Rhode Island House Bill H5556

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Includes licensed school psychologists under the provisions of the general laws governing the regulations of psychologists and expands the licensing of school psychologists for independent practice.

Impact

The bill comes at a critical time when the state faces alarming ratios of students to school psychologists, with some urban districts experiencing ratios as high as 1,000 to one. Supporters believe that H5556 will enhance the quality of mental and behavioral health services provided in schools, directly addressing not only the educational needs of students but also their social and emotional development. Importantly, the legislation also mandates collaboration with higher education institutions to alleviate the future shortage of qualified professionals, thereby reinforcing the psychological workforce in schools.

Summary

House Bill H5556 aims to address the pressing shortage of school psychologists in Rhode Island by amending the state's general laws governing the licensure of psychologists. This legislation recognizes school psychologists as essential contributors to student well-being and academic success and establishes a framework for expanding their licensure for independent practice. By creating a pathway for licensure through the department of health, H5556 intends to facilitate independent contracting and improve access to psychological evaluations and consultation services for students and schools.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on improving student outcomes through mental health services, it also raises questions about funding and the practical implementation of these expanded services. Critics may voice concerns regarding the sufficiency of resources allocated for training and hiring additional school psychologists, given existing budgetary constraints. The successful execution of H5556 depends significantly on the commitment from both the state legislature and educational institutions to prioritize mental health in schools, making it an important topic for ongoing dialogue among stakeholders in education and mental health.