HB1254
To Authorize A Licensed Psychological Practitioner To Practice Independently In This State; And To Remove The Independent Practice Privileges From Psychological Examiners.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill aims to redefine the practice of psychology in Arkansas by creating a new designation, "licensed psychological practitioner," and modifying the role of "psychological examiner." The legislation would authorize licensed psychological practitioners to practice independently, providing a broad range of psychological services. Conversely, it seeks to remove independent practice privileges from psychological examiners. The bill outlines specific educational and supervised experience requirements for individuals seeking to become licensed psychological practitioners. It also establishes a grandfathering clause for existing psychological examiners who were granted independent practice privileges before a certain date. Furthermore, the bill clarifies the scope of practice for licensed psychological practitioners, including their ability to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. It also addresses compensation for services rendered by licensed psychological practitioners, allowing them to bill various entities like Medicare and private insurance. The bill also includes provisions for provisional licenses to facilitate supervised training. Finally, the legislation states that new psychological examiner licenses will not be issued after a specified date.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals who meet the new qualifications for 'licensed psychological practitioner.' This includes those who will pursue the higher educational and supervised experience requirements to gain independent practice rights and expanded service capabilities. It could also benefit patients seeking a wider range of independently practicing mental health professionals. Existing psychological examiners who were granted independent practice before December 31, 2024, would also continue to benefit from their independent practice privileges.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary group negatively impacted by this bill would be current and future 'psychological examiners' who would lose or be unable to obtain independent practice privileges. This could limit their scope of practice and ability to operate without direct supervision, potentially affecting their career progression and earning potential. Additionally, individuals who were pursuing or planned to pursue a career as a psychological examiner after December 31, 2026, would be unable to obtain new licenses for this role, effectively ending this specific professional pathway.