HB326 Summary: Alabama Psychology Licensure Act

• Transfers and consolidates existing psychology licensing law from Chapter 26 to new Chapter 26A of Title 34, establishing the "Alabama Psychology Licensure Act" with continued board authority and all prior actions ratified.

• Creates a 7-member Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology (5 licensed psychologists, 1 psychological technician, 1 public member) appointed by the Governor, with defined duties including licensure certification, code of conduct establishment, and disciplinary authority.

• Establishes licensure requirements for psychologists (doctoral degree in psychology, good moral character, age 19+, examination passage) and psychological technicians (master's degree in psychology, age 19+, examination passage), with provisions for reciprocal licensure and temporary/provisional licenses.

• Defines the practice of psychology, creates privilege and confidentiality protections for client communications with exceptions for abuse, threats of violence, and court-ordered evaluations, and requires supervisors of psychological technicians to maintain written agreements and co-sign reports.

• Specifies disciplinary grounds (fraud, sexual contact with clients, malpractice, conviction of felony) and procedures (written complaints, investigative committee review, board hearing with due process rights) with authority to suspend, revoke, or place licensees on probation.