Rhode Island House Bill H7184

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/22
• Refer: 1/26/22

Caption

Psychologists

Impact

The proposed changes under HB 7184 are intended to bolster the professional standards applied to school psychologists by mandating an advanced graduate degree in school psychology from accredited institutions. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate a certain amount of supervised experience hours and pass a specific examination. These stipulations are expected to raise the bar for professional practice within the state and align Rhode Island's requirements more closely with national standards set by recognized psychology boards.

Summary

House Bill 7184 relates to the regulation of psychologists in the State of Rhode Island and specifically addresses the licensing requirements for school psychologists. The bill amends existing sections of the General Laws regarding psychologists and introduces clear qualifications that candidates must meet to obtain a license as a school psychologist. This move is significant as it aims to ensure a standardized level of education and experience among school psychologists, thereby enhancing the quality of psychological services provided in educational settings.

Contention

While supporters of the bill argue that these changes are crucial for improving mental health services in schools, there might be concerns related to the regulatory burden on aspiring school psychologists, particularly regarding the financial and time investments required to meet the new qualifications. Additionally, the discussion could revolve around the potential implications for scaling access to psychological resources in schools, as stricter requirements might limit the number of professionals eligible to practice in this area.