ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session
	Senate: HHS DP 7-0-1-0 | 3^rd Read 29-1-0-0 House: HHS DP 9-0-0-0

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SB 1253: psychology board; licensure; fingerprinting

Sponsor:  Senator Barto, LD 15

House Engrossed

Overview

Requires applicants for licensure as psychologists and behavioral analysts to apply for a fingerprint clearance card by January 1, 2022 and modifies licensure requirements.

History

The State Board of Psychologist Examiners (Board) regulates the practice of psychology and behavioral analysis in Arizona (A.R.S. § 32-2091). Current law does not require psychologists and behavior analysts to have a fingerprint clearance card (A.R.S. §§ 41-619.51 and 41-1758).

Provisions

1. Requires, beginning January 1, 2022, all psychologist and behavioral analyst license applicants to apply for a fingerprint clearance card. (Sec. 1)

2. Asserts that if an applicant is issued a valid fingerprint clearance card, the applicant must submit the valid fingerprint clearance card to the Board with the completed application. (Sec. 1)

3. Permits the applicant, if denied a fingerprint clearance card, to request that the Board consider the application for licensure notwithstanding the absence of a valid fingerprint clearance card. (Sec. 1)

4. Allows the Board, in its discretion, to approve an application for licensure despite the denial of a valid fingerprint clearance card if the Board determines that the applicant's criminal history information on which the denial is based does not alone disqualify the applicant from licensure. (Sec. 1)

5. Eliminates the requirement that no more than 50% of in-person supervision can be completed using telepractice supervision. (Sec. 2)

6. States that a psychologist who conducts an independent psychological examination is not subject to a complaint of unprofessional conduct unless the complaint alleges unprofessional conduct based on an act other than a disagreement with the findings and opinions expressed by the psychologist as a result of the examination. (Sec. 6)

7. Removes independent fieldwork, university practicum or intensive university practicum as options to satisfy supervised experience requirements for behavioral analysts. (Sec. 8)

8. Requires the supervisor of an applicant for licensure as a licensed behavior analyst who obtained supervised work experience in another state to be licensed in the state where the behavior analysis trainee services were provided. (Sec. 8)

9. States, beginning February 1, 2021 through September 1, 2023, and retroactive to February 1, 2021, the following licensure requirements for applicants for psychologist licensure do not apply:

a) Two full-time academic years of graduate study in a doctoral program completed at the institution from which the doctoral degree is granted; and

b) A residency completed at the institution that awarded the applicant's doctoral degree. (Sec. 15)

10. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1 – 14)

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14.                   SB 1253

15. Initials EB/IR         Page 0 House Engrossed

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