Relating to the authority of a psychologist to delegate certain care to an intern.
Impact
The bill seeks to streamline the training and practice of future psychologists by permitting more flexible delegation of duties. This flexibility can lead to improved access to psychological services and may accelerate the professional development of interns and newly licensed psychologists as they gain practical, hands-on experience. Furthermore, it allows licensed psychologists to better manage their workflow by distributing certain responsibilities, potentially alleviating the patient care burden during peak times or when psychologists face high caseloads.
Summary
SB546 amends the Texas Occupations Code to enhance the authority of licensed psychologists in delegating certain psychological tests and services to interns and provisionally licensed psychologists. The bill allows psychologists to delegate tasks provided they assess the capability of the individual to perform the service safely and that the task specifically aligns with the established guidelines of sound psychological judgment. This grant of authority aims to improve efficiency and training opportunities within the field of psychology, particularly for those in internship and provisional status.
Contention
Points of contention surrounding SB546 may arise from concerns regarding the adequacy of supervision and the quality of care provided to patients if critical psychological services are delegated to less experienced individuals. Stakeholders, including professional associations, may express differing opinions on whether such delegation enhances or undermines patient care standards. There may also be discussions relating to accountability and liability should any issues arise as a result of improperly delegated tasks.
Notable points
The effective date of SB546 is September 1, 2015, marking a significant step toward updating the Texas Psychological Services framework to reflect contemporary practices in mental health care. The bill is particularly pivotal for the ongoing professional education of psychologists and improving overall patient outcomes in the state.