SB435 Summary - Psychology Practice Regulation

• Expands definitions of psychology practice to include projective assessment techniques, diagnosis of mental disorders, psychotherapy, and services delivered electronically or without payment.

• Requires psychologists and psychological technicians to be U.S. citizens or legally present in the country with federal documentation; establishes temporary licensing for disasters (up to 60 days) and visiting practitioners (up to 30 days annually).

• Increases fines for unauthorized practice from $100-$500 to $500-$5,000 per occurrence and authorizes civil injunctions; adds background check fees as part of examination costs.

• Restructures the Board of Examiners to include five practicing psychologists, one academic psychologist, one psychological technician, and one public member; reduces academic psychology positions and expands practicing psychologist representation.

• Increases licensing and renewal fees (psychologists up to $500, technicians up to $100), adds background check requirements, and expands grounds for disciplinary action including failure to engage in continuing education and practicing outside scope of licensure.