level in effect at the time of that test administration. If the
applicant's previous score does not meet this criterion, the applicant may retake the examination until the score
obtained equals or exceeds the score required for independent practice at the doctoral level at the time the
examination is taken.
(4) The board shall require an applicant for licensure under this section to pass an examination on psychological
practice, ethical principles, and the law. The examination shall be conducted in accordance with procedures
established in administrative regulations promulgated by the board in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A. The
examination shall be evaluated using the same criteria as the examination for licensed psychologist candidates. ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 18
(5) The applicant may continue to function under the supervision of a board-approved licensed psychologist until
the applicant successfully completes the requirements for licensure as a licensed psychological practitioner.
(6) The board shall grade and keep the examinations and results on file for one (1) year. Upon written request to
the board, an applicant may arrange to discuss his or her performance on the examinations.
(7) Upon successful completion of all requirements, the board shall issue to the applicant a license to perform
certain functions within the practice of psychology without supervision and to use the title "licensed
psychological practitioner."
(8) The licensee under this section shall not supervise certified psychologists, licensed psychological practitioners,
or licensed psychological associates.
Section 3. KRS 319.050 is amended to read as follows:
(1) Before granting a license to practice psychology and to use the title "licensed psychologist" the board shall
require the applicant to pass an examination in psychology and to fulfill all requirements for supervised
experience.
(2) The applicant shall:
(a) Pay a fee not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300);
(b) Have received a doctoral degree in psychology that is acceptable to the board from a regionally
accredited educational institution; provided, however, the board may grant a license to an individual
otherwise qualified under this chapter who has received a doctoral degree in psychology that is
acceptable to the board from an educational institution outside the United States, if the educational
institution would otherwise be accredited by a regional accrediting body if located in the United States;
(c) Have passed the national EPPP examination at the doctoral level; and
(d) Have had at least two (2) years of supervised professional experience satisfactory to the board, one (1)
year of which shall be an internship.
(3) Upon acceptance of the application to sit for the examination in psychology, the applicant may practice
psychology under the supervision of a licensed psychologist under conditions of supervision and temporary
licensure established by the board. The board shall establish a grace period not to exceed one hundred eighty
(180)[sixty (60)] days to allow for the employment and supervision of the applicant by an agency from the
time the applicant's degree requirements are completed to the submission of the complete application. During
this period of supervision, the applicant for licensure may not supervise certified psychologists, licensed
psychological associates, other applicants for licensure, or temporarily licensed persons, nor shall he engage in
an independent practice, except under the employment of his supervising psychologist. Upon certification to
the board of completion of the two (2) years of supervision satisfactory to the board, the applicant shall be
examined on psychological practice, ethical principles, and the law.
(4) The board shall grade and keep the examinations and results on file for one (1) year. Upon written request to
the board, an applicant may arrange to discuss his or her performance on the examination.
(5) Upon successful completion of the examination process, the board shall issue a license to practice psychology
and the applicant may use the title "licensed psychologist."
(6) Licensed psychologists may function independently without supervision. Licensed psychologists who have the
designation "health service provider" may retain that designation and may employ and supervise certified
psychologists and licensed psychological associates. Licensed psychologists who have the designation "health
service provider" may supervise no more than a total of six (6) certified psychologists, licensed psychological
associates, or applicants for licensure at one (1) time.
(7) [(a) From July 15, 2010, until July 1, 2013, the designation "health service provider" shall be made on the
license of those licensed psychologists who have completed one (1) year of supervised experience
under conditions of temporary licensure approved by the board or who have completed one (1) year of
supervised experience acceptable to the board after achieving licensure status as a licensed
psychologist.
(b) Beginning July 1, 2013, ]The designation "health service provider" shall be made on the license of those
licensed psychologists who have completed one (1) additional year of supervised experience
satisfactory to the board in health care service delivery. This year of supervised experience shall be in
addition to the supervised experience requirement for licensure as a licensed psychologist. Health CHAPTER 93
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service providers may provide supervision of direct health care services by applicants for licensure,
certified psychologists, and licensed psychological associates. Health service providers may supervise
no more than a total of six (6) certified psychologists, licensed psychological associates, or applicants
for licensure at one (1) time.
Section 4. KRS 319.064 is amended to read as follows:
(1) An individual credentialed as a psychological associate shall use the title "licensed psychological associate"
and the board shall issue a license with that title at the time of renewal.
(2) The board shall issue a license to perform certain functions within the practice of psychology and to use the
title "licensed psychological associate" to any applicant who:
(a) Pays a fee not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300);
(b) Has received:
1. A master's degree in psychology acceptable to the board; or
2. The equivalent education for a master's degree and has been accepted into a psychology
predoctoral internship program in Kentucky that satisfies the criteria for the predoctoral
internship established by the board;
from a regionally accredited educational institution or from an educational institution outside the United
States, if such educational institution would otherwise be accredited by a regional accrediting body if
located in the United States; and
(c) Has passed an examination procedure in psychology.
(3) Upon acceptance of the application to sit for the examination in psychology, the applicant may practice
psychology under the supervision of a licensed psychologist under conditions of temporary licensure
established by the board. The board shall establish a grace period not to exceed one hundred eighty
(180)[sixty (60)] days to allow for the employment and supervision of the applicant by an agency from the
time the applicant's degree requirements are completed to the submission of the complete application.
(4) The board shall grade and keep the examinations and results for one (1) year. Upon written request to the
board, an applicant may arrange to discuss his or her performance on the examination.
(5) Any psychological associate licensed pursuant to this section may perform certain functions within the practice
of psychology only under the supervision of a licensed psychologist approved by the board. The licensed
psychological associate shall not practice independently, except under the employment and supervision of the
board-approved licensed psychologist. A licensed psychological associate shall not represent himself or herself
as a licensed or certified psychologist or as a licensed psychological practitioner. A licensed psychological
associate shall not employ or supervise certified psychologists, licensed psychological practitioners, or
licensed psychological associates.
Signed by Governor April 5, 2024.