SB 1253 - Psychology Board; Licensure; Fingerprinting

• Beginning January 1, 2022, applicants for initial or renewal licenses as psychologists and behavior analysts must apply for a fingerprint clearance card under title 41, chapter 12, article 3.1; the board may approve applications despite clearance card denial if criminal history alone does not disqualify the applicant.

• Adds the state board of psychologist examiners to the list of agencies in sections 41-619.51 and 41-1758 authorized to require fingerprint background checks and clearance cards.

• Exempts licensure requirements relating to two years of on-site doctoral study and residency at the degree-granting institution from February 1, 2021 through September 1, 2023, with retroactive application to January 31, 2021.

• Modifies behavior analyst licensure standards to require at least 1,500 hours of supervised work experience and, if experience was obtained in a state that licensed behavior analysts at that time, the supervisor must be licensed in the state where services were provided.

• Makes technical corrections to statutory language including grammar, capitalization, and punctuation throughout sections governing psychology and behavior analyst licensing.