In February 2015, the APA Council of Representatives approved the Standards of Accreditation for Health Service Psychology (SoA). The SoA will be implemented beginning with all self-studies due September 1, 2016. As stated during the development of the SoA, the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) must update existing Implementing Regulations (IR) and create new IRs to further clarify information contained within the SoA and proposed revised Accreditation Operating Procedures (AOP). In the Implementing Regulation (Phase I) period, the CoA is seeking feedback on seven IRs:
Four IRs relate to the proposed AOP:
- Intent to Apply IR for Doctoral Programs
- “Accredited, on Contingency” IR for Doctoral Programs
- Site Visitor Nomination IR*
- Site Visitor Selection IR*
*Current IRs with proposed revisions
Three IRs relate to the SoA:
- Direct Observation
- Discipline-Specific Knowledge
- Profession-Wide Competencies
In accordance with the APA “Policies for Accreditation Governance” and Department of Education regulations for notice and comment, the CoA will make the proposed Implementing Regulations available for a period of public review and comment. In an effort to promote thoughtful discussion, the CoA is providing an electronic-based form for public comment submission. Comments and other information, including the user’s identity, will be public. Email addresses used in the registration will be kept confidential. The CoA will consider all comments received and make any appropriate revisions prior to approval of the final version of each IR.
The public comment period is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2015, and continue through June 30, 2015. To provide public comment, please go to http://apps.apa.org/
On behalf of the CoA, thank you for your review and comments. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation at (202) 336-5695 or apaaccred@apa.org.