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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
VETOED
psychologist board; complaint-related documents
Purpose
Modifies documental review requirements relating to an Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners (Board) investigation.
Background
The Board is the state regulatory body that oversees the professions of psychology and behavior analysis. The Board licenses individuals to practice psychology and behavior analysis, provides information about licensees to the public, investigates complaints of unprofessional conduct and administers disciplinary actions. The Board may investigate evidence that appears to show a psychologist is psychologically incompetent, guilty of unprofessional conduct or mentally or physically unable to safely practice psychology (A.R.S. §§ 32-2063 and 32-2081).
The Board and its authorized agents, in connection with an investigation, may examine and copy documents, reports, records and other physical evidence wherever located relating to a licensee's professional competence, unprofessional conduct or mental or physical ability to safely practice psychology. Documents associated with an investigation are not open to the public and must remain confidential. No documents may be released without a court order compelling their production (A.R.S. § 32-2082).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. States that a complainant is entitled to and must be provided copies of all documents received and reviewed by the Board in connection with an investigation, except as otherwise restricted under state or federal law.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Governor's Veto Message
The Governor indicated in her veto message that H.B. 2441 is unnecessary as the Board already provides copies of investigation files, upon request, to licensees in open cases.
House Action Senate Action
RO 2/11/25 DP 5-0-0-0 RAGE 3/26/25 DP 4-3-0
3rd Read 2/25/25 33-27-0 3rd Read 4/29/25 17-11-2
Vetoed by the Governor 5/6/25
Prepared by Senate Research
May 8, 2025
JT/JRM/ci