The Board of Professional Affairs is forming a task force to update APA guidance regarding licensure of psychologists. Present guidance is found in APA’s Model Act for State Licensure of Psychologists which has served as a prototype for drafting state legislation regulating the practice of psychology. State legislatures are encouraged to use the language of the Model Act and the policies it espouses as a basis for their own state licensure laws. Although each state law reflects circumstances, compromises, and changes particular to that state, the Model Act serves as a guide for those involved in the drafting process. The current version of the APA Model Act was approved by the APA Council of Representatives in 2010.
State licensing boards must develop their own rules and regulations to supplement the legislation proposed by the Model Act. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) also publishes its own Model Act of Licensure, most recently revised in 2018. However, there are important differences between the perspective and mission of APA and that of state licensing boards; therefore, it is important that APA continue to have its own guidance for psychology licensure, even though some of it may overlap significantly with that of ASPPB.
The current APA Model Act reflects policy and practices as of 2010. With the advent of APA accreditation of master’s degree programs in health service psychology and graduates expecting to work within the field of psychology, an updated and appropriate licensure process is necessary and preferable for consistency across jurisdictions. Additionally, the education and training of doctoral psychologists and the practice of psychology continue to evolve; thus, APA’s guidance should reflect current practices and accommodate future possibilities. A task force is being formed to modernize guidance offered by APA, considering whether such guidance should take the form of a new Model Act or other policy statement.
The current review and update is being undertaken primarily to:
- Update guidance regarding psychology licensure to account for developments in professional practice, education, and training since the last revision and to ensure the guidance remains relevant for at least the next decade as psychology practice continues to evolve
- Develop appropriate licensure parameters for those who hold a master’s degree in health service psychology
- Address other to-be-identified issues in existing licensure guidance
The work of this task force is expected to be conducted entirely virtually. Members are asked to allocate 2 hours per month for meetings and to participate in a minimum of 1–2 full-day virtual meetings. A draft of the revised guidance is desired by fall 2024.
Nominees with a breadth and depth of expertise are sought, including:
- Diversity of perspectives and experiences across systems and workplace settings, including independent practice, years active in the field, and positionality
- Provision of a variety of psychological services across different populations
- Innovation in training and practice
- Familiarity with technology
- Regulatory knowledge and experience
- Geographic representation
- Diversity of backgrounds across race/culture/ethnicity, religious expression, veteran status, socioeconomic status, age, sexual orientation and gender diversity, and disability
Self-nominations are encouraged. Individuals should submit a current CV and a brief letter describing their qualifications for this task force. Nominees will be asked to complete a Conflict of Interest Questionnaire and a Diversity Matrix.
Nominations are due February 15, 2024 and should be sent via email to Practice Governance.