Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 63, Chapter 11.

Present law provides the following concerning psychologists:<br /> <br /> (1) A licensed psychologist who provides or offers health services to the public must be designated by the board of examiners in psychology as a health service provider;<br /> <br /> (2) In addition to fulfilling licensure requirements, an applicant for designation as a health service provider must demonstrate to the board that the applicant has had at least a one-year internship of no less than 1,900 hours in psychology at a site where health services are normally provided and that is part of an organized integrated training program; and <br /> <br /> (3) Such internships must be approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) or listed by the Association of Psychological Post-Doctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), or such equivalent standards as are determined by the board. <br /> <br /> This bill removes the minimum requirement of 1,900 hours in psychology under (2). Additionally, this bill authorizes the board to designate, as a health service provider, a person who meets the following criteria:<br /> <br /> (A) Has held a valid license or certificate in another state to practice psychology for at least 10 years within the last 15 years preceding the date of application;<br /> <br /> (B) Has a previous license or certification that required training that is generally equivalent to the licensing standards of a doctoral degree in psychology; one year of internship in an organized integrated training program at a site delivering health services; and one year of postdoctoral training delivering health services;<br /> <br /> (C) Has a previous license or certification that has never been the subject of disciplinary action; and<br /> <br /> (D) Has a previous license or certification that has allowed the person to engage in practice as a health service provider in psychology in another state.<br />