HB265 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Psychology Professionals Wellness Committee administered by the Board of Examiners in Psychology to identify and intervene with impaired licensed psychologists and psychological technicians.

• Committee shall comprise 3-11 members including licensed psychology professionals appointed by the board plus one representative from a contracted nonprofit organization or professional association, with membership reflecting racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity.

• Board may contract with nonprofit organizations, health professionals, or professional associations to receive impairment reports, intervene in cases, arrange treatment, monitor rehabilitation, and provide post-treatment support services.

• All committee information, reports, findings, and records are confidential and not subject to court subpoena or discovery, except records pertaining to contract breaches may be disclosed to the board for disciplinary purposes only.

• Board may refrain from disciplinary action if an impaired licensee is currently participating in a committee-recommended rehabilitation program, though the committee's authority does not supersede the board's disciplinary powers; act becomes effective January 1, 2022.