OK
Oklahoma House Bill HB1340

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1340

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Schools; exempting certain school psychologists or psychometrists from completing certain competency examination; effective date; emergency.

Impact

If enacted, HB1340 will significantly alter the laws governing the certification of school professionals, thereby enabling qualified counselors to work as school psychologists or psychometrists without undergoing additional exams. The intent behind this legislation is to expand access to mental health services in educational settings, which is increasingly crucial given rising concerns over student mental health. The effectiveness of mental health interventions can be enhanced by removing barriers that deter qualified professionals from entering the school system.

Summary

House Bill 1340 aims to amend the certification process for school psychologists and psychometrists in Oklahoma by exempting certain individuals from the requirement to complete a competency examination. Specifically, the bill allows licensed professional counselors recognized by the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure to be exempt from all portions of the competency examination if they have successfully passed the National Counselor Examination. This change is proposed to streamline the certification process and address shortages in school psychological services, especially in underserved areas.

Contention

However, the bill may lead to concerns regarding the quality of psychological services provided within schools. Critics may argue that reducing certification requirements could potentially compromise the standards of psychological assessment and intervention. There is a delicate balance to maintain between addressing workforce shortages and ensuring that students receive high-quality psychological support from adequately trained professionals. Legislative discourse around this bill is likely to include discussions about optimal pathways for ensuring mental health support while safeguarding educational standards.

Companion Bills

OK HB1340

Carry Over Schools; exempting certain school psychologists or psychometrists from completing certain competency examination; effective date; emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1340

Schools; exempting certain school psychologists or psychometrists from completing certain competency examination; effective date; emergency.

OK SB969

Teacher certification; removing requirement to pass professional knowledge portion of certain examination. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2672

Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; providing certain stipends; modifying the Stat Aid fundin formula; effective date; emergency.

OK SB285

Teacher certification; allowing certain exception to certification requirements for licensed mental health professionals. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB154

Schools; providing exemptions from certain reading screening instruments to certain students. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB362

Schools; providing exemption from obtaining new criminal history record check to certain persons. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB872

Schools; prohibiting certain materials and resources containing certain depictions or descriptions from certain library or school premises. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB321

Charter schools; allowing certain private institutions of higher learning to sponsor charter schools. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB139

Schools; modifying certain subject matter standards; requiring certain students to read certain texts. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB525

Teachers; requiring reimbursement for teachers who take and pass certain subject area competency examination. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.