The New APA Model Licensure Act: Issues for I-O Psychologists

APA is revising its Model Act for Licensing and Certification of Psychologists. This is designed to guide states and provinces as they create legislation and policies related to psychological licensure, which is the purview of the state legislatures, not SIOP or APA.
It is critical that we address this issue if we want to practice as “psychologists.” This is a complex issue that has serious implications for our practice and our educational programs.

Here are a few of the proposed changes in the Act.

1. Exemptions removed. A small handful of jurisdictions now exclude or exempt I-Os from licensure. In the proposed act, all jurisdictions would have generic laws in which all psychologists who “practice” would need to be licensed. Academics would continue to be exempted in their academic role but would need to be licensed if they had a part-time consulting practice. “Grandparenting” for I-O psychologists in jurisdictions where they have been exempt or excluded from practice is included.

2. Interstate practice. If licensed and in good standing in one jurisdiction, one could practice 60 days in another jurisdiction.

3. Mobility and portability. Both would be easier.

4. Maintaining and expanding competencies. Continuing education would be required as well as more oversight of those practicing outside of their area of expertise.

5. Requirements for licensure. All psychologists would be expected to have a “core of theory, principles and accumulated knowledge” including a doctorate at a regionally accredited institution. The doctoral program would need to be approved or meet specific content requirements.

6. Experience. Two full-time years of supervision (by licensed psychologist) appropriate to area. (Some flexibility for non-HSPs supervision would be suggested.)

Our response will require an open, thoughtful discussion by our members. We also need to clarify the competencies necessary to do our work and communicate our professional practice standards to assure that our members understand our standards and that graduate programs adequately prepare students.

The next step includes appointing a SIOP task force (including practitioners and academics) to discuss these issues and craft a formal SIOP response to the Draft Act that will be posted by APA for public comment in August 2007. More information about current licensure requirements can be found on the SIOP Web site and in Blanton (2006, see Web site). More information about the details of the Model Act and implications for SIOP members will be communicated as the process moves ahead. You will be hearing more about this in the near future.