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The Legislative Service Commission staff updates the Revised Code on an ongoing basis, as it completes its act review of enacted legislation. Updates may be slower during some times of the year, depending on the volume of enacted legislation.

Chapter 4732 | Psychologists

 
 
 
Section
Section 4732.01 | Psychologist definitions.
 

As used in this chapter:

(A) "Psychologist" means any person who holds self out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words "psychologic," "psychological," "psychologist," "psychology," or any other terms that imply the person is trained, experienced, or an expert in the field of psychology.

(B) "The practice of psychology" means rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, organizations, or the public any service involving the application of psychological procedures to assessment, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or amelioration of psychological problems or emotional or mental disorders of individuals or groups; or to the assessment or improvement of psychological adjustment or functioning of individuals or groups, whether or not there is a diagnosable pre-existing psychological problem. Practice of psychology includes the practice of independent school psychology and the practice of school psychology. For purposes of this chapter, teaching or research shall not be regarded as the practice of psychology, even when dealing with psychological subject matter, provided it does not otherwise involve the professional practice of psychology in which an individual's welfare is directly affected by the application of psychological procedures.

(C) "Psychological procedures" include but are not restricted to application of principles, methods, or procedures of understanding, predicting, or influencing behavior, such as the principles pertaining to learning, conditioning, perception, motivation, thinking, emotions, or interpersonal relationships; the methods or procedures of verbal interaction, interviewing, counseling, behavior modification, environmental manipulation, group process, psychological psychotherapy, or hypnosis; and the methods or procedures of administering or interpreting tests of mental abilities, aptitudes, interests, attitudes, personality characteristics, emotions, or motivation.

(D)(1) "School psychologist" means any person who, within the scope of employment as described in division (D)(2) of this section, holds self out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words "school psychologist" or "school psychology," or who holds self out to be trained, experienced, or an expert in the practice of school psychology.

(2) A school psychologist is limited in employment for the purposes of practicing school psychology to the following:

(a) By a board of education or by a private school meeting the standards prescribed by the state board of education under division (D) of section 3301.07 of the Revised Code;

(b) In a program for children with disabilities established under Chapter 3323. or 5126. of the Revised Code.

(E) "Independent school psychologist" means any person who, outside of the scope of employment as described in division (D)(2) of this section, holds self out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words "independent school psychologist" or "independent school psychology," or who holds self out to be trained, experienced, or an expert in the practice of independent school psychology.

(F) "Practice of school psychology" means rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, organizations, or the public any of the following services:

(1) Evaluation, diagnosis, or test interpretation limited to assessment of intellectual ability, learning patterns, achievement, motivation, behavior, or personality factors directly related to learning problems;

(2) Intervention services, including counseling, for children or adults for amelioration or prevention of educationally related learning problems, including emotional and behavioral aspects of such problems;

(3) Psychological, educational, or vocational consultation or direct educational services. This does not include industrial consultation or counseling services to clients undergoing vocational rehabilitation.

(G) "Practice of independent school psychology" means the practice of school psychology outside of the scope of employment as described in division (D)(2) of this section.

(H) "Licensed psychologist" means an individual holding a current, valid license to practice psychology issued under section 4732.12 or 4732.15 of the Revised Code.

(I) "Licensed school psychologist" means an individual holding a current, valid license to practice school psychology issued under section 4732.12 or 4732.15 of the Revised Code.

(J) "Licensed independent school psychologist" means an individual holding a current, valid license to practice independent school psychology issued under section 4732.12 or 4732.15 of the Revised Code.

(K) "Mental health professional" and "mental health service" have the same meanings as in section 2305.51 of the Revised Code.

(L) "Telepsychology" means the practice of psychology, independent school psychology, or school psychology by distance communication technology, including telephone, electronic mail, internet-based communications, and video conferencing.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:24 PM

Section 4732.02 | Appointment and organization of state board of psychology.
 

The governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint a state board of psychology consisting of ten persons who are citizens of the United States and residents of this state. Three members shall be patient advocates who are not mental health professionals and who either are parents or other relatives of a person who has received or is receiving mental health services or are representatives of organizations that represent persons who have received or are receiving mental health services. At least one patient advocate member shall be a parent or other relative of a mental health service recipient, and at least one patient advocate member shall be a representative of an organization representing mental health service recipients. One member shall be a certified Ohio behavior analyst who holds a current, valid certificate issued under section 4783.04 of the Revised Code. Each of the remaining members shall be a licensed psychologist, licensed independent school psychologist, or a school psychologist. Terms of office for all members shall be for five years, commencing on the sixth day of October and ending on the fifth day of October. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of such term. Any member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. No person shall be appointed to more than two five-year terms in succession. The licensed psychologist, licensed independent school psychologist, and licensed school psychologist members of the board shall be so chosen that they represent the diverse fields of specialization and practice in the professions of psychology, independent school psychology, and school psychology. The governor may make such appointments from lists submitted annually by the Ohio psychological association, the Ohio school psychologists association, and the Ohio association of black psychologists. A vacancy in an unexpired term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

The governor may remove any member for malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance after a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The governor shall remove, after a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, any member who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to the commission of a felony offense under any law of this state, another state, or the United States. No person may be appointed to the board who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony offense under any law of this state, another state, or the United States.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:25 PM

Section 4732.021 | Conduct involving conflict of interest.
 

A member of the state board of psychology shall not engage in any conduct involving a conflict of interest with the member's board duties.

Section 4732.03 | Board organization.
 

The state board of psychology shall organize within thirty days after its members have been appointed by the governor. The board shall elect a president and a secretary from its members to serve for terms of one year. The president and the secretary may administer oaths. A majority of the board constitutes a quorum.

Section 4732.05 | Compensation.
 

The members of the state board of psychology shall receive an amount fixed under division (J) of section 124.15 of the Revised Code for each day employed in the discharge of their official duties, and their necessary expenses while engaged therein.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:25 PM

Section 4732.06 | Board administration.
 

The principal office of the state board of psychology shall be in Columbus, but it may meet or conduct business at any place in this state. The board may empower any one or more of its members to conduct any proceeding, hearing, or investigation necessary to its purposes, including the administration and enforcement of Chapter 4783. of the Revised Code. The board shall meet at least twice annually and at such other times as it determines. Special meetings may be called by the president and shall be called by the secretary upon the written request of two members. The board shall not conduct business by teleconference except as provided in division (F)(1) of section 4732.17 of the Revised Code.

The board shall make such rules as are necessary to conduct its business.

The board shall employ an executive director, investigators, and administrative assistants as are necessary to administer and enforce this chapter and Chapter 4783. of the Revised Code.

Section 4732.07 | Books and records.
 

The state board of psychology shall keep a record of its proceedings and a register of applicants for licenses under this chapter and applicants for certificates under Chapter 4783. of the Revised Code. The books and records of the board shall be prima-facie evidence of the matters therein contained.

Section 4732.08 | Depositing receipts.
 

All receipts of the state board of psychology from any source, including moneys collected under Chapter 4783. of the Revised Code, shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the occupational licensing and regulatory fund. "

Section 4732.09 | Application for license.
 

Each person who desires to practice psychology, independent school psychology, or school psychology shall file with the executive director of the state board of psychology a written application, under oath, on a form prescribed by the board.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:26 PM

Section 4732.091 | License applicant to comply with RC Chapter 4776.
 

(A) As used in this section, "license" and "applicant for an initial license" have the same meanings as in section 4776.01 of the Revised Code, except that "license" as used in both of those terms refers to the types of authorizations otherwise issued or conferred under this chapter.

(B) In addition to any other eligibility requirement set forth in this chapter, each applicant for an initial license shall comply with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code. The state board of psychology shall not grant a license to an applicant for an initial license unless the applicant complies with sections 4776.01 to 4776.04 of the Revised Code .

Last updated October 9, 2021 at 5:01 AM

Section 4732.10 | Qualifications for admission.
 

(A) The state board of psychology shall appoint an entrance examiner who shall determine the sufficiency of an applicant's qualifications for admission to the appropriate examination. A member of the board or the executive director may be appointed as the entrance examiner.

(B) Requirements for admission to examination for a psychologist license shall be that the applicant:

(1) Is at least twenty-one years of age;

(2) Meets one of the following requirements:

(a) Received an earned doctoral degree from an institution accredited or recognized by a national or regional accrediting agency and a program accredited by any of the following:

(i) The American psychological association, office of program consultation and accreditation;

(ii) The accreditation office of the Canadian psychological association;

(iii) A program listed by the association of state and provincial psychology boards/national register designation committee;

(iv) The national association of school psychologists.

(b) Received an earned doctoral degree in psychology or school psychology from an institution accredited or recognized by a national or regional accrediting agency but the program does not meet the program accreditation requirements of division (B)(2)(a) of this section;

(c) Received from an academic institution outside of the United States or Canada a degree determined, under rules adopted by the board under division (F) of this section, to be equivalent to a doctoral degree in psychology from a program described in division (B)(2)(a) of this section;

(d) Held a psychologist license, certificate, or registration required for practice in a Canadian jurisdiction for a minimum of ten years and meets educational, experience, and professional requirements established under rules adopted by the board.

(3) Has had at least two years of supervised professional experience in psychological work of a type satisfactory to the board, at least one year of which must be a predoctoral internship. The board shall adopt guidelines for the kind of supervised professional experience that fulfill this requirement.

(4) If applying under division (B)(2)(b) or (c) of this section, has had at least two years of supervised professional experience in psychological work of a type satisfactory to the board, at least one year of which must be postdoctoral. The board shall adopt guidelines for the kind of supervised professional experience that fulfill this requirement.

(C) Requirements for admission to examination for an independent school psychologist license shall be that the applicant:

(1) Has received from an educational institution accredited or recognized by national or regional accrediting agencies as maintaining satisfactory standards, including those approved by the state board of education for the training of independent school psychologists, at least a master's degree in school psychology, or a degree considered equivalent by the board;

(2) Is at least twenty-one years of age;

(3) Has completed at least sixty quarter hours, or the semester hours equivalent, at the graduate level, of accredited study in course work relevant to the study of school psychology;

(4) Has completed an internship in an educational institution approved by the department of education and workforce for school psychology supervised experience or one year of other training experience acceptable to the board, such as supervised professional experience under the direction of a licensed psychologist, licensed independent school psychologist, or licensed school psychologist;

(5) Furnishes proof of at least twenty-seven months, exclusive of internship, of full-time experience as a certificated school psychologist employed by a board of education or a private school meeting the standards prescribed by the director of education and workforce, or of experience that the board deems equivalent.

(D) Requirements for admission to examination for a school psychologist shall be that the applicant:

(1) Has received from an educational institution accredited or recognized by national or regional accrediting agencies as maintaining satisfactory standards, including those approved by the state board of education for the training of school psychologists, at least a master's degree in school psychology, or a degree considered equivalent by the board;

(2) Is at least twenty-one years of age;

(3) Has completed a nine month, full-time internship in an approved school setting as described in rules adopted by the board.

(E) If the entrance examiner finds that the applicant meets the requirements set forth in this section, the applicant shall be admitted to the appropriate examination.

(F) The board shall adopt under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code rules for determining for the purposes of division (B)(2)(c) of this section whether a degree is equivalent to a degree in psychology from an institution in the United States.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:05 AM

Section 4732.11 | Administering examinations.
 

(A)(1) Each applicant for a license to practice as a psychologist shall be required to earn a score acceptable to the state board of psychology on an examination selected by the board. The applicant shall follow all necessary procedures and pay all necessary fees for the examination. An applicant who fails to earn a score acceptable to the board may be admitted to a subsequent examination no less than thirty days after the initial examination. After failing to earn a passing score three consecutive times, an applicant may not be admitted to the examination for a period of six months following the third examination attempt. An applicant who fails to achieve an acceptable score in nine attempts is not eligible for additional admissions to the examination, and the application shall be permanently closed.

An applicant who achieves an acceptable score on the examination selected by the board as a candidate in another state or Canadian province before or after submitting an application to the board must cause the score to be submitted directly to the board's executive director.

(2) The board may also require that an applicant for a license to practice as a psychologist earn a passing score on an examination that covers one or more of the following:

(a) Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(b) Rules promulgated under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(c) Related provisions of the Revised Code;

(d) Professional ethical principles;

(e) Professional standards of care.

The examination may be administered orally or in writing in accordance with rules adopted by the board.

(B)(1) Each applicant for a license to practice as an independent school psychologist or school psychologist shall be required to earn a score acceptable to the board on an examination selected by the board. The applicant shall follow all necessary procedures and pay all necessary fees for the examination.

(2) The board may also require that an applicant for a license to practice as an independent school psychologist or school psychologist earn a passing score on an examination that covers one or more of the following:

(a) Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(b) Rules promulgated under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code;

(c) Related provisions of the Revised Code;

(d) Professional ethical principles;

(e) Professional standards of care.

The examination may be administered orally or in writing in accordance with rules adopted by the board.

(C) The board may establish procedures designed to expose applicants to the subject matter of the examinations described in divisions (A)(2) and (B)(2) of this section.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:27 PM

Section 4732.12 | Grading examinations.
 

If an applicant for a license issued by the state board of psychology to practice as a psychologist, independent school psychologist, or school psychologist receives a score acceptable to the board on the appropriate examination required by section 4732.11 of the Revised Code and has paid the fee required by section 4732.15 of the Revised Code, the board shall issue the appropriate license.

The board shall issue a license to practice as a psychologist or school psychologist, as appropriate, in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to an applicant who holds a license in another state or has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a psychologist or school psychologist in a state that does not issue that license.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 5:30 AM

Section 4732.13 | License entitlements.
 

A license issued by the state board of psychology shall remain active until it expires pursuant to section 4732.14 of the Revised Code, or is suspended, revoked, or placed in retired status. An active psychologist license shall entitle the holder to practice psychology. An active independent school psychologist license shall entitle the holder to practice independent school psychology. An active school psychologist license shall entitle the holder to practice school psychology.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:27 PM

Section 4732.14 | Biennial registration.
 

(A) On or before the thirty-first day of August of each even-numbered year, each licensed psychologist and licensed independent school psychologist shall register with the board in a format and manner prescribed by the board, giving the person's name, address, license number, the continuing education information required by section 4732.141 of the Revised Code, and such other reasonable information as the board requires. The person shall pay to the board a biennial registration fee, of three hundred sixty-five dollars.

A person licensed for the first time on or before the thirtieth day of September of an even-numbered year shall next be required to register on or before the thirtieth day of September of the next even-numbered year.

(B) On or before the thirty-first day of August of each year that ends with a zero or a five, each licensed school psychologist shall register with the board in a format and manner prescribed by the board, giving the school psychologist's name, address, license number, the continuing education information required by section 4732.141 of the Revised Code, and such other reasonable information as the board requires. The school psychologist shall pay to the board a quinquennial registration fee of three hundred dollars.

The board may adopt rules providing for reductions of the registration fee required by this section for school psychologists registering after their first registration period, if the initial registration was less than five years.

(C) Before the first day of August of each even-numbered year, the board shall send a notice to each licensed psychologist or licensed independent school psychologist, whether a resident or not, at the license holder's last provided official mailing address, that the license holder's continuing education compliance must be completed on or before the last day of August and the biennial registration form and fee are due on or before the last day of September. A license of any psychologist or independent school psychologist shall automatically expire if any of the following are not received on or before the thirtieth day of September of a renewal year:

(1) The biennial registration fee;

(2) The registration form;

(3) A report of compliance with continuing education requirements.

Within five years thereafter, the board may reinstate any expired psychologist or independent school psychologist license upon payment of the current registration fee and a penalty fee established by the board, not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars, and receipt of the registration form completed by the registrant in accordance with this section and section 4732.141 of the Revised Code or in accordance with any modifications authorized by the board under division (F) of section 4732.141 of the Revised Code.

The board may by rule waive the payment of the registration fee and completion of the continuing psychology education required by section 4732.141 of the Revised Code by a psychologist or independent school psychologist when the license holder is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

An individual who has had a license placed on retired status under section 4732.142 of the Revised Code may seek reinstatement of the license in accordance with rules adopted by the board.

(D) Before the first day of August of each year that ends with a zero or a five, the board shall send a notice to each licensed school psychologist, whether a resident or not, at the school psychologist's last provided official mailing address, that the school psychologist's continuing education compliance must be completed on or before the last day of August and the quinquennial registration form and fee are due on or before the last day of September. A license of any school psychologist shall automatically expire if any of the following are not received on or before the thirtieth day of September of a renewal year:

(1) The quinquennial registration fee;

(2) The registration form;

(3) A report of compliance with continuing education requirements.

Within five years thereafter, the board may reinstate any expired school psychologist license upon payment of the current registration fee and a penalty fee established by the board, not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars, and receipt of the registration form completed by the registrant in accordance with this section and section 4732.141 of the Revised Code or in accordance with any modifications authorized by the board under division (F) of section 4732.141 of the Revised Code.

The board may by rule waive the payment of the registration fee and completion of the continuing psychology education required by section 4732.141 of the Revised Code by a school psychologist when the school psychologist is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

A school psychologist who has had a license placed on retired status under section 4732.142 of the Revised Code may seek reinstatement of the license in accordance with rules adopted by the board.

(E) Each licensed psychologist, licensed independent school psychologist, and licensed school psychologist shall notify the executive director of any change in the license holder's official mailing address, office address, or employment within sixty days of such change.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:28 PM

Section 4732.141 | Continuing education in psychology.
 

(A)(1)(a) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, on or before the thirty-first day of August of each even-numbered year, each person who holds a psychologist or independent school psychologist license issued by the state board of psychology shall have completed, in the preceding two-year period, not less than twenty-three hours of continuing education in psychology, including not less than four hours of continuing education in one or more of the following:

(i) Professional conduct;

(ii) Ethics;

(iii) The role of culture, ethnic identity, or both in the provision of psychological assessment, consultation, or psychological interventions, or a combination thereof.

(b) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, on or before the thirty-first day of August of each year ending in zero or five, each person who holds a school psychologist license issued by the state board of psychology shall have completed, in the preceding five-year period, not less than fifty hours of continuing education in psychology, including not less than four hours of continuing education in one or more of the following:

(i) Professional conduct;

(ii) Ethics;

(iii) The role of culture, ethnic identity, or both in the provision of psychological assessment, consultation, or psychological interventions, or a combination thereof.

(2) Each license holder shall certify to the board, at the time of biennial or quinquennial registration pursuant to section 4732.14 of the Revised Code and on the registration form prescribed by the board under that section, that in the preceding two or five-year period, as applicable, the license holder has completed continuing psychology education in compliance with this section. The board shall adopt rules establishing the procedure for a license holder to certify to the board and for properly recording with the Ohio psychological association or the Ohio school psychologists association completion of the continuing education.

(B) Continuing psychology education may be applied to meet the requirement of division (A) of this section if both of the following requirements are met:

(1) It is obtained through a program or course approved by the state board of psychology, the Ohio psychological association, the Ohio association of black psychologists, or the American psychological association or, in the case of an independent school psychologist or school psychologist or a licensed psychologist with a school psychology specialty, by the state board of education, the Ohio school psychologists association, or the national association of school psychologists;

(2) Completion of the program or course is recorded with the Ohio psychological association or the Ohio school psychologists association in accordance with rules adopted by the state board of psychology in accordance with division (A) of this section.

The state board of psychology may disapprove any program or course that has been approved by the Ohio psychological association, Ohio association of black psychologists, American psychological association, state board of education, Ohio school psychologists association, or national association of school psychologists. Such program or course may not be applied to meet the requirement of division (A) of this section.

(C) Each license holder shall be given a sufficient choice of continuing education programs or courses in psychology, including programs or courses on professional conduct and ethics when required under division (A)(2) of this section, to ensure that the license holder has had a reasonable opportunity to participate in programs or courses that are relevant to the license holder's practice in terms of subject matter and level.

(D) The board shall adopt rules providing for reductions of the hours of continuing psychology education required by this section for license holders in their first registration period.

(E) Each license holder shall retain in the license holder's records for at least three years the receipts, vouchers, or certificates necessary to document completion of continuing psychology education. Proof of continuing psychology education recorded with the Ohio psychological association or the Ohio school psychologists association in accordance with the procedures established pursuant to division (A) of this section shall serve as sufficient documentation of completion. With cause, the board may request the documentation from the license holder. The board may review any continuing psychology education records recorded by the Ohio psychological association or the Ohio school psychologists association.

(F) The board may excuse license holders, as a group or as individuals, from all or any part of the requirements of this section because of an unusual circumstance, emergency, or special hardship.

(G) The state board of psychology shall approve one or more continuing education courses of study that assist psychologists, independent school psychologists, and school psychologists in recognizing the signs of domestic violence and its relationship to child abuse. Psychologists, independent school psychologists, and school psychologists are not required to take the courses.

(H) The board may require a license holder to evidence completion of specific continuing education coursework as part of the process of registering or continuing to register a person working under the license holder's supervision under division (B) of section 4732.22 of the Revised Code and conducting psychological or psychological work or training supervision. Procedures for the completion, verification, and documentation of such continuing education shall be specified in rules adopted by the board. A license holder completing this continuing education may receive credit toward the four-hour requirement in division (A)(1) of this section during the next continuing education period following the completion of this continuing education.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:29 PM

Section 4732.142 | Retired status.
 

(A) The holder of a license issued under this chapter who retires from the practice of psychology, independent school psychology, or school psychology may request during the biennial or quinquennial license registration process that the license holder's license be placed in "licensed psychologist-retired," "licensed independent school psychologist-retired," or "licensed school psychologist-retired" status. Once the license is placed in retired status, the license holder shall not practice psychology, independent school psychology, or school psychology in this state. A license holder selecting this status shall pay to the state board of psychology a fee of fifty dollars.

(B) Procedures for reinstating a retired license shall be established in rules adopted by the board.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:29 PM

Section 4732.15 | License fee.
 

Each applicant for a license to be issued under this chapter shall pay a fee of three hundred dollars, no part of which shall be returned.

Section 4732.151 | Fee for verification.
 

The state board of psychology shall charge a fee of forty dollars to a license holder for the written verification of licensure status, including verification of the date of licensure, the presence or absence of a history of disciplinary action, and the expiration date of the license.

Section 4732.16 | Investigations.
 

(A) The state board of psychology shall investigate alleged violations of this chapter or the rules adopted under it. Each investigation shall be assigned by the executive director or designated investigator to one of the members of the board who shall serve as the supervising member of the investigation.

As part of its conduct of investigations, the board may examine witnesses, administer oaths, and issue subpoenas, except that the board may not compel the attendance of the respondent in an investigation. A subpoena for patient record information may be issued only if the supervising member, executive director, secretary, and an attorney from the office of the attorney general determine that there is probable cause to believe that the complaint alleges a violation of this chapter and that the records sought are relevant to the alleged violation and material to the investigation. No member of the board who supervises the investigation or approves the issuance of a subpoena for patient records shall participate in further adjudication of the case. The subpoena may apply only to records that cover a reasonable period of time surrounding the alleged violation. On failure of a person to comply with a subpoena issued by the board and after reasonable notice to that person, the board may move for an order compelling the production of records or persons pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure.

A subpoena issued by the board may be served by a sheriff, the sheriff's deputy, or a board employee designated by the board. Service of a subpoena issued by the board may be made by delivering a copy of the subpoena to the person named in the subpoena, reading it to the person, or leaving it at the person's usual place of residence. When the person being served is a person whose practice is authorized by this chapter, service of the subpoena may be made by certified mail, return receipt requested, and the subpoena shall be deemed served on the date delivery is made or the date the person refuses to accept delivery.

A sheriff's deputy who serves a subpoena shall receive the same fees as a sheriff. Each witness who appears before the board in obedience to a subpoena shall receive the fees and mileage provided for witnesses under section 119.094 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) The board shall conduct all investigations and proceedings in a manner that protects the confidentiality of patients and persons who file complaints with the board. The board shall not make public the names or any other identifying information about patients or complainants unless proper consent is given or, in the case of a patient, the patient privilege has been waived by the patient. Information received by the board pursuant to an investigation is confidential and not subject to discovery in any civil action.

(2) The board may share any information it receives pursuant to an investigation, including patient records and patient record information, with law enforcement agencies, other licensing boards, and other government agencies that are prosecuting, adjudicating, or investigating alleged violations of statutes or administrative rules. An agency or board that receives the information shall comply with the same requirements regarding confidentiality as the board must comply with under division (B)(1) of this section, notwithstanding any conflicting provision of the Revised Code or procedure of the agency or board that applies when it is dealing with other information in its possession.

(3) In a judicial proceeding, any information the board receives pursuant to an investigation may be admitted into evidence only in accordance with the Ohio Rules of Evidence, but the court shall require that appropriate measures be taken to ensure that confidentiality is maintained with respect to any part of the information that contains names or other identifying information about patients or complainants whose confidentiality was protected by the board when the information was in the board's possession. Measures to ensure confidentiality that may be taken by the court include sealing its records or deleting specific information from its records.

Section 4732.17 | Actions against applicants or license holders.
 

(A) Subject to division (F) of this section and except as provided in division (G) of this section, the state board of psychology may take any of the actions specified in division (C) of this section against an applicant for or a person who holds a license issued under this chapter on any of the following grounds as applicable:

(1) Conviction, including a plea of guilty or no contest, of a felony, or of any offense involving moral turpitude, in a court of this or any other state or in a federal court;

(2) A judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction for a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude in a court of this or any other state or in a federal court;

(3) Using fraud or deceit in the procurement of the license to practice psychology, independent school psychology, or school psychology or knowingly assisting another in the procurement of such a license through fraud or deceit;

(4) Accepting commissions or rebates or other forms of remuneration for referring persons to other professionals;

(5) Willful, unauthorized communication of information received in professional confidence;

(6) Being negligent in the practice of psychology, independent school psychology, or school psychology;

(7) Inability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of a mental, emotional, physiological, or pharmacological condition or substance abuse;

(8) Subject to section 4732.28 of the Revised Code, violating any rule of professional conduct promulgated by the board;

(9) Practicing in an area of psychology for which the person is clearly untrained or incompetent;

(10) An adjudication by a court, as provided in section 5122.301 of the Revised Code, that the person is incompetent for the purpose of holding the license. Such person may have the person's license issued or restored only upon determination by a court that the person is competent for the purpose of holding the license and upon the decision by the board that such license be issued or restored. The board may require an examination prior to such issuance or restoration.

(11) Waiving the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers psychological services, would otherwise be required to pay if the waiver is used as an enticement to a patient or group of patients to receive health care services from that provider;

(12) Advertising that the person will waive the payment of all or any part of a deductible or copayment that a patient, pursuant to a health insurance or health care policy, contract, or plan that covers psychological services, would otherwise be required to pay;

(13) Any of the following actions taken by the agency responsible for authorizing or certifying the person to practice or regulating the person's practice of a health care occupation or provision of health care services in this state or another jurisdiction, as evidenced by a certified copy of that agency's records and findings for any reason other than the nonpayment of fees:

(a) Limitation, revocation, or suspension of the person's license to practice;

(b) Acceptance of the person's license surrender;

(c) Denial of a license to the person;

(d) Refuse to renew or reinstate the person's license;

(e) Imposition of probation on the person;

(f) Issuance of an order of censure or other reprimand against the person;

(g) Other negative action or finding against the person about which information is available to the public.

(14) Offering or rendering psychological services after a license issued under this chapter has expired due to a failure to timely register under section 4732.14 of the Revised Code or complete continuing education requirements;

(15) Offering or rendering psychological services after a license issued under this chapter has been placed in retired status pursuant to section 4732.142 of the Revised Code;

(16) Unless the person is an independent school psychologist or school psychologist licensed under this chapter:

(a) Offering or rendering independent school psychological or school psychological services after a license issued under this chapter has expired due to a failure to timely register under section 4732.14 of the Revised Code or complete continuing education requirements;

(b) Offering or rendering independent school psychological or school psychological services after a license issued under this chapter has been placed in retired status pursuant to section 4732.142 of the Revised Code.

(17) Violating any adjudication order or consent agreement adopted by the board;

(18) Failure to submit to mental, cognitive, substance abuse, or medical evaluations, or a combination of these evaluations, ordered by the board under division (E) of this section.

(B) Notwithstanding divisions (A)(11) and (12) of this section, sanctions shall not be imposed against any license holder who waives deductibles and copayments:

(1) In compliance with the health benefit plan that expressly allows such a practice. Waiver of the deductibles or copays shall be made only with the full knowledge and consent of the plan purchaser, payer, and third-party administrator. Such consent shall be made available to the board upon request.

(2) For professional services rendered to any other person licensed pursuant to this chapter to the extent allowed by this chapter and the rules of the board.

(C) For any of the reasons specified in division (A) of this section, the board may do one or more of the following:

(1) Refuse to issue a license to an applicant;

(2) Issue a reprimand to a license holder;

(3) Suspend the license of a license holder;

(4) Revoke the license of a license holder;

(5) Limit or restrict the areas of practice of an applicant or a license holder;

(6) Require mental, substance abuse, or physical evaluations, or any combination of these evaluations, of an applicant or a license holder;

(7) Require remedial education and training of an applicant or a license holder.

(D) When it revokes the license of a license holder under division (C)(4) of this section, the board may specify that the revocation is permanent. An individual subject to permanent revocation is forever thereafter ineligible to hold a license, and the board shall not accept an application for reinstatement of the license or issuance of a new license.

(E) When the board issues a notice of opportunity for a hearing on the basis of division (A)(7) of this section, the supervising member of the board, with cause and upon consultation with the board's executive director and the board's legal counsel, may compel the applicant or license holder to submit to mental, cognitive, substance abuse, or medical evaluations, or a combination of these evaluations, by a person or persons selected by the board. Notice shall be given to the applicant or license holder in writing signed by the supervising member, the executive director, and the board's legal counsel. The applicant or license holder is deemed to have given consent to submit to these evaluations and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or evaluation reports that constitute a privileged communication. The expense of the evaluation or evaluations shall be the responsibility of the applicant or license holder who is evaluated.

(F) Before the board may take action under this section, written charges shall be filed with the board by the secretary and a hearing shall be had thereon in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, except as follows:

(1) On receipt of a complaint that any of the grounds listed in division (A) of this section exist, the state board of psychology may suspend a license issued under this chapter prior to holding a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code if it determines, based on the complaint, that there is an immediate threat to the public. A telephone conference call may be used to conduct an emergency meeting for review of the matter by a quorum of the board, taking the vote, and memorializing the action in the minutes of the meeting.

After suspending a license pursuant to division (F)(1) of this section, the board shall notify the license holder of the suspension in accordance with sections 119.05 and 119.07 of the Revised Code. If the individual whose license is suspended fails to make a timely request for an adjudication under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the board shall enter a final order permanently revoking the license.

(2) The board shall adopt rules establishing a case management schedule for pre-hearing procedures by the hearing examiner or presiding board member. The schedule shall include applicable deadlines related to the hearing process, including all of the following:

(a) The date of the hearing;

(b) The date for the disclosure of witnesses and exhibits;

(c) The date for the disclosure of the identity of expert witnesses and the exchange of written reports;

(d) The deadline for submitting a request for the issuance of a subpoena for the hearing as provided under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and division (F)(4) of this section.

(3) Either party to the hearing may submit a written request to the other party for a list of witnesses and copies of documents intended to be introduced at the hearing. The request shall be in writing and shall be served not less than thirty-seven days prior to the hearing, unless the hearing officer or presiding board member grants an extension of time to make the request. Not later than thirty days before the hearing, the responding party shall provide the requested list of witnesses, summary of their testimony, and copies of documents to the requesting party, unless the hearing officer or presiding board member grants an extension. Failure to timely provide a list or copies requested in accordance with this section may, at the discretion of the hearing officer or presiding board member, result in exclusion from the hearing of the witnesses, testimony, or documents.

(4) In addition to subpoenas for the production of books, records, and papers requested under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, either party may ask the board to issue a subpoena for the production of other tangible items.

The person subject to a subpoena for the production of books, records, papers, or other tangible items shall respond to the subpoena at least twenty days prior to the date of the hearing. If a person fails to respond to a subpoena issued by the board, after providing reasonable notice to the person, the board, the hearing officer, or both may proceed with enforcement of the subpoena pursuant to section 119.09 of the Revised Code.

(G) The board shall not refuse to issue a license to an applicant because of a conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to an offense or a judicial finding of eligibility for intervention in lieu of conviction, unless the refusal is in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 12:39 PM

Section 4732.171 | Sexual misconduct.
 

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, if, at the conclusion of a hearing required by section 4732.17 of the Revised Code, the state board of psychology determines that a licensed psychologist, licensed independent school psychologist, or licensed school psychologist has engaged in sexual conduct or had sexual contact with the license holder's patient or client in violation of any prohibition contained in Chapter 2907. of the Revised Code, the board shall do one of the following:

(1) Suspend the license holder's license;

(2) Permanently revoke the license holder's license.

(B) If it determines at the conclusion of the hearing that neither of the sanctions described in division (A) of this section is appropriate, the board shall impose another sanction it considers appropriate and issue a written finding setting forth the reasons for the sanction imposed and the reason that neither of the sanctions described in division (A) of this section is appropriate.

Last updated January 23, 2023 at 2:24 PM

Section 4732.172 | Findings and sanctions are public records.
 

Any finding made, and the record of any sanction imposed, by the state board of psychology under section 4732.17 or 4732.171 of the Revised Code is a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

Section 4732.173 | Colleague assistance program.
 

(A) The state board of psychology may approve or establish a colleague assistance program for the purpose of affording holders of licenses issued under this chapter, license applicants, and persons subject to discipline pursuant to division (B) of section 4731.22 of the Revised Code access to all of the following:

(1) Resources concerning the prevention of distress;

(2) Evaluation and intervention services concerning mental, emotional, substance use, and other conditions that may impair competence, objectivity, and judgment in the provision of psychological, independent school psychological, or school psychological services;

(3) Consultation and mentoring services for practice oversight and remediation of professional skill deficits.

The board may compel a license holder, applicant, or registered person to participate in the program in conjunction with the board's actions under section 4732.17 of the Revised Code.

(B) If a program is approved or established, the board shall adopt rules specifying the circumstances under which self-referred participants may receive confidential services from the program.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:30 PM

Section 4732.18 | Restoration of license.
 

At any time after the suspension or revocation of a license, the state board of psychology may restore the license upon the written finding by the board that circumstances so warrant. At the time it restores a license, the board may impose restrictions and limitations on the practice of the license holder.

The board may require a person seeking restoration of a license to submit to mental, substance abuse, cognitive, or physical evaluations, or a combination of these evaluations. Evaluations shall be conducted by qualified individuals selected by the board. The costs of any evaluative processes shall be paid by the applicant for restoration. A person requesting restoration of a license is deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination when directed to do so in writing by the board and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of testimony or examination reports that constitute a privileged communication.

As a further condition of license restoration, the board may require the applicant to do both of the following:

(A) Take the examination selected by the board under section 4732.11 of the Revised Code and receive a score acceptable to the board;

(B) Participate in board processes designed to expose the applicant to Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code and rules promulgated thereunder, which may include passing a written or oral examination on the Ohio laws and rules governing psychologists, independent school psychologists, and school psychologists.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Section 4732.19 | Psychologist-client privilege.
 

The confidential relations and communications between a licensed psychologist, licensed independent school psychologist, or licensed school psychologist and client are placed upon the same basis as those between physician and patient under division (B) of section 2317.02 of the Revised Code. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require any such privileged communication to be disclosed.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Section 4732.20 | Practice of medicine prohibited.
 

This chapter does not authorize any person to engage in any of the acts which are regarded as practicing medicine under section 4731.34 of the Revised Code. In order to make provision for the diagnosis and treatment of medical problems, a licensed psychologist engaging in psychological psychotherapy with clients shall maintain a consultative relationship with a physician licensed to practice medicine by this state. The practice of psychology, the practice of independent school psychology, the practice of school psychology, or the use of psychological procedures does not include the diagnosis or correction of optical defects or conditions through the utilization of optical principles, including optical devices or orthoptics.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:32 PM

Section 4732.21 | Prohibiting unlicensed practice.
 

Except as provided in section 4732.22 of the Revised Code:

(A) No person who is not a licensed psychologist shall offer or render services as a psychologist or otherwise engage in the practice of psychology.

(B) No person who is not a licensed psychologist, licensed independent school psychologist, or licensed school psychologist shall offer or render services as a school psychologist or otherwise engage in the practice of school psychology.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:33 PM

Section 4732.22 | Exemptions from licensing requirements.
 

(A) The following persons are exempted from the licensing requirements of this chapter:

(1) Any nonresident temporarily employed in this state to render psychological services for not more than thirty days a year, who, in the opinion of the board, meets the standards for entrance in division (B) of section 4732.10 of the Revised Code, who has paid the required fee and submitted an application prescribed by the board, and who holds whatever license or certificate, if any, is required for such practice in the person's home state or home country. The state board of psychology shall not require a nonresident temporarily employed in this state who holds a license or certificate in another state to obtain a license in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to practice or render psychological services in the manner described under this division.

(2) Any person working under the supervision of a psychologist, independent school psychologist, or school psychologist licensed under this chapter, while carrying out specific tasks, under the license holder's supervision, as an extension of the license holder's legal and ethical authority as specified under this chapter if the person is registered under division (B) of this section. All fees shall be billed under the name of the license holder. The person working under the license holder's supervision shall not represent self to the public as a psychologist, independent school psychologist, or school psychologist, although supervised persons and persons in training may be ascribed such titles as "psychology trainee," "psychology assistant," "psychology intern," or other appropriate term that clearly implies their supervised or training status.

(3) Any student in an accredited educational institution, while carrying out activities that are part of the student's prescribed course of study, provided such activities are supervised by a professional person who is qualified to perform such activities and is licensed under this chapter or is a qualified supervisor pursuant to rules of the board;

(4) Recognized religious officials, including ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, Christian science practitioners, and other persons recognized by the board, conducting counseling when the counseling activities are within the scope of the performance of their regular duties and are performed under the auspices or sponsorship of an established and legally cognizable religious denomination or sect, as defined in current federal tax regulations, and when the religious official does not refer to the official's self as a psychologist and remains accountable to the established authority of the religious denomination or sect;

(5) Persons in the employ of the federal government insofar as their activities are a part of the duties of their positions;

(6) Persons licensed, certified, or registered under any other provision of the Revised Code who are practicing those arts and utilizing psychological procedures that are allowed and within the standards and ethics of their profession or within new areas of practice that represent appropriate extensions of their profession, provided that they do not hold themselves out to the public by the title of psychologist;

(7) Persons using the term "social psychologist," "experimental psychologist," "developmental psychologist," "research psychologist," "cognitive psychologist," and other terms used by those in academic and research settings who possess a doctoral degree in psychology from an educational institution accredited or recognized by national or regional accrediting agencies as maintaining satisfactory standards and who do not use such a term in the solicitation or rendering of professional psychological services.

(B) The license holder who is supervising a person described in division (A)(2) of this section shall register the person with the board. The board shall adopt rules regarding the registration process and the supervisory relationship.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:58 AM

Section 4732.221 | Fees for nonresident applicants.
 

A nonresident applicant seeking a review of qualifications and permission of the state board of psychology to practice psychology in Ohio for no more than thirty days per year under division (A)(1) of section 4732.22 of the Revised Code shall pay a fee established by the board of not less than seventy-five dollars and not more than one hundred fifty dollars, no part of which shall be returned. The board may adopt rules for the purpose of recognizing a nonresident's interjurisdictional practice credentials granted by the association of state and provincial psychology boards and other relevant professional organizations.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:33 PM

Section 4732.24 | Injunctions.
 

On complaint by the state board of psychology, the unlawful practice of psychology, independent school psychology, or school psychology may be enjoined by the common pleas court of the county in which such practice is occurring.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:34 PM

Section 4732.25 | Distribution of fines.
 

All fines collected for violation of section 4732.21 of the Revised Code shall be distributed as follows:

(A) One half to the state board of psychology;

(B) One half to the municipal corporation in which the offense was committed or, if the offense was committed outside a municipal corporation, to the county in which the offense was committed.

Money received by a municipal corporation or a county shall be paid into its general fund and may be used for any lawful purpose.

Section 4732.26 | Fees in excess of statutory amounts.
 

The state board of psychology subject to the approval of the controlling board, may establish fees in excess of the amounts provided by sections 4732.01 to 4732.99 of the Revised Code, provided that such fees do not exceed the amounts permitted by those sections by more than fifty per cent.

Section 4732.27 | Effect of child support default on license.
 

On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the state board of psychology shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a license issued pursuant to this chapter.

Section 4732.28 | Offering services through authorized business entity.
 

(A) An individual whom the state board of psychology licenses, certificates, or otherwise legally authorizes to engage in the practice of psychology may render the professional services of a psychologist within this state through a corporation formed under division (B) of section 1701.03 of the Revised Code, a limited liability company formed under former Chapter 1705. of the Revised Code as that chapter existed prior to February 11, 2022, or Chapter 1706. of the Revised Code, a partnership, or a professional association formed under Chapter 1785. of the Revised Code. This division does not preclude an individual of that nature from rendering professional services as a psychologist through another form of business entity, including, but not limited to, a nonprofit corporation or foundation, or in another manner that is authorized by or in accordance with this chapter, another chapter of the Revised Code, or rules of the state board of psychology adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(B) A corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or professional association described in division (A) of this section may be formed for the purpose of providing a combination of the professional services of the following individuals who are licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice their respective professions:

(1) Optometrists who are authorized to practice optometry under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code;

(2) Chiropractors who are authorized to practice chiropractic or acupuncture under Chapter 4734. of the Revised Code;

(3) Psychologists who are authorized to practice psychology under this chapter;

(4) Registered or licensed practical nurses who are authorized to practice nursing as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(5) Pharmacists who are authorized to practice pharmacy under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code;

(6) Physical therapists who are authorized to practice physical therapy under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code;

(7) Occupational therapists who are authorized to practice occupational therapy under sections 4755.04 to 4755.13 of the Revised Code;

(8) Mechanotherapists who are authorized to practice mechanotherapy under section 4731.151 of the Revised Code;

(9) Doctors of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or podiatric medicine and surgery who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code;

(10) Licensed professional clinical counselors, licensed professional counselors, independent social workers, social workers, independent marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapists, art therapists, or music therapists who are authorized for their respective practices under Chapter 4757. of the Revised Code.

This division shall apply notwithstanding a provision of a code of ethics applicable to a psychologist that prohibits a psychologist from engaging in the practice of psychology in combination with a person who is licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to practice optometry, chiropractic, acupuncture through the state chiropractic board, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mechanotherapy, medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, podiatric medicine and surgery, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, art therapy, or music therapy, but who is not also licensed, certificated, or otherwise legally authorized to engage in the practice of psychology.

Last updated October 3, 2023 at 12:39 PM

Section 4732.31 | Board information provided on the Internet.
 

(A) The state board of psychology shall provide access to the following information through the internet:

(1) The names of all licensed psychologists, licensed independent school psychologists, and licensed school psychologists;

(2) The names of all licensed psychologists, licensed independent school psychologists, and licensed school psychologists who have been reprimanded by the board for misconduct, the names of all licensed psychologists, licensed independent school psychologists, or licensed school psychologists whose licenses are under an active suspension imposed for misconduct, the names of all former licensed psychologists, licensed independent school psychologists, and licensed school psychologists licensed by the state board of psychology whose licenses have been suspended or revoked for misconduct, and the reason for each reprimand, suspension, or revocation;

(3) Written findings made under division (B) of section 4732.171 of the Revised Code.

(B) Division (A)(2) of this section does not apply to a suspension of the license of a psychologist, independent school psychologist, or school psychologist that is an automatic suspension imposed under section 4732.14 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:34 PM

Section 4732.32 | Compliance with law regarding sanctions for human trafficking.
 

The state board of psychology shall comply with section 4776.20 of the Revised Code.

Section 4732.33 | Telehealth services; rules governing telepsychology.
 

(A) The state board of psychology shall adopt rules governing the use of telepsychology for the purpose of protecting the welfare of recipients of telepsychology services and establishing requirements for the responsible use of telepsychology in the practice of psychology, independent school psychology, and school psychology, including supervision of persons registered with the state board of psychology as described in division (B) of section 4732.22 of the Revised Code. The rules adopted by the board shall be consistent with section 4743.09 of the Revised Code. The rules are not subject to the requirements of division (F) of section 121.95 of the Revised Code.

(B) A psychologist, independent school psychologist, or school psychologist may provide telehealth services in accordance with section 4743.09 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:35 PM

Section 4732.40 | Psychology interjurisdictional compact (PSYPACT).
 

The "Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)" is hereby ratified, enacted into law, and entered into by the state of Ohio as a party to the compact with any other state that has legally joined in the compact as follows:

PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT (PSYPACT)

ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

Whereas, states license psychologists, in order to protect the public through verification of education, training and experience and ensure accountability for professional practice; and

Whereas, this Compact is intended to regulate the day to day practice of telepsychology (i.e. the provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies) by psychologists across state boundaries in the performance of their psychological practice as assigned by an appropriate authority; and

Whereas, this Compact is intended to regulate the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology by psychologists across state boundaries for 30 days within a calendar year in the performance of their psychological practice as assigned by an appropriate authority;

Whereas, this Compact is intended to authorize State Psychology Regulatory Authorities to afford legal recognition, in a manner consistent with the terms of the Compact, to psychologists licensed in another state;

Whereas, this Compact recognizes that states have a vested interest in protecting the public's health and safety through their licensing and regulation of psychologists and that such state regulation will best protect public health and safety;

Whereas, this Compact does not apply when a psychologist is licensed in both the Home and Receiving States; and

Whereas, this Compact does not apply to permanent in-person, face-to-face practice, it does allow for authorization of temporary psychological practice.

Consistent with these principles, this Compact is designed to achieve the following purposes and objectives:

1. Increase public access to professional psychological services by allowing for telepsychological practice across state lines as well as temporary in-person, face-to-face services into a state which the psychologist is not licensed to practice psychology;

2. Enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety, especially client/patient safety;

3. Encourage the cooperation of Compact States in the areas of psychology licensure and regulation;

4. Facilitate the exchange of information between Compact States regarding psychologist licensure, adverse actions and disciplinary history;

5. Promote compliance with the laws governing psychological practice in each Compact State; and

6. Invest all Compact States with the authority to hold licensed psychologists accountable through the mutual recognition of Compact State licenses.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

A. "Adverse Action" means: Any action taken by a State Psychology Regulatory Authority which finds a violation of a statute or regulation that is identified by the State Psychology Regulatory Authority as discipline and is a matter of public record.

B. "Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)" means: the recognized membership organization composed of State and Provincial Psychology Regulatory Authorities responsible for the licensure and registration of psychologists throughout the United States and Canada.

C. "Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology" means: a licensed psychologist's authority to practice telepsychology, within the limits authorized under this Compact, in another Compact State.

D. "Bylaws" means: those Bylaws established by the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission pursuant to Article X for its governance, or for directing and controlling its actions and conduct.

E. "Client/Patient" means: the recipient of psychological services, whether psychological services are delivered in the context of healthcare, corporate, supervision, and/or consulting services.

F. "Commissioner" means: the voting representative appointed by each State Psychology Regulatory Authority pursuant to Article X.

G. "Compact State" means: a state, the District of Columbia, or United States territory that has enacted this Compact legislation and which has not withdrawn pursuant to Article XIII, Section C or been terminated pursuant to Article XII, Section B.

H. "Coordinated Licensure Information System" also referred to as "Coordinated Database" means: an integrated process for collecting, storing, and sharing information on psychologists' licensure and enforcement activities related to psychology licensure laws, which is administered by the recognized membership organization composed of State and Provincial Psychology Regulatory Authorities.

I. "Confidentiality" means: the principle that data or information is not made available or disclosed to unauthorized persons and/or processes.

J. "Day" means: any part of a day in which psychological work is performed.

K. "Distant State" means: the Compact State where a psychologist is physically present (not through the use of telecommunications technologies), to provide temporary in-person, face-to-face psychological services.

L. "E.Passport" means: a certificate issued by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) that promotes the standardization in the criteria of interjurisdictional telepsychology practice and facilitates the process for licensed psychologists to provide telepsychological services across state lines.

M. "Executive Board" means: a group of directors elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the Commission.

N. "Home State" means: a Compact State where a psychologist is licensed to practice psychology. If the psychologist is licensed in more than one Compact State and is practicing under the Authorization to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, the Home State is the Compact State where the psychologist is physically present when the telepsychological services are delivered. If the psychologist is licensed in more than one Compact State and is practicing under the Temporary Authorization to Practice, the Home State is any Compact State where the psychologist is licensed.

O. "Identity History Summary" means: a summary of information retained by the FBI, or other designee with similar authority, in connection with arrests and, in some instances, federal employment, naturalization, or military service.

P. "In-Person, Face-to-Face" means: interactions in which the psychologist and the client/patient are in the same physical space and which does not include interactions that may occur through the use of telecommunication technologies.

Q. "Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC)" means: a certificate issued by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) that grants temporary authority to practice based on notification to the State Psychology Regulatory Authority of intention to practice temporarily, and verification of one's qualifications for such practice.

R. "License" means: authorization by a State Psychology Regulatory Authority to engage in the independent practice of psychology, which would be unlawful without the authorization.

S. "Non-Compact State" means: any State which is not at the time a Compact State.

T. "Psychologist" means: an individual licensed for the independent practice of psychology.

U. "Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission" also referred to as "Commission" means: the national administration of which all Compact States are members.

V. "Receiving State" means: a Compact State where the client/patient is physically located when the telepsychological services are delivered.

W. "Rule" means: a written statement by the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission promulgated pursuant to Article XI of the Compact that is of general applicability, implements, interprets, or prescribes a policy or provision of the Compact, or an organizational, procedural, or practice requirement of the Commission and has the force and effect of statutory law in a Compact State, and includes the amendment, repeal or suspension of an existing rule.

X. "Significant Investigatory Information" means:

1. investigative information that a State Psychology Regulatory Authority, after a preliminary inquiry that includes notification and an opportunity to respond if required by state law, has reason to believe, if proven true, would indicate more than a violation of state statute or ethics code that would be considered more substantial than minor infraction; or

2. investigative information that indicates that the psychologist represents an immediate threat to public health and safety regardless of whether the psychologist has been notified and/or had an opportunity to respond.

Y. "State" means: a state, commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia.

Z. "State Psychology Regulatory Authority" means: the Board, office or other agency with the legislative mandate to license and regulate the practice of psychology.

AA. "Telepsychology" means: the provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies.

BB. "Temporary Authorization to Practice" means: a licensed psychologist's authority to conduct temporary in-person, face-to-face practice, within the limits authorized under this Compact, in another Compact State.

CC. "Temporary In-Person, Face-to-Face Practice" means: where a psychologist is physically present (not through the use of telecommunications technologies), in the Distant State to provide for the practice of psychology for 30 days within a calendar year and based on notification to the Distant State.

ARTICLE III

HOME STATE LICENSURE

A. The Home State shall be a Compact State where a psychologist is licensed to practice psychology.

B. A psychologist may hold one or more Compact State licenses at a time. If the psychologist is licensed in more than one Compact State, the Home State is the Compact State where the psychologist is physically present when the services are delivered as authorized by the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology under the terms of this Compact.

C. Any Compact State may require a psychologist not previously licensed in a Compact State to obtain and retain a license to be authorized to practice in the Compact State under circumstances not authorized by the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology under the terms of this Compact.

D. Any Compact State may require a psychologist to obtain and retain a license to be authorized to practice in a Compact State under circumstances not authorized by Temporary Authorization to Practice under the terms of this Compact.

E. A Home State's license authorizes a psychologist to practice in a Receiving State under the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology only if the Compact State:

1. Currently requires the psychologist to hold an active E.Passport;

2. Has a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about licensed individuals;

3. Notifies the Commission, in compliance with the terms herein, of any adverse action or significant investigatory information regarding a licensed individual;

4. Requires an Identity History Summary of all applicants at initial licensure, including the use of the results of fingerprints or other biometric data checks compliant with the requirements of the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI, or other designee with similar authority, no later than ten years after activation of the Compact; and

5. Complies with the Bylaws and Rules of the Commission.

F. A Home State's license grants Temporary Authorization to Practice to a psychologist in a Distant State only if the Compact State:

1. Currently requires the psychologist to hold an active IPC;

2. Has a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about licensed individuals;

3. Notifies the Commission, in compliance with the terms herein, of any adverse action or significant investigatory information regarding a licensed individual;

4. Requires an Identity History Summary of all applicants at initial licensure, including the use of the results of fingerprints or other biometric data checks compliant with the requirements of the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI, or other designee with similar authority, no later than ten years after activation of the Compact; and

5. Complies with the Bylaws and Rules of the Commission.

ARTICLE IV

COMPACT PRIVILEGE TO PRACTICE TELEPSYCHOLOGY

A. Compact States shall recognize the right of a psychologist, licensed in a Compact State in conformance with Article III, to practice telepsychology in other Compact States (Receiving States) in which the psychologist is not licensed, under the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology as provided in the Compact.

B. To exercise the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology under the terms and provisions of this Compact, a psychologist licensed to practice in a Compact State must:

1. Hold a graduate degree in psychology from an institute of higher education that was, at the time the degree was awarded:

a. Regionally accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to grant graduate degrees, OR authorized by Provincial Statute or Royal Charter to grant doctoral degrees; OR

b. A foreign college or university deemed to be equivalent to 1 (a) above by a foreign credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or by a recognized foreign credential evaluation service; AND

2. Hold a graduate degree in psychology that meets the following criteria:

a. The program, wherever it may be administratively housed, must be clearly identified and labeled as a psychology program. Such a program must specify in pertinent institutional catalogues and brochures its intent to educate and train professional psychologists;

b. The psychology program must stand as a recognizable, coherent, organizational entity within the institution;

c. There must be a clear authority and primary responsibility for the core and specialty areas whether or not the program cuts across administrative lines;

d. The program must consist of an integrated, organized sequence of study;

e. There must be an identifiable psychology faculty sufficient in size and breadth to carry out its responsibilities;

f. The designated director of the program must be a psychologist and a member of the core faculty;

g. The program must have an identifiable body of students who are matriculated in that program for a degree;

h. The program must include supervised practicum, internship, or field training appropriate to the practice of psychology;

i. The curriculum shall encompass a minimum of three academic years of full-time graduate study for doctoral degree and a minimum of one academic year of full-time graduate study for master's degree;

j. The program includes an acceptable residency as defined by the Rules of the Commission.

3. Possess a current, full and unrestricted license to practice psychology in a Home State which is a Compact State;

4. Have no history of adverse action that violate the Rules of the Commission;

5. Have no criminal record history reported on an Identity History Summary that violates the Rules of the Commission;

6. Possess a current, active E.Passport;

7. Provide attestations in regard to areas of intended practice, conformity with standards of practice, competence in telepsychology technology; criminal background; and knowledge and adherence to legal requirements in the home and receiving states, and provide a release of information to allow for primary source verification in a manner specified by the Commission; and

8. Meet other criteria as defined by the Rules of the Commission.

C. The Home State maintains authority over the license of any psychologist practicing into a Receiving State under the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology.

D. A psychologist practicing into a Receiving State under the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology will be subject to the Receiving State's scope of practice. A Receiving State may, in accordance with that state's due process law, limit or revoke a psychologist's Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology in the Receiving State and may take any other necessary actions under the Receiving State's applicable law to protect the health and safety of the Receiving State's citizens. If a Receiving State takes action, the state shall promptly notify the Home State and the Commission.

E. If a psychologist's license in any Home State, another Compact State, or any Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology in any Receiving State, is restricted, suspended or otherwise limited, the E.Passport shall be revoked and therefore the psychologist shall not be eligible to practice telepsychology in a Compact State under the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology.

ARTICLE V

COMPACT TEMPORARY AUTHORIZATION TO PRACTICE

A. Compact States shall also recognize the right of a psychologist, licensed in a Compact State in conformance with Article III, to practice temporarily in other Compact States (Distant States) in which the psychologist is not licensed, as provided in the Compact.

B. To exercise the Temporary Authorization to Practice under the terms and provisions of this Compact, a psychologist licensed to practice in a Compact State must:

1. Hold a graduate degree in psychology from an institute of higher education that was, at the time the degree was awarded:

a. Regionally accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to grant graduate degrees, OR authorized by Provincial Statute or Royal Charter to grant doctoral degrees; OR

b. A foreign college or university deemed to be equivalent to 1 (a) above by a foreign credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or by a recognized foreign credential evaluation service; AND

2. Hold a graduate degree in psychology that meets the following criteria:

a. The program, wherever it may be administratively housed, must be clearly identified and labeled as a psychology program. Such a program must specify in pertinent institutional catalogues and brochures its intent to educate and train professional psychologists;

b. The psychology program must stand as a recognizable, coherent, organizational entity within the institution;

c. There must be a clear authority and primary responsibility for the core and specialty areas whether or not the program cuts across administrative lines;

d. The program must consist of an integrated, organized sequence of study;

e. There must be an identifiable psychology faculty sufficient in size and breadth to carry out its responsibilities;

f. The designated director of the program must be a psychologist and a member of the core faculty;

g. The program must have an identifiable body of students who are matriculated in that program for a degree;

h. The program must include supervised practicum, internship, or field training appropriate to the practice of psychology;

i. The curriculum shall encompass a minimum of three academic years of full-time graduate study for doctoral degrees and a minimum of one academic year of full-time graduate study for master's degree;

j. The program includes an acceptable residency as defined by the Rules of the Commission.

3. Possess a current, full and unrestricted license to practice psychology in a Home State which is a Compact State;

4. No history of adverse action that violate the Rules of the Commission;

5. No criminal record history that violates the Rules of the Commission;

6. Possess a current, active IPC;

7. Provide attestations in regard to areas of intended practice and work experience and provide a release of information to allow for primary source verification in a manner specified by the Commission; and

8. Meet other criteria as defined by the Rules of the Commission.

C. A psychologist practicing into a Distant State under the Temporary Authorization to Practice shall practice within the scope of practice authorized by the Distant State.

D. A psychologist practicing into a Distant State under the Temporary Authorization to Practice will be subject to the Distant State's authority and law. A Distant State may, in accordance with that state's due process law, limit or revoke a psychologist's Temporary Authorization to Practice in the Distant State and may take any other necessary actions under the Distant State's applicable law to protect the health and safety of the Distant State's citizens. If a Distant State takes action, the state shall promptly notify the Home State and the Commission.

E. If a psychologist's license in any Home State, another Compact State, or any Temporary Authorization to Practice in any Distant State, is restricted, suspended or otherwise limited, the IPC shall be revoked and therefore the psychologist shall not be eligible to practice in a Compact State under the Temporary Authorization to Practice.

ARTICLE VI

CONDITIONS OF TELEPSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE IN A RECEIVING STATE

A. A psychologist may practice in a Receiving State under the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology only in the performance of the scope of practice for psychology as assigned by an appropriate State Psychology Regulatory Authority, as defined in the Rules of the Commission, and under the following circumstances:

1. The psychologist initiates a client/patient contact in a Home State via telecommunications technologies with a client/patient in a Receiving State;

2. Other conditions regarding telepsychology as determined by Rules promulgated by the Commission.

ARTICLE VII

ADVERSE ACTIONS

A. A Home State shall have the power to impose adverse action against a psychologist's license issued by the Home State. A Distant State shall have the power to take adverse action on a psychologist's Temporary Authorization to Practice within that Distant State.

B. A Receiving State may take adverse action on a psychologist's Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology within that Receiving State. A Home State may take adverse action against a psychologist based on an adverse action taken by a Distant State regarding temporary in-person, face-to-face practice.

C. If a Home State takes adverse action against a psychologist's license, that psychologist's Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology is terminated and the E.Passport is revoked. Furthermore, that psychologist's Temporary Authorization to Practice is terminated and the IPC is revoked.

1. All Home State disciplinary orders which impose adverse action shall be reported to the Commission in accordance with the Rules promulgated by the Commission. A Compact State shall report adverse actions in accordance with the Rules of the Commission.

2. In the event discipline is reported on a psychologist, the psychologist will not be eligible for telepsychology or temporary in-person, face-to-face practice in accordance with the Rules of the Commission.

3. Other actions may be imposed as determined by the Rules promulgated by the Commission.

D. A Home State's Psychology Regulatory Authority shall investigate and take appropriate action with respect to reported inappropriate conduct engaged in by a licensee which occurred in a Receiving State as it would if such conduct had occurred by a licensee within the Home State. In such cases, the Home State's law shall control in determining any adverse action against a psychologist's license.

E. A Distant State's Psychology Regulatory Authority shall investigate and take appropriate action with respect to reported inappropriate conduct engaged in by a psychologist practicing under Temporary Authorization Practice which occurred in that Distant State as it would if such conduct had occurred by a licensee within the Home State. In such cases, Distant States law shall control in determining any adverse action against a psychologist's Temporary Authorization to Practice.

F. Nothing in this Compact shall override a Compact State's decision that a psychologist's participation in an alternative program may be used in lieu of adverse action and that such participation shall remain non-public if required by the Compact State's law. Compact States must require psychologists who enter any alternative programs to not provide telepsychology services under the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology or provide temporary psychological services under the Temporary Authorization to Practice in any other Compact State during the term of the alternative program.

G. No other judicial or administrative remedies shall be available to a psychologist in the event a Compact State imposes an adverse action pursuant to subsection C, above.

ARTICLE VIII

ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES INVESTED IN A COMPACT STATE'S PSYCHOLOGY REGULATORY AUTHORITY

A. In addition to any other powers granted under state law, a Compact State's Psychology Regulatory Authority shall have the authority under this Compact to:

1. Issue subpoenas, for both hearings and investigations, which require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a Compact State's Psychology Regulatory Authority for the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and/or the production of evidence from another Compact State shall be enforced in the latter state by any court of competent jurisdiction, according to that court's practice and procedure in considering subpoenas issued in its own proceedings. The issuing State Psychology Regulatory Authority shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage and other fees required by the service statutes of the state where the witnesses and/or evidence are located; and

2. Issue cease and desist and/or injunctive relief orders to revoke a psychologist's Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology and/or Temporary Authorization to Practice.

3. During the course of any investigation, a psychologist may not change his/her Home State licensure. A Home State Psychology Regulatory Authority is authorized to complete any pending investigations of a psychologist and to take any actions appropriate under its law. The Home State Psychology Regulatory Authority shall promptly report the conclusions of such investigations to the Commission. Once an investigation has been completed, and pending the outcome of said investigation, the psychologist may change his/her Home State licensure. The Commission shall promptly notify the new Home State of any such decisions as provided in the Rules of the Commission. All information provided to the Commission or distributed by Compact States pursuant to the psychologist shall be confidential, filed under seal and used for investigatory or disciplinary matters. The Commission may create additional rules for mandated or discretionary sharing of information by Compact States.

ARTICLE IX

COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM

A. The Commission shall provide for the development and maintenance of a Coordinated Licensure Information System (Coordinated Database) and reporting system containing licensure and disciplinary action information on all psychologists individuals to whom this Compact is applicable in all Compact States as defined by the Rules of the Commission.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of state law to the contrary, a Compact State shall submit a uniform data set to the Coordinated Database on all licensees as required by the Rules of the Commission, including:

1. Identifying information;

2. Licensure data;

3. Significant investigatory information;

4. Adverse actions against a psychologist's license;

5. An indicator that a psychologist's Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology and/or Temporary Authorization to Practice is revoked;

6. Non-confidential information related to alternative program participation information;

7. Any denial of application for licensure, and the reasons for such denial; and

8. Other information which may facilitate the administration of this Compact, as determined by the Rules of the Commission.

C. The Coordinated Database administrator shall promptly notify all Compact States of any adverse action taken against, or significant investigative information on, any licensee in a Compact State.

D. Compact States reporting information to the Coordinated Database may designate information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission of the Compact State reporting the information.

E. Any information submitted to the Coordinated Database that is subsequently required to be expunged by the law of the Compact State reporting the information shall be removed from the Coordinated Database.

ARTICLE X

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT COMMISSION

A. The Compact States hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission.

1. The Commission is a body politic and an instrumentality of the Compact States.

2. Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located. The Commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

3. Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity.

B. Membership, Voting, and Meetings

1. The Commission shall consist of one voting representative appointed by each Compact State who shall serve as that state's Commissioner. The State Psychology Regulatory Authority shall appoint its delegate. This delegate shall be empowered to act on behalf of the Compact State. This delegate shall be limited to:

a. Executive Director, Executive Secretary or similar executive;

b. Current member of the State Psychology Regulatory Authority of a Compact State; OR

c. Designee empowered with the appropriate delegate authority to act on behalf of the Compact State.

2. Any Commissioner may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the state from which the Commissioner is appointed. Any vacancy occurring in the Commission shall be filled in accordance with the laws of the Compact State in which the vacancy exists.

3. Each Commissioner shall be entitled to one (1) vote with regard to the promulgation of Rules and creation of Bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission. A Commissioner shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the Bylaws. The Bylaws may provide for Commissioners' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.

4. The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the Bylaws.

5. All meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall be given in the same manner as required under the rulemaking provisions in Article XI.

6. The Commission may convene in a closed, non-public meeting if the Commission must discuss:

a. Non-compliance of a Compact State with its obligations under the Compact;

b. The employment, compensation, discipline or other personnel matters, practices or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the Commission's internal personnel practices and procedures;

c. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation against the Commission;

d. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase or sale of goods, services or real estate;

e. Accusation against any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;

f. Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information which is privileged or confidential;

g. Disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

h. Disclosure of investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes;

i. Disclosure of information related to any investigatory reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the Commission or other committee charged with responsibility for investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to the Compact; or

j. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal and state statute.

7. If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this provision, the Commission's legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision. The Commission shall keep minutes which fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, of any person participating in the meeting, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release only by a majority vote of the Commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

C. The Commission shall, by a majority vote of the Commissioners, prescribe Bylaws and/or Rules to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and exercise the powers of the Compact, including but not limited to:

1. Establishing the fiscal year of the Commission;

2. Providing reasonable standards and procedures:

a. for the establishment and meetings of other committees; and

b. governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the Commission;

3. Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Commission, ensuring reasonable advance notice of all meetings and providing an opportunity for attendance of such meetings by interested parties, with enumerated exceptions designed to protect the public's interest, the privacy of individuals of such proceedings, and proprietary information, including trade secrets. The Commission may meet in closed session only after a majority of the Commissioners vote to close a meeting to the public in whole or in part. As soon as practicable, the Commission must make public a copy of the vote to close the meeting revealing the vote of each Commissioner with no proxy votes allowed;

4. Establishing the titles, duties and authority and reasonable procedures for the election of the officers of the Commission;

5. Providing reasonable standards and procedures for the establishment of the personnel policies and programs of the Commission. Notwithstanding any civil service or other similar law of any Compact State, the Bylaws shall exclusively govern the personnel policies and programs of the Commission;

6. Promulgating a Code of Ethics to address permissible and prohibited activities of Commission members and employees;

7. Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the Commission and the equitable disposition of any surplus funds that may exist after the termination of the Compact after the payment and/or reserving of all of its debts and obligations;

8. The Commission shall publish its Bylaws in a convenient form and file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto, with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the Compact States;

9. The Commission shall maintain its financial records in accordance with the Bylaws; and

10. The Commission shall meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact and the Bylaws.

D. The Commission shall have the following powers:

1. The authority to promulgate uniform rules to facilitate and coordinate implementation and administration of this Compact. The rule shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in all Compact States;

2. To bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the Commission, provided that the standing of any State Psychology Regulatory Authority or other regulatory body responsible for psychology licensure to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;

3. To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;

4. To borrow, accept or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a Compact State;

5. To hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the Compact, and to establish the Commission's personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters;

6. To accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and to receive, utilize and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the Commission shall strive to avoid any appearance of impropriety and/or conflict of interest;

7. To lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use, any property, real, personal or mixed; provided that at all times the Commission shall strive to avoid any appearance of impropriety;

8. To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any property real, personal or mixed;

9. To establish a budget and make expenditures;

10. To borrow money;

11. To appoint committees, including advisory committees comprised of Members, State regulators, State legislators or their representatives, and consumer representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in this Compact and the Bylaws;

12. To provide and receive information from, and to cooperate with, law enforcement agencies;

13. To adopt and use an official seal; and

14. To perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact consistent with the state regulation of psychology licensure, temporary in-person, face-to-face practice and telepsychology practice.

E. The Executive Board

The elected officers shall serve as the Executive Board, which shall have the power to act on behalf of the Commission according to the terms of this Compact.

1. The Executive Board shall be comprised of six members:

a. Five voting members who are elected from the current membership of the Commission by the Commission;

b. One ex-officio, nonvoting member from the recognized membership organization composed of State and Provincial Psychology Regulatory Authorities.

2. The ex-officio member must have served as staff or member on a State Psychology Regulatory Authority and will be selected by its respective organization.

3. The Commission may remove any member of the Executive Board as provided in Bylaws.

4. The Executive Board shall meet at least annually.

5. The Executive Board shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Recommend to the entire Commission changes to the Rules or Bylaws, changes to this Compact legislation, fees paid by Compact States such as annual dues, and any other applicable fees;

b. Ensure Compact administration services are appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise;

c. Prepare and recommend the budget;

d. Maintain financial records on behalf of the Commission;

e. Monitor Compact compliance of member states and provide compliance reports to the Commission;

f. Establish additional committees as necessary; and

g. Other duties as provided in Rules or Bylaws.

F. Financing of the Commission

1. The Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization and ongoing activities.

2. The Commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services.

3. The Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each Compact State or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Commission which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all Compact States.

4. The Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of any of the Compact States, except by and with the authority of the Compact State.

5. The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its Bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.

G. Qualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification

1. The members, officers, Executive Director, employees and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit and/or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.

2. The Commission shall defend any member, officer, Executive Director, employee or representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from that person's intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.

3. The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, Executive Director, employee or representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.

ARTICLE XI

RULEMAKING

A. The Commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this Article and the Rules adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment.

B. If a majority of the legislatures of the Compact States rejects a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the Compact, then such rule shall have no further force and effect in any Compact State.

C. Rules or amendments to the rules shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the Commission.

D. Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final rule or Rules by the Commission, and at least sixty (60) days in advance of the meeting at which the rule will be considered and voted upon, the Commission shall file a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:

1. On the website of the Commission; and

2. On the website of each Compact States' Psychology Regulatory Authority or the publication in which each state would otherwise publish proposed rules.

E. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking shall include:

1. The proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the rule will be considered and voted upon;

2. The text of the proposed rule or amendment and the reason for the proposed rule;

3. A request for comments on the proposed rule from any interested person; and

4. The manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the Commission of their intention to attend the public hearing and any written comments.

F. Prior to adoption of a proposed rule, the Commission shall allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions and arguments, which shall be made available to the public.

G. The Commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it adopts a rule or amendment if a hearing is requested by:

1. At least twenty-five (25) persons who submit comments independently of each other;

2. A governmental subdivision or agency; or

3. A duly appointed person in an association that has having at least twenty-five (25) members.

H. If a hearing is held on the proposed rule or amendment, the Commission shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing.

1. All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing shall notify the Executive Director of the Commission or other designated member in writing of their desire to appear and testify at the hearing not less than five (5) business days before the scheduled date of the hearing.

2. Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in writing.

3. No transcript of the hearing is required, unless a written request for a transcript is made, in which case the person requesting the transcript shall bear the cost of producing the transcript. A recording may be made in lieu of a transcript under the same terms and conditions as a transcript. This subsection shall not preclude the Commission from making a transcript or recording of the hearing if it so chooses.

4. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing on each rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the Commission at hearings required by this section.

I. Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close of business on the scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not held, the Commission shall consider all written and oral comments received.

J. The Commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed rule and shall determine the effective date of the rule, if any, based on the rulemaking record and the full text of the rule.

K. If no written notice of intent to attend the public hearing by interested parties is received, the Commission may proceed with promulgation of the proposed rule without a public hearing.

L. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the Commission may consider and adopt an emergency rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided in the Compact and in this section shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the rule. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:

1. Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;

2. Prevent a loss of Commission or Compact State funds;

3. Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative rule that is established by federal law or rule; or

4. Protect public health and safety.

M. The Commission or an authorized committee of the Commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted rule or amendment for purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the Commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of thirty (30) days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a rule. A challenge shall be made in writing, and delivered to the Chair of the Commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision will take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the Commission.

ARTICLE XII

OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ENFORCEMENT

A. Oversight

1. The Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of state government in each Compact State shall enforce this Compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the Compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of this Compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory law.

2. All courts shall take judicial notice of the Compact and the rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a Compact State pertaining to the subject matter of this Compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the Commission.

3. The Commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the Commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the Commission, this Compact or promulgated rules.

B. Default, Technical Assistance, and Termination

1. If the Commission determines that a Compact State has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact or the promulgated rules, the Commission shall:

a. Provide written notice to the defaulting state and other Compact States of the nature of the default, the proposed means of remedying the default and/or any other action to be taken by the Commission; and

b. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.

2. If a state in default fails to remedy the default, the defaulting state may be terminated from the Compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the Compact States, and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this Compact shall be terminated on the effective date of termination. A remedy of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of default.

3. Termination of membership in the Compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be submitted by the Commission to the Governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and each of the Compact States.

4. A Compact State which has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, including obligations which extend beyond the effective date of termination.

5. The Commission shall not bear any costs incurred by the state which is found to be in default or which has been terminated from the Compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the Commission and the defaulting state.

6. The defaulting state may appeal the action of the Commission by petitioning the U.S. District Court for the state of Georgia or the federal district where the Compact has its principal offices. The prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees.

C. Dispute Resolution

1. Upon request by a Compact State, the Commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the Compact which arise among Compact States and between Compact and Non-Compact States.

2. The Commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes that arise before the commission.

D. Enforcement

1. The Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and Rules of this Compact.

2. By majority vote, the Commission may initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the State of Georgia or the federal district where the Compact has its principal offices against a Compact State in default to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact and its promulgated Rules and Bylaws. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees.

3. The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the Commission. The Commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or state law.

ARTICLE XIII

DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT COMMISSION AND ASSOCIATED RULES, WITHDRAWAL, AND AMENDMENTS

A. The Compact shall come into effect on the date on which the Compact is enacted into law in the seventh Compact State. The provisions which become effective at that time shall be limited to the powers granted to the Commission relating to assembly and the promulgation of rules. Thereafter, the Commission shall meet and exercise rulemaking powers necessary to the implementation and administration of the Compact.

B. Any state which joins the Compact subsequent to the Commission's initial adoption of the rules shall be subject to the rules as they exist on the date on which the Compact becomes law in that state. Any rule which has been previously adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day the Compact becomes law in that state.

C. Any Compact State may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same.

1. A Compact State's withdrawal shall not take effect until six (6) months after enactment of the repealing statute.

2. Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing State's Psychology Regulatory Authority to comply with the investigative and adverse action reporting requirements of this act prior to the effective date of withdrawal.

D. Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any psychology licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a Compact State and a Non-Compact State which does not conflict with the provisions of this Compact.

E. This Compact may be amended by the Compact States. No amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding upon any Compact State until it is enacted into the law of all Compact States.

ARTICLE XIV

CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY

This Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. If this Compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state member thereto, the Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining Compact States.

Last updated May 21, 2021 at 12:53 PM

Section 4732.41 | Member to the interjurisdictional compact commission.
 

Not later than thirty days after the "Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT)" is entered into under section 4732.40 of the Revised Code, the state board of psychology shall appoint a member to the psychology interjurisdictional compact commission created under the compact. The board shall fill a vacancy not later than thirty days after the vacancy occurs.

Last updated May 21, 2021 at 12:54 PM

Section 4732.99 | Penalty.
 

Whoever violates section 4732.21 of the Revised Code shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not less than six months nor more than one year, or both. Each violation shall be a separate offense.