PROPOSED RULEMAKING
STATE BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY
[49 PA. CODE CH. 41]
Education Requirements
[34 Pa.B. 4903] The State Board of Psychology (Board) proposes to amend §§ 41.1 and 41.31 (relating to definitions; and qualifications for taking licensure examination) to read as set forth in Annex A.
A. Effective Date
This proposed rulemaking will be effective for applicants for licensure who first enrolled in a psychology or psychology related educational program at least 2 academic years from the publication of the final-form rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Applicants who are currently enrolled in a doctoral degree program on the date prior to publication of final-form rulemaking would qualify under existing language and would have 5 years from the effective date of the final-form rulemaking to obtain the requisite education to become eligible to sit for the license examination. Applicants who do not obtain the requisite education within the 5 years would be required to comply with the requirements set forth in this proposed rulemaking.
B. Statutory Authority
This proposed rulemaking is made under sections 3.2(1) and 6(a)(2) of the Professional Psychologists Practice Act (act) (63 P. S. §§ 1203.2(1) and 1206(a)(2)).
C. Purpose and Background
Section 6(a)(2) of the act mandates that applicants for licensure have a doctoral degree in psychology or a field related to psychology. The Board has defined ''doctoral degree in psychology'' and ''doctoral degree in a field related to psychology'' in § 41.1.
Currently, a doctoral degree must be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or designated by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Register Designation Committee (ASPPB/National Register). Applicants who graduate from doctoral degree programs which are neither accredited or designated are reviewed on a case-by-basis under criteria in subsection (c).
In 1991, when this provision was amended, many psychology programs were either not accredited or designated. However, today the vast majority of programs are either accredited or designated. A list of those programs can be found on the APA's website: www.apa.org and on the National Register's website: www.nationalregister.org.
Programs accredited by the APA or Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) or designated by the ASPPB/National Register undergo a rigorous review process. Following a self-study and the completion of a comprehensive application, each program is subject to a several-day site visit by a trained team of reviewers who meet with the institution's administration, department and program faculty and students and review the entire curriculum being taught in the program as well as the self-study report. Doctoral and internship programs and postdoctoral residencies are reviewed annually by written report and undergo periodic review involving additional self-studies and site visits. The process also requires programs to correct deficiencies detected in the evaluation.
Since 1991, the Board has also reviewed numerous doctoral degree programs that are neither accredited nor designated. The Board has found that the standards at these programs vary significantly and that most do not meet the APA or the ASPPB/National Register standards. In addition, because the Board is not capable of conducting site visits at these programs, the Board has been forced to rely on the documentary evidence provided.
The Board believes that to protect the citizens of this Commonwealth who receive psychological services, psychologists must receive uniform quality education. In the Board's view, this can only be accomplished if all doctoral degree programs are held to the same standards. Therefore, the Board proposes that to obtain a license as a psychologist, the applicant must have earned a doctoral degree from a program that is either accredited by the APA or the CPA or designated by the ASPPB/National Register.
Recognizing that there are no foreign equivalents to these reviewing bodies, but to ensure that qualified applicants from these programs are not prohibited from obtaining a Pennsylvania license, under this proposed rulemaking, applicants from colleges and universities which are not located in the United States, Canada or the United States' territories must comply with standards identical to those required for ASPPB/National Register designation.
D. Description of Proposed Rulemaking:
1. Proposed § 41.1. Definition of ''doctoral degree in a field related to psychology.''
The Board proposes to amend subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of the definition to limit its application to a degree awarded by a program accredited by the APA or the CPA or designated by the ASPPB/National Register. The proposed rulemaking will limit its application to programs in foreign colleges or universities.
Currently, the definition requires that the foreign college or university be accredited. To avoid confusion as to the required accreditation body, the Board proposes amending this subparagraph to indicate that a recognized accrediting body in the jurisdiction where the college or university is located must accredit the college or university.
Currently the definition requires that the program be comprised of an integrated, organized sequence of study. The Board proposes to amend this provision by adding the specific requirements necessary for an integrated, organized sequence of study: the breadth or foundations of scientific psychology; scientific, methodological and theoretical foundations of practice; diagnosing or defining problems; and supervised practicum and required specialty courses.
Currently the definition requires at least 60 graduate semester hours in the listed categories of educational subjects. Recognizing current educational requirements at APA or CPA accredited and ASPPB/National Register designated programs, the Board also proposes to require licensees to complete 3 full-time academic years of graduate study plus a dissertation prior to being awarded a doctoral degree. Two of the 3 academic years would have to be completed at the institution granting the degree.
Lastly, the Board proposes to clarify the residency requirement in the current definition. Applicants for licensure routinely and repeatedly question the Board about the length and contacts necessary to satisfy the residency requirement. The Board has consistently advised applicants that the program must require residency for a minimum of 2 academic semesters and that the program must provide opportunities for interaction between faculty and students in addition to instruction time to enhance the student's understanding of scholarship and provide socialization to the science and practice of psychology. Applicants have attempted to demonstrate that this requirement has been met by showing that students and faculty members meet 1 weekend per month for a set number of months. The Board has found that absent other substantive contacts, these monthly meetings are insufficient to meet the residency requirement. Because applicants have sought additional information about this residency requirement, the Board proposes amending the definition by clarifying that the residency must extend for ''2 consecutive academic semesters as a full-time student physically present at a degree granting institution'' and must ''enhance understanding of scholarship and professional activities and provide socialization to the science and practice of psychology.''
2. Proposed § 41.1. Definition of ''doctoral degree in psychology.''
The Board proposes to duplicate the amendments to the definition of a ''doctoral degree in a field related to psychology'' in the definition. The definition would be amended to also clarify that the degree must be from a program accredited by the APA or the CPA or designated by the ASPPB/National Register and would be amended to clarify that this provision only applies to foreign colleges or universities.
3. Proposed § 41.31. Qualifications for taking licensing examination.
The Board proposes to consolidate the requirements in subsection (b)(1), for applicants with doctoral degree in psychology, and subsection (b)(2), for applicants with doctoral degrees in fields related to psychology, as the qualification requirements for taking the examination would be the same for both degrees.
E. Fiscal Impact and Paperwork Requirements
The proposed rulemaking should have no fiscal impact on the Commonwealth. Board members would no longer be required to review transcripts, courses, residencies and internships for applicants who attended non-APA and non-ASPPB programs in the United States, Canada and United States territories, and Board staff would simply confirm that the doctoral degree program was accredited by the APA or the CPA or designated by the ASPPB/National Register. However, there were no costs associated with Board member review as that review was conducted at the end of the monthly Board meetings. Therefore, the change should not result in any discernible fiscal impact on the Board or the Commonwealth. The Board would continue to conduct its review for applicants with doctoral degrees from foreign colleges and universities.
The proposed rulemaking would decrease paperwork requirements for applicants from programs in the United States, Canada and United States territories. These applicants would only be required to submit a Verification of Doctoral Program Approval Status completed by the program's director of clinical training reflecting accreditation by the APA or the CPA or designation by the ASPPB and an official transcript from the registrar. Applicants from foreign colleges and universities would continue to submit an evaluation from a foreign education credential evaluator acceptable to the Board evidencing compliance with the educational requirements for degree holders from foreign colleges or universities in § 41.1.
F. Sunset Date
The Commission reviews the effectiveness of its regulations on an ongoing basis. Therefore, no sunset date has been assigned.
G. Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5(a)), on August 23, 2004, the Board submitted a copy of this proposed rulemaking and a copy of a Regulatory Analysis Form to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) and to the Chairpersons of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee and the House Professional Licensure Committee. A copy of this material is available to the public upon request.
Under section 5(g) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC may convey any comments, recommendations or objections to the proposed rulemaking within 30 days of the close of the public comment period. The comments, recommendations or objections shall specify the regulatory review criteria which have not been met. The Regulatory Review Act specifies detailed procedures for review, prior to final publication of the rulemaking, by the Board, the General Assembly and the Governor of comments, recommendations or objections raised.
H. Public Comment
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, recommendations or objections regarding the proposed rulemaking to Judith Pachter Schulder, Counsel, State Board of Psychology, Penn Center, 2601 North Third Street, P. O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649 within 30 days following publication of this proposed rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
ALEX M. SIEGEL, Ph.D., J.D.,
ChairpersonFiscal Note: 16A-6313. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 49. PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL STANDARDS
PART I. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Subpart A. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL AFFAIRS
CHAPTER 41. STATE BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY
GENERAL § 41.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
* * * * * Doctoral degree in a field related to psychology--A degree awarded upon successful completion of a program which meets one of the following [criteria or which is approved by the Board under § 41.31(b)(3) (relating to qualifications for taking licensing examination)]:
(i) Is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).
(ii) Is designated by the Joint Designation Committee of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
(iii) Is offered by a foreign college or university which:
[(i)] (A) Offers training in [an accredited] a college or university accredited by a recognized accrediting body in the jurisdiction where the college or university is located.
[(ii)] (B) * * *
[(iii)] (C) * * *
[(iv)] (D) Comprises an integrated, organized sequence of study[.] that enables all students to acquire and demonstrate substantial understanding of and competence in the following areas:
[(v) Provides in its core program required instruction in ethics as they relate to scientific methods and professional standards, research design and methodology, statistics and psychometrics. In addition, requires students to demonstrate competence in each of the following four substantive content areas (this criterion will typically be met by requiring a minimum of three graduate semester hours in each area) biological:]
(I) The breadth or foundations of scientific psychology as exemplified by study in each of the following domains for a minimum of 3 graduate semester hours:
(-a-) Biological bases of behavior--for example, physiological psychology, comparative psychology, neuropsychology, sensation and perception, and psychopharmacology[; cognitive].
(-b-) Cognitive-affective bases of behavior--for example, learning, thinking, motivation[,] and emotion[; social].
(-c-) Social bases of behavior--for example, social psychology, group processes[,] and organizational and systems theory[; individual].
(-d-) History and systems of psychology.
(-e-) Psychological measurement.
(-f-) Research methodology.
(-g-) Techniques of data analysis.
(II) Scientific, methodological and theoretical foundations of the practice in the substantive domains of professional psychology by study in each of the following domains for a minimum of 3 graduate semester hours:
(-a-) Individual differences in behavior[--for example, human].
(-b-) Human development[, personality theory, abnormal psychology].
(-c-) Dysfunctional behavior or psychopathology.
(-d-) Professional standards and ethics.
(III) Diagnosing or defining problems through psychological assessment and measurement and formulating and implementing intervention strategies by study in each of the following domains for a minimum of 3 graduate semester hours:
(-a-) Theories and methods of assessment and diagnosis.
(-b-) Effective interventions.
(-c-) Consultation and supervision.
(-d-) Evaluating the efficacy of interventions.
[(vi)] (IV) [Includes supervised] Supervised practicum, internship, field or laboratory training appropriate to the practice of psychology.
[(vii) Includes course requirements] Required courses in a specialty [areas] area of psychology.
[(viii) Ensures that instruction, supervision and training in the areas enumerated in subparagraphs (v)--(vii) are appropriate to the practice of psychology. Considerations pertinent to this requirement are the psychological content and focus of courses and training, irrespective of title, and the psychological qualifications of the instructor--for example, professional identification, membership in professional organizations, licensure status.
(ix)] (E) Requires degree candidates to complete a combined total of at least [60] 3 full-time academic years of graduate study (or the equivalent thereof), for example, 90 graduate semester hours or its equivalent in the areas described in [subparagraphs (v)--(vii)] subparagraph (iii)(D), and a dissertation prior to awarding the doctoral degree. At least 2 of the 3 academic years or the equivalent thereof must be at the institution from which the doctoral degree is granted.
[(x)] (F) Has a residency requirement that each degree candidate complete a minimum of two consecutive academic semesters as a [matriculated] full-time student physically present at the institution granting the degree which requires interaction with faculty and other students, other than in regular academic classes, that enhances understanding of scholarship and professional activities and provides socialization to the science and practice of psychology.
Doctoral degree in psychology--A degree awarded upon successful completion of a program in psychology which [is accredited] meets one of the following criteria:
(i) Is accredited by the [American Psychological Association (] APA[)] or the CPA.
(ii) [which is designated] Is designated by [the American Association of State Psychology Boards (] ASPPB[) or by other designating groups acceptable to the Board; which is approved by the Board under § 41.31(b)(3); or which meets the following criteria].
(iii) Is offered by a foreign college or university which:
[(i)] (A) Offers training in [an accredited] a college or university accredited by a recognized accrediting body in the jurisdiction where the college or university is located.
[(ii)] (B) * * *
[(iii)] (C) * * *
[(iv)] (D) Clearly demonstrates authority and primary responsibility for the required core program [(see subparagraph (viii))] and specialty areas [(see subparagraph (x))], and for the admission, evaluation and recommendation of students for degrees, whether or not the degree program cuts across administrative lines.
[(v)] (E) Comprises an integrated, organized sequence of study[.] that enables all students to acquire and demonstrate substantial understanding of and competence in the following areas:
(I) The breadth or foundations of scientific psychology as exemplified by study in each of the following domains for a minimum of 3 graduate semester hours:
(-a-) Biological bases of behavior, including physiological psychology, comparative psychology, neuropsychology, sensation and perception and psychopharmacology.
(-b-) Cognitive-affective bases of behavior, including learning, thinking, motivation and emotion.
(-c-) Social bases of behavior, including social psychology and organizational and systems theory.
(-d-) History and systems of psychology.
(-e-) Psychological measurement.
(-f-) Research methodology.
(-g-) Techniques of data analysis.
(II) Scientific, methodological and theoretical foundations of the practice in the substantive domains of professional psychology by study in each of the following domains for a minimum of 3 graduate semester hours:
(-a-) Individual differences in behavior.
(-b-) Human development.
(-c-) Dysfunctional behavior or psychopathology.
(-d-) Professional standards and ethics.
(III) Diagnosing or defining problems through psychological assessment and measurement and formulating and implementing intervention strategies by study in each of the following domains for a minimum of 3 graduate semester hours:
(-a-) Theories and methods of assessment and diagnosis.
(-b-) Effective interventions.
(-c-) Consultation and supervision.
(-d-) Evaluating the efficacy of interventions.
(IV) Required courses in a specialty of psychology.
(V) Supervised practicum and internship appropriate to the practice of psychology.
[(vi)] (F) * * *
[(vii)] (G) * * *
[(viii) Provides in its core program required instruction in ethics as they relate to scientific methods and professional standards, research design and methodology, statistics and psychometrics. In addition, requires students to demonstrate competence in each of the following four substantive content areas (this criterion will typically be met by requiring a minimum of three graduate semester hours in each area): biological bases of behavior--for example, physiological psychology, comparative psychology, neuropsychology, sensation and perception, psychopharmacology; cognitive-affective bases of behavior--for example, learning, thinking, motivation, emotion; social bases of behavior--for example, social psychology, group processes, organizational and systems theory; individual differ- ences--for example, human development, personality theory, abnormal psychology.
(ix) Includes supervised practicum, internship, field or laboratory training appropriate to the practice of psychology.
(x) Includes course requirements in specialty areas of psychology.
(xi)] (H) Requires degree candidates to complete a combined total of at least [60] 3 full-time academic years of graduate study (or the equivalent thereof) for example, 90 graduate semester hours (or the equivalent) in the areas described in [subparagraphs (viii)--(x)] clause (E) and a dissertation prior to awarding the doctoral degree. At least 2 of the 3 academic years (or the equivalent thereof) must be at the institution from which the doctoral degree is granted.
[(xii)] (I) Has a residency requirement that each degree candidate complete a minimum of two consecutive academic semesters as a [matriculated] full-time student physically present at the institution granting the degree which requires interaction with faculty and other students, other than in regular academic classes, that enhances understanding of scholarship and professional activities and provides socialization to the science and practice of psychology.
* * * * * § 41.31. Qualifications for taking licensing examination.
* * * * * (b) Education. Before an applicant seeking licensure under section 6 of the act (63 P. S. § 1206) shall be permitted to take the licensing examination, the Board must be satisfied that the applicant has complied with the [education] requirements [of that section] for a doctoral degree in psychology or a field related to psychology as defined in § 41.1 (relating to definitions). The [Board will apply the] following [criteria to determine whether] documentation evidences compliance [occurred]:
(1) [The applicant has been awarded a doctoral] For degree [in psychology as defined in § 41.1 (relating to definitions)] holders from a program in the United States, Canada or United States territories [The applicant's official transcript or other documents provided by the degree-granting institution shall demonstrate the applicant's satisfactory completion of the core, specialty and practicum, internship, field or laboratory training requirements of the program], a Verification of Doctoral Program Approval Status completed by the program's Director of Clinical Training reflecting accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) or Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) or designation by the Association of State and Provincial Psychological Boards (ASPPB) and an official transcript from the Registrar.
[(2) The applicant has been awarded a doctoral degree in a field related to psychology as defined in § 41.1. The applicant's official transcript or other documents provided by the degree-granting institution shall demonstrate the applicant's satisfactory completion of the core, specialty and practicum, internship, field or laboratory training requirements of the program.
(3) The applicant is a graduate of] (2) For degree holders from a foreign college or university [who has successfully completed a program equivalent to a program acceptable under paragraph (1) or (2). A determination of equivalency shall be made by an agency], an evaluation from a foreign education credential evaluator acceptable to the Board evidencing compliance with the educational requirements for degree holders from foreign colleges or universities in § 41.1 (relating to definitions). [Final review of the applicant's satisfactory completion of the core, specialty and practicum, internship, field or laboratory training requirements of the program will be made by the] The Board will make a determination regarding the applicant's compliance based upon the evaluation.
[(4) Notwithstanding the criteria in paragraphs (1)--(3), applicants] (3) Applicants who do not meet the criteria in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be permitted to cure [the following] educational deficiencies [through postdoctoral study:
(i) A deficiency in no more than one of the four required instructional areas within the core program.
(ii) A deficiency in no more than one of the four substantive content areas within the core program.
(iii) Deficiencies beyond those specified in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) only in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Board. The applicant shall specify the exceptional circumstances in a written request to the Board. The Board will evaluate each request and each applicant's situation on a case-by-case basis. The granting of the request shall be at the Board's discretion] by completing a respecialization program accredited by the APA or the CPA or designated by ASPPB.
[(5)] (4) First-time applicants who were enrolled in a doctoral degree program prior to [March 23, 1991] ______ (Editor's Note: The blank refers to a date 2 years after the effective date of adoption of this proposal rulemaking).), will [have their education credentials] be evaluated under regulations in effect [at that time] on ______ . (Editor's Note: The blank refers to a date the effective date of the adoption of this proposed rulemaking).) Reapplicants under subsection (a)(1) or § 41.42(b) (relating to reexamination) will be evaluated under regulations in effect at the time of reapplication.
* * * * *
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 04-1639. Filed for public inspection September 3, 2004, 9:00 a.m.]
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