HB 496 Summary

• Restructures psychology licensure by eliminating the separate "licensed school psychologist" category and creating a unified licensing system where school psychologists can be licensed by the state board of psychology or the state board of education.

• Establishes new examination requirements including a mandatory national examination for psychologist licensure and optional additional examinations covering Ohio law, ethics, and professional standards of care.

• Introduces "retired status" licensing allowing licensed psychologists to place their licenses in retired status (with a $50 fee) and later seek reinstatement through procedures established by the board.

• Expands grounds for disciplinary action against licensed psychologists to include inability to practice safely due to mental, emotional, or substance abuse conditions; violations of adjudication orders; and unauthorized practice after license expiration or retirement.

• Adds telepsychology provisions requiring the state board of psychology to adopt rules governing the practice of psychology through distance communication technology, including supervision requirements for registered persons.