SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 1 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. Regular Session, 2014 SENATE BILL NO. 128 BY SENATOR MARTINY PSYCHOLOGISTS. Provides for the licensure of specialist in school psychology by the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. (8/1/14) (2/3-CA7s2.1) AN ACT1 To amend and reenact R.S. 37:2352(4), (5), (6) and (7), 2354(B), (C) and (D), 2355(B),2 2357, the introductory paragraph of 2359(B), 2359(E) and (G), 2363(A), (B), (C)(3),3 (4), and (5), and (D) and to enact R.S. 37:2352(8), (9), and (10), 2356.2, and4 2359(B)(15), relative to the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists; to provide5 relative to powers and duties of the board; to provide for definitions; to provide for6 the licensure of specialists in school psychology; to provide for the practice of a7 licensed specialist in school psychology; to provide for licensure and licensure8 renewal fees; to provide for scope of practice of specialists in school psychology; to9 provide for procedures, terms, and conditions; and to provide for related matters.10 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:11 Section 1. R.S. 37:2352(4), (5), (6) and (7), 2354(B), (C) and (D), 2355(B), 2357,12 the introductory paragraph of 2359(B), 2359(E) and (G), 2363(A), (B), (C)(3), (4), and (5),13 and (D) are hereby amended and reenacted and R.S. 37:2352(8), (9), and (10), 2356.2, and14 2359(B)(15) are hereby enacted to read as follows:15 §2352. Definition of terms16 As used in this Chapter the following terms mean:17 SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 2 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. * * *1 (4) "Licensed specialist in school psychology" means any person licensed2 as a specialist in school psychology who applies his knowledge of both3 psychology and education during consultation and collaboration with others4 and engages in specific services for students, such as direct and indirect5 interventions that focus on academic skills, learning, socialization, and mental6 health.7 (5) "Persons" includes an individual, firm, partnership, association, or8 corporation.9 (6) "Practice of licensed specialist in school psychology" is defined as the10 application of psychological principles, methods, and procedures to help11 children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and12 emotionally. Licensed specialists in school psychology collaborate with13 educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and14 supportive learning environments that strengthen the connection between home,15 school, and the community for all students. They apply their knowledge of both16 psychology and education during consultation and collaboration with others17 and conduct effective decision making using a foundation of assessment and18 data collection. Licensed specialists in school psychology provide services to19 schools and families that enhance the competence and well-being of children,20 including promotion of effective and safe learning environments, prevention of21 academic and behavior problems, response to crises, and improvement of the22 collaboration between schools and families. The key foundations for all services23 provided by licensed specialists in school psychology are understanding of24 diversity in development and learning, research and program evaluation, and25 legal, ethical, and professional practices. The types of evaluations performed26 by a licensed specialist in school psychology will be those that are germane to27 the current state educational bulletins, including but not limited to Louisiana28 Bulletins 1508 and 1706. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to permit29 SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 3 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. a licensed specialist in school psychology to diagnose mental disorders as1 defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or2 International Classification of Disease diagnosis.3 (5) (7) "Practice of psychology" is defined as the observation, description,4 evaluation, interpretation, and modification of human behavior, by the application5 of psychological principles, methods, and procedures, for the purpose of eliminating6 symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior, and of improving interpersonal7 relationships, work and life adjustment, personal effectiveness, behavioral health,8 and mental health. The practice of psychology includes but is not limited to9 psychological testing and evaluation or assessment of personal characteristics such10 as intelligence, personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and neuropsychological11 functioning; counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, stress12 management, biofeedback, behavior analysis and therapy; diagnosis and treatment13 of mental and emotional disorder or disability, alcoholism and substance abuse, and14 of the psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability; psycho15 educational evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation. Psychological16 services may be rendered to individuals, families, groups, institutions, organizations,17 and the public. The practice of psychology shall be construed within the meaning of18 this definition without regard to whether payment is received for services rendered.19 (6) (8) "Psychologist" means any person licensed as a psychologist under20 this Chapter. A person represents himself to be a psychologist by using any title or21 description of services incorporating the words "psychology", "psychological", or22 "psychologist", or by using any other terms which imply that he is qualified to23 practice psychology or that he possesses expert qualification in any area of24 psychology or if that person offers to the public or renders to individuals or to groups25 of individuals services defined as the practice of psychology in this Chapter.26 (7) (9) "School" or "college" means any regional accredited university or27 other institution of higher learning offering a full-time doctoral course of study in28 psychology that is approved by the board.29 SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 4 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (10) "School system" means any institution or facility which provides1 for education of children in grades one or above, which may include2 kindergarten or prekindergarten attached thereto.3 * * *4 §2354. Fees5 * * *6 B.(1) The board shall charge an application fee to all applicants for licensure.7 The board may also charge a written examination fee and an oral examination fee.8 A hearing fee may also be charged at the discretion of the board. The board shall9 establish a reasonable fee schedule in conformity with the provisions of the10 Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq.11 (2) The board shall charge an application fee to any person applying for12 licensure as a specialist in school psychology that shall not exceed two hundred13 dollars. The board shall adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative14 Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this Paragraph.15 C.(1) Every licensed psychologist in this state shall annually pay to the board16 during the month of July of each year, beginning in the year immediately subsequent17 to his initial license, a renewal fee to be determined annually by the board. The18 license of any psychologist who shall fail to have his license renewed during the19 month of July in each and every year shall lapse; the failure to renew said license,20 however, shall not deprive said psychologist of the right of renewal thereafter. Such21 lapsed license may be renewed, within a period of two years after such lapse, upon22 payment of a reinstatement fee equal to the current application fee and the current23 renewal fee.24 (2)(a) Every licensed specialist in school psychology in this state shall25 annually pay to the board during the month of July of each year, beginning in26 the year immediately subsequent to his initial license, a renewal fee that shall27 not exceed one hundred dollars.28 (b) Failure to renew the license as provided in Subparagraph (a) of this29 SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 5 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. Paragraph shall cause the license to lapse. For a period of two years from the1 date of lapse of the license, such license may be renewed upon payment of a2 reinstatement fee that shall not exceed three hundred dollars.3 (c) The board shall adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative4 Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this Paragraph.5 D. The board shall annually send a renewal notice to all psychologists and6 specialists in school psychology licensed by the board.7 * * *8 §2355. Records9 * * *10 B. The board shall publish or cause to be published annually a list of11 psychologists or licensed specialists in school psychology licensed under this12 Chapter.13 * * *14 §2356.2. Specialist in school psychology; licensure; scope of practice15 A.(1) The board shall issue a license as a specialist in school psychology16 to any person who files an application upon a form and in such a manner as the17 board prescribes, accompanied by the fee required by this Chapter, and who18 furnishes evidence to the board that, except as otherwise required by law, the19 person:20 (a) Is at least twenty-one years of age.21 (b) Is of good moral character.22 (c) Is a citizen of the United States or has declared his intention to23 become a citizen. A statement by the person under oath that he is a citizen or24 that he intends to apply for citizenship when he becomes eligible to make such25 application shall be sufficient proof of compliance with the requirement of this26 Paragraph.27 (d) Is not in violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter and the28 rules and regulations adopted by the board.29 SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 6 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (e) Has completed a school specialist degree from a National Association1 of School Psychologists approved program or equivalent.2 (f) Has completed a one thousand two hundred hour, nine month3 internship under the supervision of a certified school psychologist in a school4 setting or by a licensed psychologist in a community setting. Of the one5 thousand two hundred hours, six hundred hours shall be completed in a school6 setting.7 (g) Has completed three years of supervised experience as a certified8 school psychologist within the public school system.9 (h) Has passed the Nationally Certified School Psychologist examination.10 (i) Has demonstrated professional knowledge of laws and rules11 regarding the practice of psychology in Louisiana.12 (2) If the board reasonably believes that a person applying for a license13 or for a renewal of a license is not physically and mentally competent to render14 psychological services with reasonable skill and safety to his patients, or is15 afflicted with a disease or condition, either physical or mental, that would16 impair his competency to render psychological services, the board may request17 that the person submit to a physical examination by a medical doctor approved18 by the board or a mental health examination by a psychologist or psychiatrist19 approved by the board. If the person refuses to submit to the examination, the20 board, after contradictory hearing and upon finding reasonable cause, may21 issue an order requiring the person to submit to the physical or mental health22 examination. A person who is ordered to submit to a physical or mental health23 examination shall not be eligible for licensure or renewal of license prior to such24 examination. Proceedings under this Paragraph shall be conducted in25 compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act.26 B.(1)(a) A licensed specialist in school psychology, who is engaged in27 such practice, may practice independently as a contractor of a public, private,28 or charter school.29 SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 7 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (b) A licensed specialist in school psychology who is engaged in such1 practice and working outside of the school system shall be required to do so2 under the clinical supervision of a licensed psychologist. The licensed3 psychologist shall be administratively, clinically, and legally responsible for all4 professional activities of the licensed specialist in school psychology, and the5 licensed psychologist shall be required to sign any final reports prepared by the6 licensed specialist in school psychology.7 (2)(a) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit in any way the8 duties and responsibilities of a school psychologist certified by the state9 Department of Education.10 (b) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a licensed psychologist from11 providing services within a school provided such services are within the12 psychologist's area of competence.13 §2357. Renewal of license14 A.(1) Persons licensed as psychologists under the provisions of this Chapter15 shall be eligible for renewal of licensure without regard to any subsequent changes16 in the requirements for licensure upon payment of the fees established under R.S.17 37:2354 and compliance with the requirement established pursuant to Subsection B.18 B. (2) The board shall establish continuing education requirements to be19 fulfilled prior to the renewal of a license. Failure to fulfill these requirements shall20 cause the license to lapse. For a period of two years from the date of lapse of the21 license, the license may be renewed upon proof of fulfilling all continuing education22 requirements applicable through the date of reinstatement and upon payment of all23 fees due under R.S. 37:2354.24 B.(1) Persons licensed as a specialist in school psychology under the25 provisions of this Chapter shall be eligible for renewal of licensure without26 regard to any subsequent changes in the requirements for licensure upon27 payment of fees required by this Chapter and compliance with the provisions28 of this Subsection.29 SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 8 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (2)(a) The board shall establish continuing education requirements to1 be fulfilled by the licensed specialist in school psychology prior to license2 renewal.3 (b) Failure to fulfill the continuing education requirements shall cause4 the license to lapse. For a period of two years from the date of lapse of the5 license, the license may be renewed upon proof of fulfilling all continuing6 education requirements applicable through the date of reinstatement and upon7 payment of all fees required by this Chapter.8 (c) The board may adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative9 Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this Chapter.10 * * *11 §2359. Denial, revocation, or suspension of license; psychologist; specialist in12 school psychology13 * * *14 B. The board shall have the power and duty to suspend, place on probation,15 require remediation for a specified time, revoke any license to practice psychology16 or license to practice as a specialist in school psychology, or take any other action17 specified in the rules and regulations whenever the board, by affirmative vote of at18 least four of its five members, shall find by a preponderance of the evidence that a19 psychologist or specialist in school psychology has engaged in any of the following20 acts or offenses:21 * * *22 (15) Failure to comply with mandatory reporter laws.23 * * *24 E. Suspension by the board of the license of a psychologist or a specialist in25 school psychology shall be for a period not exceeding two years.26 * * *27 G. The board shall notify all licensed psychologists and licensed specialists28 in school psychology of any disciplinary action taken against a licensed psychologist29 SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 9 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. and a licensed specialist in school psychology.1 * * *2 §2363. Privileged communications3 A. In judicial proceedings, whether civil, criminal, or juvenile, legislative and4 administrative proceedings, and proceedings preliminary and ancillary thereto, a5 patient or client, or his legal representative, may refuse to disclose or prevent the6 disclosure of confidential information, including information contained in7 administrative records, communicated to a psychologist or a licensed specialist in8 school psychology licensed under this Chapter, or persons reasonably believed by9 the patient or client to be so licensed, or to their employees or other persons under10 their supervision, for the purpose of diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of any mental11 or emotional condition or disorder.12 B. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the psychologist or licensed13 specialist in school psychology is presumed to be authorized to claim the privilege14 on behalf of the patient or client.15 C. This privilege may not be claimed by or on behalf of the patient or client16 in the following circumstances:17 * * *18 (3) Where such information is necessary for the defense of the psychologist19 or licensed specialist in school psychology in a malpractice action brought by the20 patient or client.21 (4) Where an immediate threat of physical violence against a clearly22 identified victim or victims is disclosed to the psychologist or licensed specialist in23 school psychology.24 (5) In the context of civil commitment proceedings, where an immediate25 threat of self-inflicted damage is disclosed to the psychologist or licensed specialist26 in school psychology.27 * * *28 D. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, testimonial privileges,29 SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 10 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. exceptions, and waiver with respect to communications between psychologist or1 licensed specialist in school psychology and patient are governed by the Louisiana2 Code of Evidence.3 The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Michelle Ducharme. DIGEST Martiny (SB 128) Present law provides for powers and duties of the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (board). Present law provides for definitions. Proposed law retains present law and adds the following definitions: (1)"Licensed specialist in school psychology" means any person licensed as a specialist in school psychology who applies their knowledge of both psychology and education during consultation and collaboration with others and engages in specific services for students, such as direct and indirect interventions that focus on academic skills, learning, socialization, and mental health. (2)"Practice of licensed specialist in school psychology" is defined as the application of psychological principles, methods, and procedures to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. Licensed specialists in school psychology collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen the connection between home, school, and the community for all students. They apply their knowledge of both psychology and education during consultation and collaboration with others and conduct effective decision making using a foundation of assessment and data collection. Licensed specialists in school psychology provide services to schools and families that enhance the competence and well-being of children, including promotion of effective and safe learning environments, prevention of academic and behavior problems, response to crises, and improvement of the collaboration between schools and families. The key foundations for all services provided by licensed specialists in school psychology are understanding of diversity in development and learning, research and program evaluation, and legal, ethical, and professional practices. The types of evaluations performed by licensed specialists in school psychology will be those that are germane to the current state educational bulletins. Nothing in present law and proposed law shall be construed to permit a licensed specialist in school psychology to diagnose mental disorders as defined by the Diagnostic and Statical Manual of Mental Disorders or International Classification of Disease diagnosis. (3) "School system" means any institution or facility which provides for education of children in grades one or above, which may include kindergarten or prekindergarten attached thereto. Present law authorizes the board to charge an application fee to all applicants for licensure and a renewal fee to renew such license. Proposed law provides that the board shall charge an application fee to any person applying for licensure as a specialist in school psychology in an amount not to exceed $200 and authorizes the board to adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 11 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (APA) to implement proposed law. Proposed law provides that every licensed specialist in school psychology in this state shall annually pay to the board during the month of July of each year, beginning in the year immediately subsequent to his initial license, a renewal fee in an amount not to exceed $100. Proposed law provides that the failure to renew the license shall cause the license to lapse. For a period of two years from the date of lapse of the license, the license may be renewed upon payment of a reinstatement fee that shall not exceed $300. Proposed law authorizes the board to adopt rules in accordance with the APA to implement the provisions of proposed law. Present law provides that each year the board shall send a renewal notice to all psychologists licensed by the board. Proposed law retains present law and provides that each year the board shall send a renewal notice to all specialists in school psychology licensed by the board. Present law requires the board to publish or cause to be published annually a list of psychologists licensed by the board. Proposed law retains present law and requires the board to publish or cause to be published annually a list of specialists in school psychology licensed by the board. Proposed law provides that the board shall issue a license as a specialist in school psychology to any person who files an application upon a form and in such a manner as the board prescribes, accompanied by an application fee, and who furnishes evidence to the board that, except as otherwise required by law, the person: (1)Is at least 21 years of age. (2)Is of good moral character. (3)Is a citizen of the United States or has declared his intention to become a citizen. (4)Is not in violation of certain provisions of law and the rules and regulations adopted by the board. (5)Has completed a school specialist degree from a National Association of School Psychologists approved program or equivalent. (6)Has completed a 1,200 hour, nine month internship under the supervision of a certified school psychologist in a school setting or by a licensed psychologist in a community setting. Of the 1,200 hours, 600 hours shall be completed in a school setting. (7)Has completed three years of supervised experience as a certified school psychologist within the public school system. (8)Has passed the Nationally Certified School Psychologist examination. (9)Has demonstrated professional knowledge of laws and rules regarding the practice of psychology in La. Proposed law provides that if the board reasonably believes that a person applying for a license or for a renewal of a license is not physically and mentally competent to render psychological services with reasonable skill and safety to his patients, or is afflicted with a SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 12 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. disease or condition, either physical or mental, that would impair his competency to render psychological services, the board may request that the person submit to a physical examination by a medical doctor approved by the board or mental health examination by a psychologist or psychiatrist approved by the board. If the person refuses to submit to the examination, the board, after contradictory hearing and upon finding reasonable cause, may issue an order requiring the person to submit to the physical or mental health examination. A person who is ordered to submit to such examination shall not be eligible for licensure or renewal of license prior to such examination. The proceedings provided in proposed law shall be conducted in compliance with the APA. Proposed law provides that a licensed specialist in school psychology, who is engaged in such practice, may practice independently as a contractor of a public, private, or charter school. Proposed law provides that a licensed specialist in school psychology who is engaged in such practice and working outside of the school system shall be required to do so under the clinical supervision of a licensed psychologist. The licensed psychologist shall be administratively, clinically, and legally responsible for all professional activities of the licensed specialist in school psychology, and the licensed psychologist shall be required to sign any final reports prepared by the licensed specialist in school psychology. Proposed law provides that nothing in proposed law shall be construed to limit in any way the duties and responsibilities of a school psychologist certified by the state Dept. of Education. Proposed law provides that nothing in proposed law shall prohibit a licensed psychologist from providing services within a school provided such services are within the psychologist's area of competence. Present law provides for the renewal of a psychologist's license. Proposed law retains present law and provides that persons licensed as a specialist in school psychology shall be eligible for renewal of licensure without regard to any subsequent changes in the requirements for licensure upon payment of fees required by law and compliance of certain provisions of present law. Proposed law requires the board to establish continuing education requirements to be fulfilled by the licensed specialist in school psychology prior to license renewal. Proposed law provides that failure to fulfill the continuing education requirements shall cause the license to lapse and provides that for a period of two years from the date of lapse of the license, the license may be renewed upon proof of fulfilling all continuing education requirements applicable through the date of reinstatement and upon payment of all required fees. Proposed law authorizes the board to adopt rules in accordance with the APA to implement the provisions of proposed law. Proposed law provides for the denial, revocation, or suspension of a specialist in school psychology's license. Present law provides for acts that may be considered grounds for denial, revocation, or suspension of a license as follows: (1)Fraud or deception in applying for or procuring a license to practice psychology. (2)Practicing psychology in such a manner as to endanger the welfare of clients or patients. SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 13 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. (3)Conviction of a felony. (4)Conviction of any crime or offense which reflects the inability of the practitioner to practice psychology with due regard for the health and safety of clients or patients. (5)Use of repeated untruthful, deceptive, or improbable statements concerning the licensee's qualifications or the effects or results of proposed treatment, including functioning outside of one's professional competence established by education, training, and experience. (6)Aiding or abetting the practice of psychology by any person not licensed by the board and in violation of certain laws. (7)Conviction of fraud in filing Medicare or Medicaid claims or in filing claims to any third party payor. (8)Exercising undue influence in such a manner as to exploit the client or patient for financial or other personal advantage to the practitioner or a third party. (9)The suspension or revocation by another state of a license to practice psychology. (10)Refusal to appear before the board after having been ordered to do so in writing by a duly authorized agent of the board. (11)Making any fraudulent or untrue statement to the board. (12)Violation of the code of ethics adopted in the rules and regulations of the board or other immoral, unprofessional, or dishonorable conduct as defined in the rules and regulations of the board. (13)Inability to practice psychology with reasonable skill and safety to patients or clients by reason of illness, inebriation, misuse of drugs, narcotics, alcohol, chemicals, or any other substance, or as a result of any mental or physical condition. (14)Violation of certain provisions of law or of the rules and regulations promulgated by the board thereunder. Proposed law retains present law and adds to the list the failure to comply with mandatory reporter laws. Proposed law provides that suspension of license of a specialist in school psychology shall be for a period not exceeding two years. Proposed law provides that the board shall notify all licensed psychologists and licensed specialist in school psychology of any disciplinary action taken against a licensed specialist in school psychology. Present law provides for privileged communications between a psychologist and a patient. Proposed law retains present law and provides for privileged communication between a licensed specialist in school psychology and a patient. Effective August 1, 2014. (Amends R.S. 37:2352(4), (5), (6) and (7), 2354(B), (C) and (D), 2355(B), 2357, 2359(B)(intro para), (E) and (G), 2363(A), (B), (C)(3), (4), and (5), and (D); adds R.S. 37:2352(8), (9), and (10), 2356.2, and 2359(B)(15)) SB NO. 128 SLS 14RS-234 ENGROSSED Page 14 of 14 Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs to the original bill 1. Prohibits a licensed specialist in school psychology to diagnose mental disorders as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or International Classification of Disease diagnosis. 2. Provides that a licensed psychologist shall be administratively, clinically, and legally responsible for all professional activities of the licensed specialist in school psychology. 3. Makes technical changes.