AR HB1173

Repeals the prohibition on issuing new psychological examiner licenses that was set to take effect after December 31, 2013, allowing new licenses to be issued through December 31, 2024.

Psychological examiners licensed after December 31, 2024, cannot be granted independent practice status if they submit an application for independent practice.

Adds "forensic psychological assessment" as a defined practice area that includes fitness to proceed evaluations, criminal responsibility evaluations, death penalty eligibility hearings, mitigation evaluations, Miranda rights capacity evaluations, civil damages evaluations, parental fitness and custody evaluations, guardianship and testamentary capacity evaluations, and juvenile transfer and waiver hearing evaluations.

Prohibits psychological examiners (both pre- and post-1997 licensees) from practicing independently in neuropsychological assessment, forensic psychological assessment, and projective personality assessment without appropriate supervision or qualifications.

Maintains the 3,000 hours of approved clinical supervised training requirement for psychological examiners licensed after December 31, 1997, who seek independent practice in non-restricted areas.