STATE OF ARIZONA
OFFICE OF THE
AUDITOR GENERAL
A PERFORMANCE AUDIT
D 0 f
THE STATE BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGIST EXAMINERS
SEPTEMBER 1979
UNLIKE 37 OTHER STATES, ARIZONA DOES NOT
LICENSE PSYCHOLOGISTS. AS A RESULT, THE
POTENTIAL FOR HARM FROM INCOMPETENT
OR UNSCRUPULOUS PROVIDERS OF
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES EXISTS FOR THE
GENERAL PUBLIC IN ARIZONA.
A REPORT TO THE
ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE
C
REPORT 79- 6
DOUGLAS R. NORTON, CPA
AUDITOR GENERAL
SUITE 600
112 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004
255- 4385
STATE OF ARIZONA
OFFICE OF THE
AUDITOR GENERAL -
SUITE 820
33 NORTH STONE AVENUE
TUCSON, ARIZONA 85701
882- 5465
September 10, 1979
The Honorable Bruce Babbitt, Governor
Members of the Arizona Legislature
Members of the State Board of Psychologist Examiners
Transmitted herewith is a report of the Auditor General, A Performance
Audit of the State Board of Psychologist Examiners. This report
is in response to a September 19, 1978 resolution of the Joint
Legislative Budget Committee and a January 18, 1979, resolution
of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee.
A summary of this report is found on the blue pages at the front
of the report. A response to this report from the members of the
State Board of Psychologist Examiners is found on the yellow pages
preceding the appendices of the report.
My staff and I will be happy to meet with the appropriate legislative
committees, individual legislators or other state officials to
discuss or clarify any items in this report or to facilitate the
implementation of the recommendations.
Respectfully submitted,
~ ou~ lrR. s Norton
Auditor General
Staff: Gerald A. Silva
Robert T. Back
O F F I C E OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL
A PERFORMANCE AUDIT O F T H E
STATE BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGIST EXAMINERS
A REPORT TO THE
ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE
REPORT 79- 6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
SUNSET FACTORS
FINDINGS
FINDING I
Unlike 37 other s t a t e s , Arizona does not l i c e n s e
Psychologists. A s a r e s u l t , t h e p o t e n t i a l f o r harm
from incompetent or unscrupulous providers of
psychological services e x i s t s f o r the general public
i n Arizona.
CONCLUSIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
FINDING I1
The efficiency of the complaint review process of
the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners could
be increased.
CONCLUSIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
FINDING I11
Changes needed t o improve t h e e f f i c i e n c y and
effectiveness of the S t a t e Board of Psychologist
Examiners.
CONCLUSIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
WRITTEN RESPONSE TO AUDITOR GENERAL'S REPORT
APPENDICES
APPENDIX I - ARS 32- 2061 t o 32- 2088
APPENDIX I1 - Administrative Rules and Regulations
APPENDIX I11 - Results o f Office of the Auditor General Survey
APPENDIX I V - Legislative Council Opinion 0- 79- 22
Page
1
3
6
APPENDIX V - C o l l i e r ' s Encyclopedia Description of
Psychological Apparatus and Techniques
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners was created by the Arizona Legislature
i n 1965. There are seven members of the Board, each appointed by the Governor
t o a f i v e year term. Five of the Board members must be c e r t i f i e d Psychologists,
and the remaining two members must be l a y members.
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners reviews candidates f o r c e r t i f i c a t i o n
and renew the c e r t i f i c a t e s o f those Psychologists who have successfully
completed the requirements f o r c e r t i f i c a t i o n . The Board hears and i n v e s t i g a t e s
a l l complaints presented t o it which deal with c e r t i f i e d Psychologists.
Its a u t h o r i t y , with respect t o non- certified a c t i v i t y , is limited t o seeking
i n j u n c t i o n s a g a i n s t those individuals who f a l s e l y represent themselves as
c e r t i f i e d Psychologists.
Our review of the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners revealed t h a t unlike
37 other s t a t e s , Arizona does not license Psychologists. A s a r e s u l t , the
p o t e n t i a l for harm from incompetent or unscrupulous providers of psychological
services e x i s t s for the general public i n Arizona. ( page 10)
In addition, our review revealed t h a t the efficiency of the Board's complaint
review process could be increased. ( page 32)
Finally, our review has i d e n t i f i e d several changes which are needed t o improve
t h e e f f i c i e n c y and effectiveness of the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners.
( page 36)
It is recommended that:
1. Arizona define the '' Practice of Psychology". This d e f i n i t i o n
is e s s e n t i a l i f there is t o be any e f f e c t i v e governmental regulation ( I
over the providers of psychological services. ( page 31)
2. ARS 32- 2061 through 32- 2088 should be amended t o restrict the
authority t o provide c e r t a i n defined psychological services to
only those persons licensed by t h e S t a t e Board of Psychologist
Examiners. ( page 31)
3. The Complaint Review Process be improved t o increase the efficiency
of the process. ( page 35)
4. ARS 32- 2088 should be expanded t o give the Board the s p e c i f i c
authority t o issue cease and d e s i s t orders. ( page 40)
5. ARS 32- 2073 should be amended t o provide f o r biennial renewal
of c e r t i f i c a t e s . Further, ARS 32- 2074. B should be amended t o
permit the Board t o charge a fee not t o exceed two hundred dollars
for the biennial renewal of c e r t i f i c a t e s . ( page 40)
6. ARS 32- 2073 should be f u r t h e r amended t o order t h a t renewals s h a l l
be made before the first day of May. ( page 40)
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
In response t o a September 19, 1978, resolution of the J o i n t Legislative
Budget Committee and a January 18, 1979, resolution of the Joint Legislative
Oversight Committee, we have conducted a performance audit as a part of
the Sunset Review of the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners, i n accordance
with ARS 41- 2351 through 41- 2374.
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners was created i n 1965. The s t a t e d
goals and objectives of the Board are:
" To regulate t h e p r a c t i c e o f Psychologists, as appropriate,
f o r the protection of the public and t o e s t a b l i s h , maintain
and upgrade high standards of q u a l i f i c a t i o n and performance
f o r those who are c e r t i f i e d . "
The seven members of the Board a r e appointed by the Governor t o a f i v e
year term. Five of the Board members must be c e r t i f i e d Psychologists, and
the remaining two members must be l a y members.
The Board has no f u l l time support s t a f f . A l l support functions are handled
by the Arizona S t a t e Boards1 Administrative Office ( ASBAO), which was created
i n 1976. ASBAO serves as the support s t a f f f o r t h e Board and ten other S t a t e
Boards or Commissions, providing s e c r e t a r i a l and c l e r i c a l services for each
tenant Board or Commission.
The Board is a 90- 10 Board, i n t h a t 90% of a l l Board revenues are retained by the
Board for operations; ten percent is contributed t o the S t a t e General Fund. Budget
information for the Board for f i s c a l years 1975- 76 through 1978- 79 is shown
on the next page.
F i s c a l Year
PA----
Balance forward - P r i o r years
Revenues
Less:
10% t o S t a t e General Fund
Net Revenue
Total a v a i l a b l e f o r use
Expenditures :
Board members t r a v e l and per diem
P r o f e s s i o n a l s e r v i c e s ( 1 )
Supplies
Total expenditures
Balance forward - subsequent years
( 1) Includes amount of s e r v i c e c o n t r a c t with ASBAO.
( 2) During f i s c a l year 1977- 78, renewal f e e s were increased from $ 10 per year t o $ 25 per year. The increased
revenue during t h i s f i s c a l year r e s u l t e d from the change i n renewal f e e s .
( 3) A s of March 31, 1979.
It should be noted t h a t t h e Board c o l l e c t s the m a j o r i t y of its revenues
( 77%) from the renewal f e e s o f t h e c e r t i f i e d Psychologists. A s such, t h e
m a j o r i t y o f the Board's revenues come at t h e end o f t h e f i s c a l year, as
renewal f e e s a r e c o l l e c t e d during the month of June.
The Office o f t h e Auditor General expresses its g r a t i t u d e t o the members
of t h e S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners and t o t h e staff of the ASBAO
f o r t h e i r cooperation, a s s i s t a n c e and c o n s i d e r a t i o n during the course of
t h i s a u d i t .
SUNSET FACTORS
SUNSET FACTOR: OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE
I N ESTABLISHING THE BOARD
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners was created i n 1965. Its purpose
is t o protect the health andwell being of the public by r e g u l a t i n g t h e use
of the t i t l e llPsychologist." Those individuals who meet the educational
standards as prescribed by law, and who successfully complete a national
examination designed t o test t h e i r knowledge of psychology, a r e c e r t i f i e d
a s Psychologists.
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners s t a t e s its goals and objectives
a s follows:
" To regulate the practice o f Psychologists, as appropriate
f o r the protection of the public and t o e s t a b l i s h , maintain
and upgrade high standards of q u a l i f i c a t i o n and performance
f o r those who a r e c e r t i f i e d . "
I)
SUNSET FACTOR: THE DEGREE TO WHICH
THE BOARD HAS BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND TO
THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE
EFFICIENCY WITH WHICH IT HAS OPERATED
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners has not been able t o adequately
respond t o the needs of the public because of s t a t u t o r y l i m i t a t i o n s . ARS
32- 2061 through 32- 2088 gives the Board the power t o regulate the use of
the t i t l e llPsychologist, n but gives the Board no authority t o regulate the
offering of psychological services t o the public. Further, it should be
noted t h a t there is no S t a t e regulation over a s u b s t a n t i a l portion of the
mental health f i e l d . ( page 10)
Our review has shown t h a t the Board handles complaints i n an e f f e c t i v e manner.
Recommendations have been presented which, i f implemented, w i l l improve
t h e e f f i c i e n c y of the complaint review process. ( page 32)
SUNSET FACTOR: THE EXTENT TO WHICH
THE BOARD HAS OPERATED WITHIN THE
PUBLIC INTEREST
During the period July 1, 1976 t o April 30, 1979 the S t a t e Board of Psychologist
Examiners has held 20 public meetings, heard 65 complaints, and revoked
16 c e r t i f i c a t e s . Our review has shown t h a t the Board has, within its s t a t u t o r y ( I
l i m i t a t i o n s , operated within the public i n t e r e s t .
SUNSET FACTOR: THE EXTENT TO WHICH
RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY
THE BOARD ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE
LEGISLATIVE MANDATE
After reviewing t h e r u l e s and regulations promulgated by the S t a t e Board
of Psychologist Examiners, we have determined t h a t these r u l e s and regulations
a r e consistent with ARS 32- 2061 through 32- 2088.
SUNSET FACTOR: THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE
BOARD HAS ENCOURAGED INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC
BEFORE PROMULGATING ITS RULES AND REGULATIONS
AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT HAS INFORMED THE
PUBLIC AS TO ITS ACTIONS AND THEIR EXPECTED
IMPACT ON THE PUBLIC
The meetings of the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners a r e open t o the
public. Notices of meetings are posted i n the Occupational Licensing Building
and a r e circulated t o i n t e r e s t e d p a r t i e s through d i r e c t mailings. The Board
has heard statements from public organizations and individuals and has made
an e f f o r t t o incorporate t h i s public input i n t o its procedures.
The Board has held public hearings on proposed r u l e changes. The general
public hsu had the opportunity t o speak a t these hearings, and the records
i n d i c a t e t h a t many individuals and groups have done so.
SUNSET FACTOR: THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE BOARD
HAS BEEN ABLE TO INVESTIGATE AND RESOLVE
COMPLAINTS THAT ARE WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION
During the period July 1, 1976 t o April 30, 1979, the Board reviewed and
investigated 65 complaints which were within its j u r i s d i c t i o n . Our review
has shown t h a t the Board has resolved a l l complaints t h a t were within its
j u r i s d i c t i o n .
SUNSET FACTOR: THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE
ATTORNEY GENERAL OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE
AGENCY OF STATE GOVERNMENT HAS THE AUTHORITY
TO PROSECUTE ACTIONS UNDER THE ENABLING LEGISLATION
ARS 32- 2088 s t a t e s , i n part:
" The Attorney General s h a l l represent the Board i n
a l l matters requiring legal a s s i s t a n c e . The Board may
employ other or additional counsel with the consent
of the Attorney General...."
ARS 32- 2088 a l s o s t a t e s t h a t the Board may request t h a t an injunction be
issued by the Superior Court against any person who v i o l a t e s any provision
of the s t a t u t e s .
SUNSET FACTOR: THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE BOARD HAS
ADDRESSED DEFICIENCIES I N ITS ENABLING STATUTES
WHICH PREVENT IT FROM FULFILLING ITS STATUTORY
MANDATE
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners has proposed new l e g i s l a t i o n on
several occasions. Most recently, the Board proposed l e g i s l a t i o n i n 1977,
the majority of which was not passed; and 1978, which was adopted i n t o l a w
by the Arizona Legislature.
SUNSET FACTOR: THE EXTENT TO WHICH CHANGES
ARE NECESSARY I N THE LAWS OF THE BOARD TO
ADEQUATELY COMPLY WITH THE FACTORS LISTED I N
THIS SUBSECTION
1. ARS 32- 2061 through 32- 2088 should be amended t o r e s t r i c t the
authority t o provide c e r t a i n defined psychological services t o
only those persons licensed by the S t a t e Board of Psychologist
Examiners. ( page 31)
2. ARS 32- 2088 should be expanded t o give the Board the s p e c i f i c
authority t o issue cease and d e s i s t orders. ( page 41)
3. ARS 32- 2073 should be amended t o provide f o r biennial renewal
of c e r t i f i c a t e s . Further, ARS 32- 2074. B should be amended t o
permit the Board t o charge a fee not t o exceed two hundred d o l l a r s
for the biennial renewal of c e r t i f i c a t e s . ( page 41)
4. ARS 32- 2073 should be further amended t o order t h a t renewals s h a l l
be made before the first day of May. ( page 41)
FINDING I
UNLIKE 37 OTHER STATES, ARIZONA DOES NOT LICENSE PSYCHOLOGISTS. AS A RESULT,
THE POTENTIAL FOR HARM FROM INCOMPETENT OR UNSCRUPULOUS PROVIDERS OF PSYCHO-LOGICAL
SERVICES EXISTS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC I N ARIZONA.
The regulatory authority of the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners is
limited t o c e r t i f i c a t i o n o f those individuals who wish t o use the t i t l e
nPsychologist. n The Board reviews c r e d e n t i a l s of applicants, administers
an entrance examination ( designed t o t e s t the a p p l i c a n t ' s basic knowledge
of the profession), and issues c e r t i f i c a t e s t o those individuals who successfully
complete the requirements for c e r t i f i c a t i o n . The Board a l s o hears complaints
from the public concerning c e r t i f i e d Psychologists, and conducts i n v e s t i g a t i o n s
of a l l complaints within its j u r i s d i c t i o n . The Board may place on probation,
revoke or suspend the c e r t i f i c a t e of any Psychologist who violates any provision
of the enabling l e g i s l a t i o n . Contrasted with t h i s , the S t a t e Board has
no regulatory authority over those non- certified individuals who provide
psychological services t o the public, provided t h a t the individual does
not represent himself or herself t o be a c e r t i f i e d Psychologist. A s a r e s u l t ,
the p o t e n t i a l for harm from incompetent or unscrupulous providers of psycho-l
o g i c a l services e x i s t s for the general public i n Arizona.
Alternative Methods Of S t a t e
Regulation Of Occupations
Licensing is the most extreme form of s t a t e occupational regulation. In
March 1978, the Council of S t a t e Governments* published Occupational Licensing:
Questions A Legislator Should Ask. In t h i s publication licensing is defined
as :
* The Council of S t a t e Governments is a j o i n t agency of a l l the s t a t e
governments - created, supported, and directed by them. It conducts
research on s t a t e programs and problems; maintains an information service
available t o s t a t e agencies, o f f i c i a l s , and l e g i s l a t o r s ; issues a variety
o f publications; a s s i s t s i n s t a t e - f e d e r a l l i a i s o n ; promotes regional
and s t a t e - l o c a l cooperation; and provides s t a f f for a f f i l i a t e d organizations.
" Licensing is a process by which an agency of government
grants permission t o an individual t o engage i n a given
occupation upon finding t h a t the applicant has attained
the minimal degree of competency required t o ensure
t h a t t h e public health, s a f e t y and welfare w i l l be reasonably
w e l l protected.
Licensing makes it i l l e g a l for anyone who does not hold
a l i c e n s e t o engage i n the occupation, profession, trade,
etc. covered by the s t a t u t e . . .. I1
According t o the Montana Office o f t h e L e g i s l a t i v e Auditor i n its 1978
publication e n t i t l e d , Alternative Methods of Regulating Professions, Occupa-t
i o n s , and I n d u s t r i e s , t h e r e are seven a l t e r n a t i v e methods of state regula-t
i o n of occupations.
These methods of occupational regulation range from the most extreme - licensing -
t o the l e a s t extreme - no regulation. The appropriate method of regulation
for a p a r t i c u l a r occupation is dependent upon t h e s e v e r i t y of p o t e n t i a l
physical or f i n a n c i a l harm incompetent or unscrupulous p r a c t i t i o n e r s may
i n f l i c t upon the general public. The more severe the p o t e n t i a l for harm
t o the public, the more extreme the appropriate method of s t a t e regulation.
Conversely, the l e s s severe the p o t e n t i a l for harm t o the public, the l e s s
extreme the appropriate method of s t a t e regulation.
The seven a l t e r n a t i v e methods of s t a t e occupational regulation are l i s t e d
below i n order from the most extreme t o the l e a s t extreme:
Licensing - The granting by some government authority of a r i g h t
or permission t o carry on a business or do an act which
would otherwise be i l l e g a l . The e s s e n t i a l elements
of licensing a r e the s t i p u l a t i o n of circumstances and
individual p r e r e q u i s i t e s under which permission t o
4
perform an otherwise prohibited a c t i v i t y may be granted
and the actual determination of permission i n s p e c i f i c
instances. The l a t t e r function is generally an administrative
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y and includes rule- making authority by
some e n t i t y . Licensing may a l s o c r e a t e a mechanism
for monitoring an occupation or profession on an ongoing
4
basis. This may e n t a i l enforcement decisions made
during complaint adjudication, p e r i o d i c i n s p e c t i o n s
or investigations. Licensing a l s o provides a " police
effectw over the regulated profession, trade or industry.
Practice
Restriction - Differs from licensing in that there is no need for an
interim body with the general authority to promulgate
rules and regulations, and no specific mechanism for
monitoring the profession, trade or industry on an
ongoing basis.
Reserve ofTitle - Any member of the public who desires could participate in
the regulated occupation. However, the titles of
" certified", " licensed", or " registered" would be
reserved by law for only those who have met certain
statutory requirements. The stipulation of individual
prerequisites would be set by the legislature.
Requirements such as examination or education may be
imposed. An administrative body attached to a state
agency or department may also be necessary.
Limited Statutory
Regulation - State regulation of an occupation via statutes which
specify certain requirements. Under this alternative,
the state would statutorily require an individual to
comply with certain measures to protect the public.
These measures include requirements such as bonding,
errors and omissions insurance, or a recovery fund.
Registration - Allows persons practicing in a profession, trade or
industry to register with the state or a private or
professional association. This alternative provides the
public with a list of registered individuals but provides
no assurance of the competency of the individuals
registered. Non- registered individuals may participate
in the regulated profession, trade or industry.
Certification* - Requires no state involvement. The profession, trade or
industry is responsible for certification requirements
and procedures. Certification acts as an identification
measure only, indicating that the individual has complied
with certain requirements.
No Regulation - No regulation by the state or direct regulation by the
profession, trade or industry.
* The Council of State Governments defines " Certification" as a form of
regulation which grants recognition to individuals who have met
predetermined qualifications set by a state agency. Only those who meet
the qualifications may legally use the designated title. However, non-certified
individuals may offer similar services to the public as long as
they do not describe themselves as being " certified." For our purposes we
have classified this method of occupational regulation as " Reserve of
Title".
Professional and Occupational
Regulation i n Arizona
In Arizona, 85 professions and occupations are regulated. P r a c t i t i o n e r s
i n 72 ( 85%) of the professions and occupations a r e licensed; 12 ( 14%) have
reserved t i t l e s ; and one ( 1%) is registered. Table 1 lists the type of
regulation for these 85 professions and occupations. The information i n
Table 1 is current as of June 1, 1979.
TABLE 1
PROFESSIONAL* AND OCCUPATIONAL REGULATION IN ARIZONA
--
Regulated Professions Type of Regulation
PSYCHOLOGIST
Lr: hitect
Assayer
Attorney a t t a u
Barber
C e r r l r i e d Public Accountant
Chiropractor
Cometologist
C o s ~ e t o l o g i s t . *
Dental Hygienist
Dental Laboratory Technician
Dentist
Dentur: st
Doctor of Medicine
Esbslmer
Engineer
Blnger Waver
Funeral Director
Geologist
Halr S t y l i s t
Manicurist
: Jaturopath
O p t c a e t r i s t
Osteopath Physician and Surgeon
Pharxacist
P h a r ~ a c i s tI n t e r n
Physicial Therapist
P h y s i c i a n ' s A s s i s t a n t
P o d i a t r i s t
P r a c t i c a l Nurse
Public Accountant
Registered Nurse
Student I n t e r n o r Resident
Surveyor
Teacher, A d n i n i s t r a t i v e O f f i c e r
Veterinarian
Xegulated Occupations
Ambulance Driver and Attendant
Agriculture Pest Control Advlsor
Boxlnp and Wrestling Personnel
Ceaetrry Broker
Cesetery Salesman
C i t r u s aroker .
C i t r u s Coxmission Merchant
C i t r u s Dealar
C i t r u s Packer
C i t r u s Shipper
Collection Agencles
Contractor
Court Reporter
Dispensing Optician
E3g Dealer
Egd Wanufacthurer
E3g Producer
Znergency Medical Technician
Eacron Agent
Hay and Feed Grain Broker
Hearing Aid Dispenser
Insurance Agent
Insurance Adjustor
Insu- ance Broker
Insurance S o l i c i t o r
Meat Processor, Wholesaler or Jobber
Middlfe
: 4ablls and Manufactured Housina
Standards: Dealer
I n s t a l l e r
Manufacturer
Mortgaea Broite?
Hotor C a r r i e r Transportation Agent
Motor Vehicle Dealer and Wrecker
Motor Vehicle Operator and Chauffeur
Polyzraph Examiner
P r i v a t e I n v e s t i g a t o r
P r i v a t e Security Guard Service
P r i v a t e Security Guard
P r o f e s J i o n a l Driver Training School
I n s t r ~ c t o r
Tublic Weighmaster
Racinq O f f i c i a l s and Personnel
Radiologic Technologists
Real E s t a t e Broner
Real S s t a t e Salesman
S e c u r i t i e s Dealer and Salesman
S t r u c t u r a l Pest Control
S t r u c t t l r a l Commercial Application
T a x i d e m i s t
: rapper and : uido
Ueight and Weasure Serviceman
Reserved T i t l e
Licensure
Reserved T i t l e
Licensure
Licensure
Reserved T i t l e
Licensure
Licensure
Reserved T i t l e
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
L i c s n s ~ l r e
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Reserved T i t l e
Licensure
Reserved T i t l e
Reserved T i t l e
Licensure
Registration*'.
Reserved T i t l e
Reserved T i t l e
Licensure
Reserved T i t l e
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Reserved T i t l e
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Reserved T i t l e
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure'***
Licensure** e"
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Yehqt- r's Seventh 4 w C o l l s q i a t e D i c t i o n a r y d e f i n e s a profession as:
" A c a l l n g r e q u l r i n e s p e c l a l l z e d ~ nowlpdse and o f t e n : sng and i n t e n s i v e academic p r e p a r l t l o n . "
Ac- ord~ nqly, the professional regulatory agencies were determined SY a oost- hlnh school educational
requirement t o e n t e r t h e p r o f e s s i o n .
. .
'* Cosmetologi3t3 practicing without compensation have a reserved t i t l e . '*' .... St'ldent i n t e r n s o r r e s i d e n t s a u s t : neet % inimwn requirements in a d d i t i o n to r e g i s t e r i n g . nuat be licensed only i f compensation i s received f o r the s e r v i c e .
A s shown i n Table 1, i n addition t o Psychologists, only 13 o f t h e 85 regulated
professions are not licensed. They are: Assayers; Surveyors; C e r t i f i e d
Public Accountants; Public Accountants; Student I n t e r n s or Residents; P r a c t i c a l
Nurse; Physician's Assistant; Ambulance Driver and Attendant; Court Reporter;
Emergency Medical Technician; Teacher; Administrative Officer; and, Cosmetologist
practicing without compensation.
Governmental Regulation Over the Offering
of Psychological Services t o the Public
A t the present time, t h e S t a t e of Arizona has regulatory authority over
these professional groups which o f f e r psychological services t o the public:
1) Psychologists Regulated by S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners
2) School Psychologists Regulated by Department of Education
3) P s y c h i a t r i s t s Regulated by S t a t e Board of Medical Examiners
Under t h e l e g i s l a t i o n and administrative r u l e s and regulations which established
these professions, the a p p l i c a b l e r e g u l a t i n g body is required t o hear and
i n v e s t i g a t e complaints from the public. Each regulating body has t h e a u t h o r i t y
t o revoke or suspend the l i c e n s e or c e r t i f i c a t e of any individual who has
violated any s t a t u t e or r u l e o f t h e r e g u l a t i n g body. The S t a t e has no such
regulatory authority over a large segment o f those individuals who o f f e r
psychological services t o the public.
A review o f t h e 1979 e d i t i o n o f t h e Mountain Bell Telephone Directory Yellow
Pages f o r the metropolitan Phoenix a r e a i d e n t i f i e d the following groups who
offer psychological services t o the public with no governmental
regulation over t h e i r offering of services*:
Child Guidance Counselors
Educational Consultants
Gestalt Therapists
Marriage and Family ~ o u n s e l o r s
Mental Health Centers
Parapsychologists
Personalogy
P s y c h i a t r i c S o c i a l Workers
Psychometrists
Psychotherapists
Religious Counselors
Social Workers
This list is not intended t o be a l l i n c l u s i v e , but is presented f o r
i l l u s t r a t i o n purposes only.
Regulatory Authority Over Psychologists
ARS 32- 2061 through 32- 2088 c o n s t i t u t e s the enabling l e g i s l a t i o n f o r the
S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners. The l e g i s l a t i o n was passed i n 1965
and c o n s t i t u t e s a " c e r t i f i c a t i o n lawn ( reserve of t i t l e only). This l e g i s l a t i o n
s t a t e s t h a t no individual s h a l l represent himself as a Psychologist unless
t h a t individual has been so designated by the S t a t e Board of Psychologist
Examiners. C e r t i f i c a t i o n is awarded a f t e r an applicant completes a l l requirements
specified i n the s t a t u t e s . These requirements include:
1) Having received a doctoral degree based on a program of studies which
is primarily psychological. ( The degree must be from an educational
i n s t i t u t i o n which has been approved and accredited by any regional
or foreign school accrediting agency recognized by the Board of Regents),
2) Passes an examination designed t o test the a p p l i c a n t ' s knowledge of
psychology, and
3) Provides evidence t h a t applicant is of good moral character.
The requirements f o r c e r t i f i c a t i o n provide only limited protection t o the
public. Successful completion of the entrance examination does not guarantee
t h a t the individual w i l l provide reasonable services and r e f r a i n from violating ( I
the s t a t u t e s . To e s t a b l i s h an enforcement procedure t o ensure compliance
with the s t a t u t e s , t h e Board hears and i n v e s t i g a t e s all complaints within
its j u r i s d i c t i o n presented t o it by the consuming public. I f the Board
determines t h a t the complaint is valid, it may place on probation, revoke 0
or suspend the c e r t i f i c a t e of the Psychologist.
Regulatory Authority Over Other Activity
ARS 32- 2088 s t a t e s that:
"... the Board may request t h a t an injunction be issued
by the Superior Court against any person who is not
a c e r t i f i e d psychologist who represents himself as a
psychologist or who continues t o represent himself as
a psychologist while h i s c e r t i f i c a t e is expired, suspended
or revoked, or otherwise v i o l a t e s any provision of t h i s
chapter, r u l e o r regulation or lawful order of the Board. I1
ARS 32- 2061.4 s t a t e s that:
"'... represents himself as a psychologist1 means a person
who holds himself out t o the public by any t i t l e incorporating
the words lpsychological,' ' p s y c h ~ l o g i s t , o~ r ' p s y ~ h o l o g y ~ . ~
Under these s t a t u t e s , t h e Board can p r o h i b i t i n d i v i d u a l s from i l l e g a l l y
using the t i t l e of llPsychologist, lt but may not exercise any regulatory authority
over individuals who o f f e r psychological services t o the public, provided
they do not represent themselves t o the public as a nPsychologist. ll During
1978 the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners received more than 500 i n q u i r i e s
or complaints concerning the non- certified providers of psychological services.
Because of its limited j u r i s d i c t i o n , the Board was unable t o i n v e s t i g a t e
or resolve any of the complaints. Because there are no s t a t u t o r y r e s t r i c t i o n s
on the offering of psychological services t o the public, the S t a t e Board
of Psychologist Examiners is often unable t o protect the public from
incompetent or unscrupulous providers of psychological services.
The Regulatory Authority Of The
S t a t e Board O f Psychologist Examiners
Is Substandard When Compared To The
Regulatory Authority Of Psychology
Boards In Other S t a t e s
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners currently e x e r c i s e s r e g u l a t o r y
authority over those individuals who have completed the requirements for
c e r t i f i c a t i o n and who have been designated n P s y c h o l o g i s t s ~ b y
the Board. The Board has e s s e n t i a l l y no regulatory authority over other
providers of psychological services.
Table 2 summarizes the regulatory authority for Psychology Boards i n the
s t a t e s . The Table i l l u s t r a t e s each s t a t e ' s method of regulating psychologists.
The term " Licensure" means t h a t the s t a t e has defined the practice of psychology
and has placed r e s t r i c t i o n s on those individuals who may offer psychological ( I
services t o the public. " Reserve of T i t l e n means t h a t the s t a t e has placed
r e s t r i c t i o n s on the use of the t i t l e " P s y c h o l ~ g i s t , a~ n d t h a t there are
few, i f any, r e s t r i c t i o n s on the offering of psychological services. The
information i n Table 2 was obtained through a survey, conducted by the Office
of the Auditor General, and is current as of March 1, 1979.
TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF THE STATES' METHODS OF REGULATING
PSYCHOLOGISTS AS OF MARCH 1, 1979
CLASSIFICATIONS
Alabama
Alaska
ARIZONA
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
I l l i n o i s
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Licensure
Licensure
Reserve of T i t l e
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Reserve of T i t l e
Reserve of Title
Licensure
Reserve of T i t l e
Licensure
Reserve of Title
Licensure
Reserve of Title
Licensure
Reserve of T i t l e
Licensure
Reserve of T i t l e
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Reserve of T i t l e
Licensure
Reserve of T i t l e
Reserve of T i t l e
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Reserve of T i t l e
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Licensure
Reserve of T i t l e
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No ( 1)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes.
Yes
Yes
Yes
No ( 1)
Yes
Yes
No ( 1)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
2 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
1 Y r . Yes
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . Yes
1 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . No
2 Y r . Yes
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . No
2 Y r . No
I Y r . Yes
2 Y r . No
3 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . Yes
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . Yes
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . Yes
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . Yes
1 Y r . No
1 Y r . Yes
2 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . No
2 Y r . Yes
Perm. No
1 Y r . , No
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . Yes
2 Y r . No
1 Y r . No
2 Y r . No
1 Y r . Yes
Perm. No
( 1) Requirements for licensure/ certification provide for a credentials check of the applicant's education. No
examination is required.
Table 2 shows t h a t 37 s t a t e s regulating the p r a c t i c e of psychology have
enacted licensure laws, defined the practice of psychology, and r e s t r i c t e d
the providing of such services t o the public. A t the present time, Arizona
has no s t a t u t o r y d e f i n i t i o n of t h e p r a c t i c e of psychology and has no r e s t r i c -
tions on who may o f f e r such services t o the public. Our review of the S t a t e
Board of Psychologist Examiners has shown t h a t there is a need t o define
the practice of psychology and regulate those individuals who o f f e r psycho-l
o g i c a l services t o the public.
Definition of Practice of Psychology
In 1967, the American Psychological Associationls Committee on Legislation
drafted its report, " A Model f o r S t a t e Legislation Affecting t h e P r a c t i c e
of Psychology, 1967". In t h i s report, the Committee defined " Practice of
Psychology1' as* :
" 1) The application of established principles of learning,
motivation, perception, thinking and emotional
r e l a t i o n s h i p s t o . problems of personal evaluation,
group r e l a t i o n s and behavior adjustment;
2) Counseling with persons or groups with adjustment
problems i n the areas of work, family, school and
personal r e l a t i o n s h i p s ;
3) Measuring and t e s t i n g of personality, i n t e l l i g e n c e ,
a p t i t u d e s , emotions, public opinion, a t t i t u d e s
and s k i l l s ;
4 Hypnosis;
5) Educational and vocational counseling; and,
6 1 Personnel selection. l1
Table 3 summarizes t h e d e f i n i t i o n of '' Practice of Psychologyt1 a s s t a t e d
i n the s t a t u t e s of the 37 s t a t e s which r e q u i r e l i c e n s u r e of Psychologists.
The information i n Table 3 was obtained through a survey conducted by the
Office o f the Auditor General and is current as of MaPch 1, 1979.
* In October, 1978, the American Psychological Association Committee
on L e g i s l a t i o n r e v i s e d its 1967 Model Legislation. They did not, , however,
change t h e i r basic d e f i n i t i o n of '' Practice of P~ ychology.~'
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Table 3 shows t h a t a l l 37 s t a t e s which l i c e n s e Psychologists have adopted a l l
or some of the provisions of the American Psychological Associationfs d e f i n i t i o n
of " Practice o f Psychology."
J u s t i f i c a t i o n For Selectinn
Licensure A s The Method O f
Regulating Providers O f
Psychological Services
The offering of psychological services should be r e s t r i c t e d t o licensed
Psychologists.* This conclusion is based upon the following:
- Thirty- seven s t a t e s r e s t r i c t the offering of psychological services
t o licensed Psychologists.
- The s e v e r i t y of p o t e n t i a l f i n a n c i a l , psychological and physiological
harm which incompetent or unscrupulous providers may i n f l i c t upon
the general public.
- Potential users cannot be expected t o possess the knowledge needed
t o properly evaluate the q u a l i f i c a t i o n s of those offering services.
- Benefits t o the public outweigh any p o t e n t i a l harmful e f f e c t s ,
such a s , decrease i n the a v a i l a b i l i t y of p r a c t i t i o n e r s and higher
costs t o consumers.
* In Occupational Licensing: Questions A Legislator Should Ask, the
Council of S t a t e Governments i d e n t i f i e d those questions a s t a t e must
answer when evaluating the need for licensing an occupation. The questions
are:
( 1) whether the unlicensed p r a c t i c e o f an occupation poses a serious
r i s k t o the consumers1 l i f e , health and s a f e t y or economic well-being;
( 2) whether p o t e n t i a l users of the occupational service can be expected
t o possess the knowledge needed t o properly evaluate the qualifica-tions
of those o f f e r i n g s e r v i c e s ; and
( 3) whether benefits t o the public c l e a r l y outweigh any p o t e n t i a l
harmful e f f e c t s such as a decrease i n the a v a i l a b i l i t y of p r a c t i t i o n e r s ,
higher costs of goods and s e r v i c e s , and r e s t r i c t i o n s on optimum
u t i l i z a t i o n of personnel.
The Board Lacks The Regulatory
Authority To Prohibit Incompetent
Or Unscrupulous Practitioners
From Offering Psychological
Services To The Public
Since July 1, 1976, the Board has revoked the certificates of sixteen Psycho-logists.
Revocation of a Psychologist's certificate is the most severe
disciplinary action the Board may take against any Psychologist. Once the
certificate has been revoked, the Board is unable to hear or investigate
any additional complaints about the individual. Under current state law,
any Psychologist whose certificate has been revoked may continue to offer
the same psychological services to the public, providing that he does not
continue to represent himself as a Psychologist.
The following cases illustrate the types of complaints and investigations
which are reviewed by the Board. These cases are taken from the files of
the State Board of Psychologist Examiners.
Case I
A Psychologist operated a foster home for emotionally disturbed boys. These
boys were referred to the home by the Arizona Department of Economic Security
and by a similar agency in California. The Psychologist received between
$ 987 to $ 1,100 per boy per month. The facility was able to house 35 boys
at a time.
The Arizona Attorney General, Department of Economic Security, and the State
Board of Psychologist Examiners received complaints about the treatment
of the residents of the home. The complaints received charged that the
Psychologist had forced the residents to participate in: beatings; slappings;
sexual therapy that involved the use of pillows; homosexuality; and, group
therapy in which the residents were forced to expose themselves. There
have been two deaths relating to the home. One boy died while attempting
to escape from the home. Another teenager committed suicide while he was
a resident of the home.
After an i n v e s t i g a t i o n , the P s y c h o l o g i s t s u r r e n d e r e d h i s l i c e n s e t o operate
a f o s t e r home and surrendered h i s c e r t i f i c a t e t o the S t a t e Board of Psychologist
Examiners. Criminal prosecution by t h e Arizona Attorney General and the
a p p r o p r i a t e County Attorney is pending.
Despite the f a c t t h a t the i n d i v i d u a l may no longer r e p r e s e n t himself a s
a Psychologist, he may l e g a l l y continue t o o f f e r the same psychological
s e r v i c e s t 0 the public a s he did p r i o r t o surrendering h i s c e r t i f i c a t e t o
the Board. He is l i s t e d i n t h e 1979 telephone d i r e c t o r y a s o f f e r i n g psychological
s e r v i c e s .
Case I1
The Board received a complaint regarding an i n d i v i d u a l who was f a l s e l y r e p r e s e n t i n g
himself as a Psychologist. An i n v e s t i g a t i o n was begun t o determine i f the
i n d i v i d u a l had v i o l a t e d s t a t e laws. The i n v e s t i g a t i o n showed t h a t the i n d i v i d u a l
had a 23- year felony r e c o r d , i n c l u d i n g :
- conviction and a two- year sentence f o r white s l a v e r y ;
- conviction and a one- year sentence f o r unlawful s a l e of heroin;
- a r r e s t on charges of f i r s t - d e g r e e murder ( charges l a t e r dropped);
- f o r g e r y c o n v i c t i o n s i n t h r e e states;
- fraud;
- grand larceny; and
- aggravated a s s a u l t .
The Board i n i t i a t e d procedures t o f i l e misdemeanor charges of f a l s e l y r e p r e s e n t i n g
himself a s a Psychologist. The i n d i v i d u a l l e f t the state before t h e matter
went t o court.
Even under these circumstances, the Board did not have t h e a u t h o r i t y t o
prevent t h i s i n d i v i d u a l from o f f e r i n g psychological s e r v i c e s t o the public.
Its r e g u l a t o r y a u t h o r i t y was l i m i t e d t o f i l i n g misdemeanor charges t o
prevent him from f a l s e l y r e p r e s e n t i n g himself as a Psychologist.
Case I11
A Psychologist f a i l e d t o pay h i s renewal fee. H i s c e r t i f i c a t e was suspended
and l a t e r revoked f o r nonpayment of h i s renewal f e e . The i n d i v i d u a l continued •
t o o f f e r psychological s e r v i c e s t o t h e public but did not r e p r e s e n t himself
t o be a Psychologist. I n 1978, t h e Board received a complaint from a p a t i e n t
of t h e i n d i v i d u a l . The complaint charged t h a t the i n d i v i d u a l attempted
t o rape t h e p a t i e n t during a counseling s e s s i o n . The Board was unable t o
take any a c t i o n a g a i n s t t h e i n d i v i d u a l because of the e a r l i e r revocation
of h i s c e r t i f i c a t e . The Board recommended t h a t t h e p a t i e n t contact the
County Attorney, because t h e matter was now o u t s i d e its j u r i s d i c t i o n .
The County Attorney has i n i t i a t e d an i n v e s t i g a t i o n and has added two more a
counts of attempted rape of the i n d i v i d u a l ' s p a t i e n t s and one count of a s s a u l t .
Criminal charges a r e pending. The i n d i v i d u a l continues t o be l i s t e d i n
t h e phone book as o f f e r i n g psychological s e r v i c e s t o the public.
These cases i l l u s t r a t e t h a t t h e r e e x i s t s a need f o r t h e s t a t e t o r e g u l a t e
t h e o f f e r i n g of psychological s e r v i c e s t o the consumers of the s t a t e of
Arizona. I n a l l t h r e e cases, t h e s t a t e has no e f f e c t i v e r e g u l a t o r y a u t h o r i t y
over t h e s e i n d i v i d u a l s , unless they continue t o r e p r e s e n t themselves as
P s y c h o l o g i s t s . S i x t e e n c e r t i f i c a t e s of Psychologists have been revoked
s i n c e J u l y 1, 1976. Yet, a l l of t h e s e i n d i v i d u a l s may continue t o o f f e r
the same psychological s e r v i c e s t o t h e p u b l i c , providing they do not r e p r e s e n t
themselves a s Psychologists. F u r t h e r , they may o f f e r t h e s e s e r v i c e s t o
the public with the knowledge t h a t no r e g u l a t o r y agency of Arizona s t a t e
government has any a u t h o r i t y over t h e manner i n which they o f f e r such ser-v
i c e s .
P o t e n t i a l Users Cannot Be Expected
To Possess The Knowledge Needed To
Properly Evaluate The Q u a l i f i c a t i o n s
Of Those Offerinn Services
Because of the educational requirements and the complexity of the d i s c i p l i n e
of Psychology, it appears t h a t the methods and procedures o f d i a g n o s i s and
treatment of psychological problems a r e s u f f i c i e n t l y complex t o preclude
assessment by anyone other than the most psychologically s o p h i s t i c a t e d u s e r s .
ARS 32- 2071 s t a t e s t h a t :
" The board s h a l l i s s u e a c e r t i f i c a t e as Psychologist
t o any person who:
1. Submits evidence v e r i f i e d by oath and s a t i s f a c t o r y
t o t h e board t h a t he:
( a ) Is of good moral c h a r a c t e r .
( b ) Has received t h e doctoral degree based on a program
of s t u d i e s , t h e content of which was primarily
psychological, obtained from an educational i n s t i t u t i o n
having a graduate program approved at t h e a p p r o p r i a t e
degree l e v e l by a n a t i o n a l l y recognized psychological
a s s o c i a t i o n or a c c r e d i t e d a t the a p p r o p r i a t e degree
l e v e l by any regional or foreign school a c c r e d i t i n g
agency recognized by the board of r e g e n t s .
2. Pays the f e e f o r an o r i g i n a l a p p l i c a t i o n as prescribed
i n s e c t i o n 32- 2074.
3. Passes a s a t i s f a c t o r y examination i n psychological
p r e p a r a t i o n as described i n s e c t i o n 32- 2072."
For example, the doctoral program i n psychology at Arizona S t a t e University
has been a c c r e d i t e d by t h e American Psychological Association. The program
at Arizona S t a t e University is designed t o be completed i n four o r f i v e
years of f u l l time s t u d y , i n c l u d i n g a one year formal i n t e r n s h i p , which
u s u a l l y t a k e s place i n t h e last year. The s t u d e n t s a r e required t o complete
a t l e a s t 96 c r e d i t s t o receive t h e i r doctoral degree. The curriculum f o r
t h e program f o r c l i n i c a l psychology is as follows:
CURRICULUM
( 96 c r e d i t s required. A l l courses 3 c r e d i t s )
More Courses S o c i a l Learning Theory
( 30 c r e d i t s ) Advanced Psychopathology
S t a t i s t i c s : - ~ n a l ~ s oifs V ariance
S t a t i s t i c s : C o r r e l a t i o n and Psychometric Theory
Psychotherapy
Behavior Therapy
I n t e l l e c t u a l Assessment
P e r s o n a l i t y Assessment
C l i n i c a l Practicum I
C l i n i c a l Practicum I1
CURRICULUM ( Conclld)
Research
( 30 c r e d i t s )
E l e c t i v e s
( 36 c r e d i t s )
MA Thesis ( 6 c r e d i t s )
Ph. D. D i s s e r t a t i o n ( 24 c r e d i t s )
Within C l i n i c a l Program
Child Psychopathology
Advanced P e r s o n a l i t y
Seminar i n Human Psychophysiology
P h y s i o l o g i c a l Psychology f o r Non-physiological
s t u d e n t s
Community Psychology Theory and
Research
Research Methods i n C l i n i c a l Psychology
Independent Study
Community Psychology Practicum ( 1 or 2
semesters)
I n t r o d u c t i o n t o C l i n i c a l Neuro-psychology
Consultation Methods
ATM: Behavior Therapy
ATM: Cognitive Behavior Modification
ATM: Human Sexual Disorders
ATM: Child and Family Therapy
ATM: Group Therapy
ATM: Children
ACA: Behavioral Assessment
ACA = Advanced C l i n i c a l Assessment
ATM = Advanced Treatment Methods
Other Courses i n Psychology @
Advanced S o c i a l Psychology
Survey of Research i n Environmental
Psychology
History of Psychology
Information Processing #
Cognitive Processes
Advanced Developmental Psychology
Research Methods i n S o c i a l Psychology
Somatopsychology
Advanced Learning
I n t e r p e r s o n a l Processes
Seminar i n Moral Development
Advanced Physiological Psychology
Research Methods i n Environmental
Psychology
Seminar i n P r o f e s s i o n a l I s s u e s and
E t h i c s ( I
Advanced Experimental Analysis of
Behavior
Seminar i n Sociobiology
Physiology of Motivation
Sensation and Perception
Supervised Teaching i n Psychology
A t l e a s t f i v e o f t h e 12 e l e c t i v e s a r e t o be content- oriented, and a t l e a s t
f i v e a r e t o be practicum- oriented. A minimum of t h r e e e l e c t i v e s must be
taken i n psychology outside o f t h e c l i n i c a l program. E l e c t i v e s may be taken
i n other University Departments with approval of the C l i n i c a l f a c u l t y .
The University a l s o o f f e r s doctoral programs i n these areas:
Environmental Psychology
Experimental Psychology
Physiological Psychology
S o c i a l Psychology
By the time t h e i n d i v i d u a l r e c e i v e s h i s or her doctoral degree, he o r she
w i l l have spent e i g h t or nine years i n c o l l e g e ( f o u r years f o r a bachelor's
degree and four or f i v e years t o complete the graduate program).
After completing the doctoral program, t h e i n d i v i d u a l must s u c c e s s f u l l y
complete a p r o f e s s i o n a l examination before the i n d i v i d u a l may r e p r e s e n t
himself or h e r s e l f as a Psychologist. The " Examination For P r o f e s s i o n a l
P r a c t i c e I n Psychology" is prepared by the P r o f e s s i o n a l Examination Service.
The examination covers the following areas:
Background Knowledge: physiological and comparative psychology, l e a r n i n g ,
h i s t o r y , theory and systems, s e n s a t i o n and p e r c e p t i o n , m o t i v a t i o n ,
s o c i a l psychology, p e r s o n a l i t y , c o g n i t i v e processes, developmental
psychology and aging, psychopharmacology;
Igethodology: research design and i n t e r p r e t a t i o n , s t a t i s t i c s , t e s t
c o n s t r u c t i o n and i n t e r p r e t a t i o n , s c a l i n g ;
C l i n i c a l Psychology: t e s t usage and i n t e r p r e t a t i o n , d i a g n o s i s , psycho-pathology,
therapy, judgment i n c l i n i c a l s i t u a t i o n s ;
Behavior Modification: l e a r n i n g , a p p l i c a t i o n s ;
Other S p e c i a l i t i e s : management c o n s u l t i n g , i n d u s t r i a l psychology and
human engineering, s o c i a l psychology, t- groups, educational and school
psychology, counseling and guidance, communications, systems a n a l y s i s ;
P r o f e s s i o n a l Conduct, A f f a i r s , and Ethics: i n t e r d i s c i p l i n a r y r e l a t i o n s ,
p r o f e s s i o n a l conduct, knowledge of p r o f e s s i o n a l a f f a i r s .
After s u c c e s s f u l completion of t h i s examination, t h e i n d i v i d u a l is c e r t i f i e d
as a Psychologist by the Board.
C o l l i e r ' s Encyclopedia has s t a t e d t h a t psychological apparatus and techniques
may be divided i n t o t h r e e c1assifications: experimental techniques;
c l i n i c a l techniques; and s t a t i s t i c a l techniques. B l i s t i n g of some of
these apparatus and techniques is shown i n Table 4.
PSYCHOLOGICAL APPARATUS AND TECHNIQUES
IDENTIFIED BY COLLIER'S ENCYCLOPEDIA*
APPARATUS TECHNIQUES
Chronoscope Electroencephalograms
Tachistoscopes Administering Tests
S e r i a l Exposure Device Self- Inventory
Color Mixer Rating Methods
Esthesiometer Depth Analysis
Ergograph Psychoanalytic Procedures
Sphygmomanometer
Psychogalvanometer
Maze
Conditioning Board
Rorschach Test
Thematic Apprehension Test
S t a t i s t i c a l Analysis
Central Tendency & V a r i a b i l i t y
of S t a t i s t i c s
Oscillograph Factor Analysis
S t r i n g Galvanometer
* This list is not intended t o be a l l i n c l u s i v e , but is presented f o r
i l l u s t r a t i o n purposes only. For a complete d e s c r i p t i o n of t h e s e psychological
apparatus and techniques see Appendix V.
The c e r t i f i e d P s y c h o l o g i s t h a s completed e i g h t t o nine years of s t u d i e s
a t an a c c r e d i t e d c o l l e g e o r u n i v e r s i t y , and has s u c c e s s f u l l y completed a
comprehensive examination i n psychology.** It appears t h a t t h e methods
and procedures of diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems a r e
s u f f i c i e n t l y complex t o preclude assessment by anyone other than t h e most
psychologically s o p h i s t i c a t e d u s e r s .
** It should be noted t h a t under present s t a t e law, t h e non- certified
provider of psychological s e r v i c e s is n o t r e q u i r e d t o receive any formal r)
t r a i n i n g i n psychology, nor is the i n d i v i d u a l r e q u i r e d t o s u c c e s s f u l l y
complete any p r o f e s s i o n a l examination. Yet these i n d i v i d u a l s are permitted
t o o f f e r t h e same psychological s e r v i c e s as t h o s e o f f e r e d by c e r t i f i e d
Psychologists.
Benefits To The Public Outweigh
Any P o t e n t i a l Harmful E f f e c t s ,
Such A s , Decrease I n The A v a i l a b i l i t y
O f P r a c t i t i o n e r s and Higher Costs
To Consumers
I n its r e p o r t t o t h e C a l i f o r n i a Department of Consumer A f f a i r s , the
Regulations Review Task Force s t a t e d :
" A recent study by a UCLA graduate s t u d e n t c i t e d i n
the Oakland Tribune, March 24, 1978, contends t h a t a s
high a s 20 t o 30 percent of female p a t i e n t s i n psychotherapy
i n C a l i f o r n i a have sexual advances made t o them by the
t h e r a p i s t . These advances take t h e form of ranging
from verbal innuendo t o demands f o r i n t e r c o u r s e a s p a r t
of the therapy. Many of t h e respondents t o t h e mail-i
n r e p o r t , i n d i c a t e d t h a t they made no mention o f t h e
i n c i d e n t s surrounding t h e i r therapy, even t o t h e i r husbands.
This kind of study, while not d e f i n i t i v e and no doubt
vulnerable based on its methodology, is an i n d i c a t i o n
of the ignorance and r e l u c t a n c e of p a t i e n t s , and perhaps,
women i n p a r t i c u l a r t o r e g i s t e r complaints."
In C a l i f o r n i a , which r e q u i r e s l i c e n s u r e o f those o f f e r i n g psychological s e r v i c e s ,
i f a provider is found g u i l t y of making sexual advances or other non- ethical
p r a c t i c e s , the p r o v i d e r ' s l i c e n s e can be revoked and t h e provider w i l l be
p r o h i b i t e d from o f f e r i n g psychological s e r v i c e s t o t h e public. I n Arizona,
however, such an i n f r a c t i o n could only r e s u l t i n t h e revocation o f t h e
Psychologist's c e r t i f i c a t e . Under present s t a t e law, t h e r e is nothing t o
prevent t h a t i n d i v i d u a l from continuing t o o f f e r t h e same psychological
s e r v i c e s t o the p u b l i c , providing t h a t t h e i n d i v i d u a l does not continue
t o r e p r e s e n t himself as a Psychologist. F u r t h e r , i n t h e case of a n o n - c e r t i f i e d
i n d i v i d u a l , the Board would have no r e g u l a t o r y a u t h o r i t y over the i n d i v i d u a l ' s
a c t i o n s .
In a d d i t i o n , the cases shown e a r l i e r i n t h i s f i n d i n g i l l u s t r a t e t h e p o t e n t i a l
harmful e f f e c t s which can be i n f l i c t e d by incompetent or unscrupulous providers
o f psychological s e r v i c e s .
It cannot be determined t o what degree t h e a v a i l a b i l i t y o f p r a c t i t i o n e r s
or c o s t s would be a f f e c t e d a s a r e s u l t of the increased s t a t e r e g u l a t i o n
over t h e providing of psychological s e r v i c e s . I n our opinion, however,
t h e b e n e f i t s t o the public from such increased r e g u l a t i o n outweigh any p o t e n t i a l
harmful e f f e c t s .
CONCLUSION
Unlike 37 other s t a t e s , Arizona does not have a d e f i n i t i o n o f the p r a c t i c e
of psychology. F u r t h e r , Arizona does not r e s t r i c t the o f f e r i n g of psychological
s e r v i c e s t o licensed Psychologists. A s a r e s u l t , t h e p o t e n t i a l f o r harm
from incompetent or unscrupulous providers of psychological s e r v i c e s e x i s t s ( I
f o r the general public i n Arizona. I n o u r o p i n i o n , t h e b e n e f i t s t o t h e
p u b l i c , through i n c r e a s e d r e g u l a t o r y a u t h o r i t y over t h e o f f e r i n g of psychological
s e r v i e s , outweigh any p o t e n t i a l harmful e f f e c t , such as a decrease i n t h e
a v a i l a b i l i t y o f p r a c t i t i o n e r s , and higher c o s t s t o consumers.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. A s t a t u t o r y d e f i n i t i o n needs t o be developed regarding the " P r a c t i c e
of Psychology." This d e f i n i t i o n is e s s e n t i a l i f t h e r e is t o be any
e f f e c t i v e governmental r e g u l a t i o n over t h e providers of psychological
s e r v i c e s .
2. ARS 32- 2061 through 32- 2088 should be amended t o r e s t r i c t t h e a u t h o r i t y
t o provide c e r t a i n defined psychological s e r v i c e s t o only those persons
l i c e n s e d by t h e S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners.
FINDING I1
THE EFFICIENCY OF THE COMPLAINT REVIEW PROCESS OF THE STATE BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGIST
EXAMINERS COULD BE INCREASED.
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners could conduct its complaint review
process i n a more e f f i c i e n t manner. A s a r e s u l t , complaints a r e n o t r e s o l v e d
a s e x p e d i t i o u s l y a s p o s s i b l e . Several improvements can be made t o improve
the e f f i c i e n c y of the Board's Bomplaint review process.
The Complaint Review Process
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners is required t o hear and i n v e s t i g a t e
a l l complaints within t h e i r j u r i s d i c t i o n , which a r e presented t o it. The
Board r e q u i r e s t h a t a l l complaints be i n w r i t i n g and signed by t h e complainant
before t h e Board w i l l hear t h e complaint.
Under current procedures, a l l complaints a r e i n i t i a l l y received by t h e Board's
support s e r v i c e , t h e Arizona S t a t e Boards1 Administrative Office ( ASBAO).
The ASBAO holds t h e complaints u n t i l t h e next scheduled Board meeting, at
which time t h e complaints a r e read i n t o t h e record and t h e Board determines
i f t h e complaint is within its j u r i s d i c t i o n . " I f the Board determines t h a t
the complaint is o u t s i d e its j u r i s d i c t i o n , t h e complainant is so n o t i f i e d .
However, i f the Board determines t h a t t h e complaint is within its j u r i s d i c t i o n ,
the complainant is n o t i f i e d and an i n v e s t i g a t i o n is i n i t i a t e d . During its
i n v e s t i g a t i o n , t h e Board: 1) contacts t h e i n d i v i d u a l a g a i n s t whom the complaint
was f i l e d ; 2 ) allows t h e i n d i v i d u a l t o review the complaint and prepare
a w r i t t e n response; and 3) allows the complainant t o review t h e w r i t t e n
response and submit a d d i t i o n a l comments. A t t h e next Board meeting, t h e
Board reviews the submitted material and e i t h e r makes a determination on
the complaint or requests t h a t both p a r t i e s a t t e n d t h e next Board meeting
i f a d d i t i o n a l information is needed. Our review has shown t h a t the average
complaint takes n e a r l y 13 weeks from i n i t i a l complaint r e c e i p t by ASBAO
t o f i n a l determination of f a c t by the Board. We have i d e n t i f i e d s e v e r a l
improvements which can be made t o i n c r e a s e the e f f i c i e n c y of t h e Board's
complaint review process.
* The Board's j u r i s d i c t i o n includes a l l complaints a g a i n s t c e r t i f i e d
Psychologists and complaints about i n d i v i d u a l s who a r e f a l s e l y r e p r e s e n t i n g
themselves as Psychologists.
3 2
S t r e a n l i n i n g t h e Complaint
Review Process
The following c h a r t o u t l i n e s the current Complaint Review Process of t h e
S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners. Each s t e p i n t h e process is i d e n t i f i e d ,
a l o n g w i t h t h e average elapsed time i n days necessary t o complete t h e s t e p .
COMPLAINT REVIEW PROCESS
OF THE
STATE BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGIST EXAMINERS
Average Elapsed
Time I n Days To
Step Process Complete Step
I Complaint received by ASBAO
I1 Complaint held by ASBAO u n t i l next r e g u l a r Board
meeting.
I11 Board reviews complaint. Determines j u r i s d i c t i o n
and begins i n v e s t i g a t i o n . I n d i v i d u a l a g a i n s t
whom complaint is f i l e d is n o t i f i e d of complaint
and is i n v i t e d t o prepare a w r i t t e n response
t o t h e complaint.
I V Response from i n d i v i d u a l i s . r e c e i v e d by ASBAO.
Copy of response is s e n t t o complainant who is
given opportunity t o prepare w r i t t e n comments on
the response.
V Board reviews a l l material p e r t a i n i n g t o
complaint. Board n o t i f i e s both p a r t i e s t o
appear a t next Board meeting.
V I Board hears both p a r t i e s ' comments. Board makes
f i n a l determination. May dismiss complaint, place on
probation o r may revoke o r suspend c e r t i f i c a t e
of Psychologist.
V I I F i l e closed.
90 Days
* Time estimate included i n Step V.
The National Association of Attorneys General, i n its r e p o r t , " D i s c i p l i n a r y
Action Manual f o r Occupational Licensing Boards," s t a t e s t h a t a board should
n o t hear a complaint u n t i l a l l f a c t s and evidence have been c o l l e c t e d by
a s i n g l e board member or by a s e p a r a t e i n v e s t i g a t i v e committee. The r e p o r t
goes on t o s t a t e t h a t the board's a c t i v e involvement i n t h e complaint review
process could influence t h e board and thereby prevent it from making a
f a i r and i m p a r t i a l decision at t h e d i s c i p l i n a r y hearing. Such a problem
could be t h e b a s i s of an appeal by t h e c e r t i f i c a n t .
Our review of the above complaint raview process revealed t h a t the time
involved i n the complaint review process can be reduced by approximately
40% i f the following changes a r e implemented:
1 ) A Board member should be designated t o oversee the complaint review
process;
2) The ASBAO should transmit complaints t o t h e designated Board member
immediately upon r e c e i p t ;
3) The designated Board member should review complaints t o determine whether
the Board has j u r i s d i c t i o n i n t h e matter ( if the designated Board member
determines t h a t a complaint is o u t s i d e t h e Board's j u r i s d i c t i o n , t h e
complaint should be held u n t i l t h e next Board meeting and reviewed
by t h e e n t i r e Board membership);
4) I f the designated Board member determines t h a t a complaint is within
the Board's j u r i s d i c t i o n , a p p r o p r i a t e w r i t t e n statements should be
obtained from t h e i n d i v i d u a l a g a i n s t whom t h e complaint was f i l e d and
the complainant;
5) Both t h e i n d i v i d u a l a g a i n s t whom the complaint was f i l e d and the complainant
should be n o t i f i e d and ordered t o appear at the hearing t o be held
a t t h e next board meeting;
6) A t t h e next Board meeting, t h e e n t i r e Board membership should hear
the complaint, and make such i n q u i r i e s of t h e i n d i v i d u a l a g a i n s t whom
the complaint was f i l e d and t h e complainant as the Board f e e l s a r e
necessary t o determine the v a l i d i t y o f t h e complaint; and
7) The Board should make a determination as t o the v a l i d i t y of the complaint
and e i t h e r : 1 ) dismiss the complaint; o r , 2) place on probation,'
revoke o r suspend the c e r t i f i c a t e of the Psychologist.
The above complaint review process could reduce t h e t o t a l processing time
by approximately 40% and would provide f o r a more e f f i c i e n t and expeditious
c m p l a i n t review process.
CONCLUSION
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners could be more e f f i c i e n t i n its
complaint review process. Improvements need t o be implemented to increase
the efficiency of the process.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Complaint Review Process should be improved t o increase t h e e f f i c i e n c y
of the Process. This can be accomplished by adopting the changes recommended
on page 34.
FINDING I11
CHANGES NEEDED TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE STATE BOARD
OF PSYCHOLOGIST EXAMINERS.
Our review of the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners has shown t h a t t h e r e
a r e s e v e r a l s t a t u t o r y o r r e g u l a t o r y changes needed t o improve the e f f i c i e n c y
and e f f e c t i v e n e s s of the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners. These changes
a r e :
1) The aoard should be given the s p e c i f i c a u t h o r i t y t o i s s u e cease and d e s i s t
orders ;
2) The Board should adopt a two- year renewal system; and
3) The renewal date for c e r t i f i c a t e s should be moved forward.
The 3oard Lacks The S p e c i f i c Authority
To Issue Cease And Desist Orders.
ARS 32- 2088, which became e f f e c t i v e on May 26, 1978, s t a t e s t h a t :
" The board may request t h a t an i n j u n c t i o n be issued by the
s u p e r i o r c o u r t a g a i n s t any person who is not a c e r t i f i e d
psychologist who r e p r e s e n t s himself as a psychologist or
who continues to r e p r e s e n t himself as a psychologist while
h i s c e r t i f i c a t e is expired, suspended o r revoked, or
otherwise v i o l a t e s any p r o v i s i o n o f t h i s c h a p t e r , r u l e o r
r e g u l a t i o n or lawful order of the board. The a t t o r n e y
general s h a l l r e p r e s e n t the board i n a l l matters r e q u i r i n g
l e g a l a s s i s t a n c e . The board may employ other or
a d d i t i o n a l counsel with the consent o f t h e a t t o r n e y
general. "
This s t a t u t e gives t h e Board t h e a u t h o r i t y t o seek an i n j u n c t i o n a g a i n s t
any i n d i v i d u a l who v i o l a t e s t h e c e r t i f i c a t i o n law. The Board has not sought
any i n j u n c t i o n s a g a i n s t any i n d i v i d u a l or o r g a n i z a t i o n s i n c e the s t a t u t e
became e f f e c t i v e . I n s t e a d , t h e Board has issued 16 cease and d e s i s t orders
t o i n d i v i d u a l s and o r g a n i z a t i o n s who were improperly l i s t e d i n various 1979
Arizona telephone d i r e c t o r i e s . The members of t h e S t a t e Board of Psychologist
Examiners s t a t e d t h a t t h i s procedure was adopted i n order t o determine
( I
the l e g a l i t y of the l i s t i n g . Each of the 16 cease and d e s i s t o r d e r s i s s u e d
by the Board i d e n t i f i e d p o t e n t i a l s t a t u t e v i o l a t i o n s and requested t h e l i s t e r
t o respond t o the Board as quickly as p o s s i b l e . Members of the Board s t a t e d
t h a t t h e files of each of the cease and d e s i s t orders would be reviewed
during the June 1979 Board meeting. Those i n d i v i d u a l s whose l i s t i n g s were
improper i n form only would be s e n t a warning l e t t e r . If, however, t h e Board
determines t h a t the l i s t i n g s c o n s t i t u t e a v i o l a t i o n of the s t a t u t e s , it
w i l l seek i n j u n c t i o n s a g a i n s t those i n d i v i d u a l s or groups, as prescribed
by law.
The Board has used the cease and d e s i s t orders as an i n t e r i m s t e p i n t h e
review process o f p o t e n t i a l v i o l a t i o n s of the s t a t u t e s . This appears t o
be a reasonable procedure, as it allows the Board t o determine t h e n a t u r e
of t h e v i o l a t i o n without having t o seek court a c t i o n under its i n j u n c t i v e
powers. However, t h e Board does not have the s p e c i f i c s t a t u t o r y a u t h o r i t y
t o i s s u e cease and d e s i s t orders. Compliance with Board- issued cease and
d e s i s t o r d e r s is s t r i c t l y voluntary.
It appears t h a t i f the Board were given the s t a t u t o r y a u t h o r i t y t o i s s u e
cease and d e s i s t o r d e r s , it would g r e a t l y enhance its a b i l i t y t o r e g u l a t e
i l l e g a l a c t i v i t y under t h e enabling l e g i s l a t i o n .
The Board Should Adopt A
Two- Year Renewal System
Arizona Revised S t a t u t e 32- 2073 s t a t e s t h a t the Board s h a l l renew the
c e r t i f i c a t e s of Psychologists on an annual basis. Because of t h e l i m i t e d
support s e r v i c e s a v a i l a b l e t o the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners,
t h i s section serves t o hinder t h e e f f i c i e n c y and effectiveness of the Board
by s i g n i f i c a n t l y increasing the workload of the Board's support s t a f f .
Revising ARS 32- 2073 t o a u t h o r i z e b i e n n i a l renewals of c e r t i f i c a t e s would
reduce the workload o f t h e Board, r e s u l t i n a cost savings t o the Board,
and increase t h e e f f i c i e n c y and effectiveness of the S t a t e Board of Psychologist
Examiners.
The S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners has no full- time support s t a f f .
A l l support services are provided through contract with the Department
of Administration by the Arizona S t a t e Boards1 Administrative Office ( ASBAO).
ASBAO serves as the support s t a f f for the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners
and 10 S t a t e Boards or Commissions. These Boards or Commissions are:
Athletic Commission
Board of Dispensing Opticians
Ethics Board
Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers
Board of Naturopathic Examiners
Board of Examiners - Nursing Care I n s t i t u t i o n Administrators
Board of Optometry
Board o f Physical Therapy Examiners
Board of Podiatry
Board of Psychologist Examiners
Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
Nine of the above Boards renew c e r t i f i c a t e s of l i c e n s e s on an annual basis.
This places a heavy workload on the ASBAO. Our review has shown t h a t t h i s
workload could be reduced i f ARS 32- 2073 were amended t o allow the S t a t e
Board of Psychologist Examiners to renew the c e r t i f i c a t e s of psychologists
on a biennial b a s i s . Further, our review has shown t h a t such a change would
r e s u l t i n a cost savings t o the Board of approximately $ 1,000 over a four-year
period, i n t h a t , t h e c o s t s of printing renewal notices, c e r t i f i c a t e s
and mailing costs would a l l be s i g n i f i c a n t l y reduced.
F u r t h e r , a survey of c e r t i f i e d Psychologists, conducted by t h e O f f i c e of
the Auditor General, showed t h a t 838 o f t h e c e r t i f i e d Psychologists i n Arizona
would not be opposed t o a b i e n n i a l r e g i s t r a t i o n system.
A t t h e present time, a l l 50 s t a t e s r e g u l a t e Psychologists through c e r t i f i c a t i o n
o r l i c e n s u r e . A survey conducted by t h e Office of t h e Auditor General showed
t h a t , a s of April 30, 1979, 24 s t a t e s have a l r e a d y implemented a b i e n n i a l
o r t r i e n n i a l renewal system o r have e s t a b l i s h e d permanent l i c e n s u r e . These
s t a t e s are:
1) Alabama 13) Nevada
2) C a l i f o r n i a 14) New J e r s e y
3) Georgia 15) New York
4) Hawaii 16) Ohio
5) I l l i n o i s 17) Pennsylvania
6) Indiana 18) South Carolina
7 ) Kansas 19) South Dakota
8) Kentucky 20) Tennessee
9 ) Maine 21) Vermont
10) Massachusetts 22) Virginia
11 ) Minnesota 23) West Virginia
12) Missouri 24) Wyoming
It should be noted t h a t amending ARS 32- 2073 t o allow f o r b i e n n i a l renewal
of c e r t i f i c a t e s would a l s o n e c e s s i t a t e a change i n t h e s t a t u t e s on the
amount of renewal f e e s which the Board may impose. P r e s e n t l y , ARS 32-
2074. B s t a t e s t h a t :
" The board s h a l l charge a f e e not t o exceed one hundred
d o l l a r s f o r t h e annual renewal of a c e r t i f i c a t e . "
I f ARS 32- 2073 were amended t o allow f o r b i e n n i a l renewals, then ARS 32-
2074. B should a l s o be amended t o provide f o r a higher renewal f e e i n order
t o provide the Board with s u f f i c i e n t funding for its routine operations.
A b i e n n i a l fee of two hundred d o l l a r s appears t o be a p p r o p r i a t e .
The Renewal Date For Psychologists1
C e r t i f i c a t e s Should Be Moved Forward
ARS 32- 2073 s t a t e s t h a t renewals s h a l l be made annually before the first
day of July. A s a r e s u l t , ASBAO issues Psychologists1 c e r t i f i c a t e s during
the month of June which is its busiest month.
Of the 11 S t a t e Boards or Commissions t o whom the ASBAO provides support
s e r v i c e s , nine renew c e r t i f i c a t e s or l i c e n s e s . These nine Boards, along
with the number of annual renewals and month of renewal, are shown below:
Board or Commission
Physical Therapy Examiners
Naturopathic Examiners
Veterinary Medical Examiners
Dispensing Opticians
Psychologist Examiners
Funeral Directors and Embalmers
Optometry
Nursing Care I n s t i t u t i o n Administrators
Podiatry
Number of
Annual Renewals Renewal Month
August
December
December
December
June
June
June
June
June
Currently, the ASBAO processes 62% of its t o t a l annual renewals during the
month of June, the l a s t month of the f i s c a l year. Because of the
heavy renewal volume a t the end of the f i s c a l year the ASBAO has experienced
d i f f i c u l t i e s i n recording revenue i n the proper accounting period. This
problem could be eliminated and t h e e f f i c i e n c y of the renewal process improved
i f the renewal date f o r the c e r t i f i c a t e s of Psychologists were t o be moved
t o another month.
ARS Section 32- 2073 s t a t e s t h a t the renewals s h a l l be made before the first
day o f J u l y . Presently, the Board cannot require psychologists t o renew
t h e i r c e r t i f i c a t e s e a r l i e r than July 1 unless ARS 32- 2073 is amended.
Our review of the workload records of the ASBAO has i d e n t i f i e d t h e month
of April as a p r a c t i c a l month i n which t o renew the c e r t i f i c a t e s of psychologists.
The Administrative Manager of the ASBAO s t a t e s t h a t such a change i n the
renewal month would greatly reduce the workload placed on the ASBAO.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review of the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners has shown t h a t s t a t u t o r y
and procedural changes are needed. The Board lacks t h e s p e c i f i c s t a t u t o r y
authority t o issue cease and d e s i s t orders and the Board's efficiency and
effectiveness i n handling the renewal process is s i g n i f i c a n t l y impaired
by the wording of the present s t a t u t e s .
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. ARS 32- 2088 should be expanded t o give the Board t h e s p e c i f i c authority
t o issue cease and d e s i s t orders.
( I
2. ARS 32- 2073 should be amended t o provide f o r biennial renewal of c e r t i f i c a t e s .
Further, ARS 32- 2074. B should be amended t o permit the Board t o charge
a fee not t o exceed two hundred d o l l a r s f o r the biennial renewal of
c e r t i f i c a t e s .
3. ARS 32- 2073 should be f u r t h e r amended t o order t h a t renewals s h a l l
be made before the f i r s t day of May.
September 4, 1979
State of Arizona
Board of Psychologist Examiners
1645 W. Jefferson Room 418
Plloenix, AZ 85007
Mr. Douglas R. Norton
Auditor General
I)
S t a t e of Arizona
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Dear M r . Norton:
The following r e p r e s e n t s the response of the Arizona S t a t e Board of Psychologist
rn Examiners ( ASBPE) to the recommendations of t h e O f f i c e of the Auditor General as
contained i n the performance a u d i t r e p o r t number 79- 6. The Board has responded
t o the non- controversial recommendations f i r s t , s p e c i f i c a l l y :
Recommendation 3. h he complaint review process be improved t o i n c r e a s e the
e f f i c i e n c y of the process. ( page 35)."
The ASBPE a g r e e s w i t h t h i s recommendation and h a s a l r e a d y made s u b s t a n t i v e
changes t o expedite the process by which it reviews complaints. A t i t s July
20, 1979 meeting the Board explored various means t o accomplish t h i s and de-termined
t o " speed up the procedure where speedy a c t i o n is appropriate and
possible." The Board w i l l a l s o develop a complaint form t o a s s i s t i n process-ing
complaints. One Board member % serves as a focus for complaints and
e x p e d i t e s t h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n . I n a d d i t i o n , ASBPE'S new Rules and Regulations,
which became e f f e c t i v e July 27, 1979, contain changes designed t o f u l f i l l
t h i s recommendation ( see Board Rules which appear as Appendix I1 of t h i s r e -
p o r t ) .
Recommendation 4. " ARS 32- 2088 should be expanded t o give the Board t h e s p e c i f i c
a u t h o r i t y t o i s s u e cease and d e s i s t orders. ( page 40.)"
The ASBPE concurs with t h i s recommendation.
- Rec ommendation 5. " ARS 32- 2073 should be amended t o provide for b i e n n i a l renewal
of c e r t i f i c a t e s . Further, ARS 32- 2074. B should be amended t o permit the Board
t o charge a fee not to exceed two hundred d o l l a r s for t h e b i e n n i a l renewal of
c e r t i f i c a t e s . ( page 40. )' I
The ASBPE concurs with t h i s recommendation.
page - 2-
Carrying out Recommendations 5 and 6 t o move t h i s ~ o a r d ' sr enewal a c t i v i t y t o
other than o f f i c e peak workload times and t o renew biannually r a t h e r than
annually, w i l l enable the ~ o a r d ' s o f f i c e s t a f f to increase its e f f i c i e n c y .
This r e d i s t r i b u t i o n of the workload w i l l a l s o b e n e f i t o t h e r boards which share
these o f f i c e s e r v i c e s .
The ASBPE views the Auditor General's Recommendations 1 and 2 as inseparable
i s s u e s .
For these reasons, they a r e discussed l a s t and i n g r e a t e r d e t a i l than the pre-vious
recommendations.
Recommendation 1, " Arizona d e f i n e t h e ' p r a c t i c e of ~ s ~ c h o l o g y ' . T his d e f i n i t i o n
i s e s s e n t i a l i f t h e r e is t o be any e f f e c t i v e governmental r e g u l a t i o n over the
providers of psychological s e r v i c e s . ( page 31)."
The ASBPE i s w i l l i n g and able t o define the " p r a c t i c e of psychology" and could
prepare a " practice" d e f i n i t i o n for the L e g i s l a t u r e ' s c o n s i d e r a t i o n , i f it is
the d e s i r e of the L e g i s l a t u r e t o license the p r a c t i c e of psychology. Such l i c e n s -
ing is t h e s u b j e c t of the Auditor General's second recommendation.
Recommendation 2. " ARS 32- 2061 through 32- 2088 should be amended t o r e s t r i c t the
a u t h o r i t y t o provide c e r t a i n defined psychological s e r v i c e s t o only those
persons licensed by the S t a t e Board of Psychologist Examiners. ( page 31)."
( I
The i s s u e of l i c e n s u r e for psychologists is a s u b j e c t which is complex. We herein
o f f e r a continuum of p o s s i b i l i t i e s which the L e g i s l a t u r e may review as it con-s
i d e r s the i s s u e of l i c e n s u r e .
A B C D
Psychologist Change Psychologist Psychologist Licensure- Psychologist
C e r t i f i c a t i o n C e r t i f i c a t i o n t o with a n e x c l u s i o n clause Licensure
" read" Psychologist for other l e g i t i m a t e without an
Licensure l i c e n s e d p r o f e s s i o n s exc lus ion
clause
A. C e r t i f i c a t i o n
C e r t i f i c a t i o n laws a r e designed t o i d e n t i f y and r e g u l a t e psychologists for the pro-
( I
t e c t i o n of the public, but they do not r e g u l a t e the broad range of psychological
s e r v i c e s .
P r e s e n t l y , Arizona has a c e r t i f i c a t i o n law.
B. C e r t i f i c a t i o n t o " read" Licensure
The term " licensure" is more widely accepted and recognized than " c e r t i f i c a t i o n " .
It has face v a l i d i t y for the public. While such a change i n wording i t s e l f o f f e r s
no a d d i t i o n a l p r o t e c t i o n t o t h e p u b l i c , the term " license" seems t o " carry more
weight" and might serve t o reduce the number of v i o l a t i o n s of such a law.
page - 3-
C. Licensure with an exclusion clause
Licensure of psychologists could be accomplished by providing a d e f i n i t i o n
of the p r a c t i c e of psychology, combined with an exclusion clause for other
bonafide p r o f e s s i o n a l groups which provide s e r v i c e s of a psychological
nature, as long as they did not c a l l themselves psychologist^^^. Other
bonafide groups might include:
1. Other e x i s t i n g s t a t e regulated occupational groups, such as licensed
physicians, polygraph examiners, c e r t i f i c a t e d school personnel.
2. Members of other occupational groups which have e s t a b l i s h e d a n a t i o n a l
code of e t h i c s and standards of p r a c t i c e , such as s o c i a l workers, re-h
a b i l i t a t i o n counselors, vocational evaluators.
3, Other recognized p r o f e s s i o n s ; however, unless a meaningful and enforcable
d e f i n i t i o n of a " recognized profession" can be given i n the law, anyone
could c r e a t e a " recognized profession" and claim t h i s exemption. This
would e f f e c t i v e l y n u l l i f y the l i c e n s i n g of a s p a r t of the law
and would render the law, as it i s i n many s t a t e s , a l i c e n s i n g law i n name
only. A l l t h a t would a c t u a l l y be protected is the use of the t i t l e " psy-chologist"
and the consumer of psychological s e r v i c e s gains no a d d i t i o n a l
p r o t e c t i o n .
On the other hand, were t h e L e g i s l a t u r e t o e s t a b l i s h a d d i t i o n a l regulatory
boards to recognize and r e g u l a t e other l e g i t i m a t e p r o f e s s i o n a l groups which
a l s o provide s e r v i c e s of a psychological nature ( e. g. s o c i a l workers, marriage
and family counselors), t h e r e would then be a s t a t u t o r y background t o enable
t h e L e g i s l a t u r e t o d e f i n e t h e p r a c t i c e of psychology and provide an e f f e c t i v e
exemption s e c t i o n t h e r e t o , and other l e g i t i m a t e p r o f e s s i o n a l groups would not
be put out of business.
A d e f i n i t i o n of the p r a c t i c e of psychology, along with an e f f e c t i v e exemption
s e c t i o n f o r l e g i t i m a t e o t h e r p r o f e s s i o n a l s rendering s e r v i c e s of a psychological
nature would s a t i s f y the concern for increased consumer p r o t e c t i o n which is ex-pressed
i n t h i s r e p o r t , a concern which i s shared by the ASBPE. The law would
then serve to regulate any person providing such s e r v i c e s who was not licensed
by the ASBPE or by one of the other boards.
D. Licensure without a n e x c l u s i o n clause
A s t r o n g l i c e n s u r e law which r e s t r i c t s a l l generic psychological s e r v i c e s t o
persons licensed by the ASBPE as psychologists could be considered a s most
p r o t e c t i v e of the public i n t e r e s t . However, such a law would have widespread
opposition from a v a r i e t y of p r o f e s s i o n a l and non- professional groups, and i n -
dividuals and would put out of business many l e g i t i m a t e persons who now provide
t h e p u b l i c w i t h s e r v i c e s of a psychological nature.
Were the Board t o be given the a d d i t i o n a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y for r e g u l a t i n g the
broad p r a c t i c e of psychology, i t should be recognized t h a t the amount of in-v
e s t i g a t i o n and enforcement a c t i v i t y such a law would generate would g r e a t l y
increase the cost of operating the Board ( higher f e e s , more o f f i c e personnel,
i n v e s t i g a t o r s , e t c . ) .
page - 4-
The qualifving of persons t o be psychologist and the r e g u l a t i o n of psychologists
is a necessary s t e p i n the s t a t e ' s development of a comprehensive consumer pro-t
e c t i o n and regulatory system i n the areas of psychological services and mental
h e a l t h care. To deregulate psychologists would be t o add t o t h e p u b l i c confusion
and l i k e l i h o o d of abuse from unqualified s e r v i c e providers, for then anyone a
could claim t o be a psychologist. Unqualified persons could c a p i t a l i z e upon the
r e p u t a t i o n for competency and p r o f e s s i o n a l s e r v i c e s t h a t has been earned over the
years by most l e g i t i m a t e psychologists. For example, t h e S t a t e of Florida i s
presently experiencing such confusion and deception of the public, a f t e r having
recently " sunsetted" i t s Board of Psychologist Examiners and is already taking
s t e p s t o r e i n s t i t u t e a psychologist l i c e n s i n g law. •
The ASBPE believes t h a t the " deficiency" i n the law which produced Recommendations 1
and 2 , is not n e c e s s a r i l y a deficiency i n the Psychologist C e r t i f i c a t i o n Act, Rather,
the deficiency i s the absence of a s t a t e regulatory system t o recognize o t h e r l e -
g i t i m a t e p r o f e s s i o n a l groups which a r e trained and q u a l i f i e d t o render services of a
psychologica 1 nature. ( I
The ASBPE wished to compliment you and your s t a f f on the thoroughness of your in-v
e s t i g a t i o n s , the comprehensiveness of your f i n a l r e p o r t and your s e n s i t i v i t y t o
the issues faced by t h i s Board and by consumers of psychological s e r v i c e s . The
ASBPE a p p r e c i a t e s your considered recommendation, and has already moved t o e f f e c t
improvements. Most importantly, the ASBPE a p p r e c i a t e s t h e high degree of confidence a
i n the Board which is represented by the o v e r a l l p o s i t i v e nature of your r e p o r t .
Sincerely,
& u& icl Prd
Ronald H. Pool, Ph. D. flL?
Chairman
cc: Board Members
Gary Sheets, Attorney General's Office
CHAPTER 19.1- PSYCHOLOG ISTS
M. TICLB 3. REGCLATION
32- 2OSd. Injunction; representation.
Termination
The state bnord of pa, ucholr~ gixtc xa?~ ii) lcr:.*, hail ttrrminute on July
I , 1380, 4 n l c . ~ cs , rlt int~ ed. Scc $ 8 41- 2261 nnd 41- 2263.
In chis chapter, unless the contest othcnvise requires:
1. " Board" means the stste bonrd of psychologist examiners.
2. '. Practice of a psychologist" means the professional activities of a
psychologist.
3. " Psychologist" means u person \ vho is certified as a psychologist by the
h a r d .
4. " Represents himself as a psychologist" means a person who holds hiin-self
out to the public by any title incorporating tile words " psychological",
' ps~ chologist" o r " psyciiology". As anlc? r~ dedL : lws 1978, Ch. 99, $ 1, eff. 1Iny
3, 1978.
Repeal
T h ~ dv ction is rep~ fllrdh ! r I, ctrr* 1.978, Ph. 210. # I on Janrlar~ i1 .
1331. spe g $ 1- 1262.
f 32- 2062. Board of examiners; quallflcatlons; appointment; terms; com-pensation
A. T$ e state board of psychologist esilniiners shall consist of seven
members who shall Ix appoiritrd by the governor pursuant to 3 &? 11.
8. Each member of the board shall be a citiwn of the United States an?
a resldent of this state at the time of appointment. Fix- e 1nen1Lwrs shsll he
certified pursuant to this chnpter and two shall be public members not eligi-ble
for such certification. The board shall at nll times, escept for the period
when a vacancy exists, have a t least two members representing the depart-n~
ents of psyc. holoqy ill the stnte universities. The composition of the bonrd
shall represent the diverse fields of psychology.
C. Each member shall serve for a term of fivc yetirs espiring on the third
Ifonday in January of the appropriate year.
0. A vacancy on' the board occurring other than by the expirfltion of term
shall be filled by appointn~ ent by the $ overnor for the unespired term. The
governor, after a hearing, nlay remove any member of the board for miscon-duct,
incompetency or neglect of duty.
E. Members of the h n r d shall rrceivr coni[ wnsution as determined pnr-sunnt
to 3 : H I 1f or each day tictr~ ullya nd n~~ essitrily'spenint the perforn~ ance
of thelr duries.
F. The board shall hold a rcqulltr : tr~ nnal niceting u~ which it shall select
frcjm i: s : 11*! rabers a chuir111: tn and ti secrc'i; iry ai! d rjther n ~ w t i ~ sihqa ll be
:: eId rt siich tinlev RS the r~: les of the l~ oard ni: ip provide. Notice of such
-:~ c? t. cinm. 5 iiilll 1% t. iven in sllch ninnrler us ~) roi'iclet! in the rules. As amended
Law3 1375, Ch. 59, 8 2, eff. Jlxy 26, 1978,
10 Ar z.. R0 j'dts - 12
,178 P ?. .
Termination and Repeal
The alate board of ps! jr~ hoZoqint esa~ tlinc'rs $ ha61 terminatr vn Jjlly
1. 1980, ~~ nleucao nti~ rucd. See $$ @- 2281 and 41- 2263.
This ~ ection i9 repetrled by Lclica 1978, Ch. 210, j 1 ort .! an: fnry 1,
1981. See g 41- 1362.
Laws 1378. Ch. 39. $ 13, effective May public members authorized by tllls act
26. 1974. provides: shall be 8ppo: ntqd as scon ns possible.
" Jlrmbers serving MI the h a r d of one to en initlai : erm en. lirg on the
psychologlat examiners on the etfective third Slon( fay of Janunry i? 5? and one
e a t r of this act shail conrinug to jerva to a,; initial term endini 3n The third
: or rke bElance of their :; nexp: re<! terms SIont! av of i ~ r . ~ : a r y1,3 54. Thereafter
and such unexpired t e r n s shall he ex- all appointments Qccurring h? reason of
tended until the third Monday of Janu- sxplration a! term shsil he for five > ear
ary next following the expiration of terms."
thelr regulsrly ~ cheduled terms. The .
§ 32- 2063. Powers and, dutles
The board shall:
1. Adopt rules and regulations consistent with and necessary to carry out
the provisions of this chapter.
2. Regulate the granting, denial, revocation, renewal, probation and sus-pension
of certificates purscant to ~ pplicable state laws and : ules and regu-lations
promulgated hy the hoard.
3. Prescribe the forms, content and rnanner of : ipplicarion for certification
and set deadlines : or receipt of materiais required by the board.
4. Col! ect monies and establish through m! es and repr~ lntions a fee sched-ule,
which shall be reviewed annuaily, for original ~ pplications, renpplica-tions
and renewals of certification.
3. Keep a record of all persons certified, of actions tqken on all appli-cants,
of actions involv! ng renewal, probation, suspension, revocation or denial
of certificates and of receipt and disbur; al of monies.
6. Estabiish rules and regulations regarding confidenrinlitg of its records.
hs amended Laws 193, Ch. 93, 8 3, eft. Jlny 26, 1978.
Repeal
Thia section is repealed by Latcx 1978, Ch. 210, 5 I ott Janlcary 1,
1981. See $ jl- 2.262.
C r o ~ sR eferences
Exceptions to regulation by the board. Rulernaklng. Fee adminlstratire proce-see
3 32- 2083. dure act, g 41- 1001 e t seq.
ARTICLE 2. CEHTIFICATIOS
8 32- 2071. Qusllficatlons of appllcant; fees; certiflcatlen
The board shall issue a certificate as psychologist to any person who:
1. Submits evidence verified by oath and satisfactory to the board that he:
( a) k of good moral character.
( b) Has received the doctoral degree bnsed on n program of studies, the
content of which mas primarily psychologicnl, obtained frorn an educational
lnstitutlon having a graduate program approved at the nppropriate degree
level by a nationally recognized psychological associatiori or accredited at
the appropriate degree levei by any regional or foreign school accrediting
agency recognized by the board of regents.
2. Pays the fee for an original application as prescribed in 9 32- 2074.
3. Passes a s~ tisfactory examination 111 psychological preparation as de-scribed
in $ 32- 207' 2. A8 amended Laws 1078, Ch. 99, 5 4, eff llny 26, 1978.
Repeal
This 8Pction ia repealed by I, citcs 1978, Ch. 210, % 1 on January 1,
1981. See Q . jl- 2262.
Crosa Refrrences as a oavcholoelst shall not be raoulred
< Jut- of-- rtste llcense or certlflcarlon, to meei the ~ uallficaticns preidribecf
e~ cep: lon, see 5 52- 2083. by 3 4 of this act in order to renew
L n s 1973. Ch. 99. 3 14. eff. May 26, such certificate."
1373, provides: Social vaychologists, exceptfons, see 5
" Any person who. on the effective 32- 2083.
date of thls act. holds a valld certificate
5 32- 2072. Examlaat! ons; exemptlcns
boAs. r d Vnts alemaisnta ttwioinces efaocrh sypepalri. c aTn: tIs~ : F>\ i- n:~ d: r:.; r : n ! h:: it.*; c ; i::. - h.!,:! iin! ter cors: hsiustl l oLfr , : Inh eclrdn lbuyn titohne
of credeutiais subuittca by rbc. ; ip; li; c; l~:? nil a !: c: iunally itcccptcd mitten
tcsr approved by the board and Ltrji; ncd s:, t. cific:, iIy tor crt- dentillling in p s y
chology to determine adequacy of i-; fus;-.: icn, trai:: i!~!: : lad eslwrien~ w in psy-chology.
8. The written teat ceed not Sc admini, tered to:
1. Applicants r h o s> ow Satisf: lctory e\ tdeoce : IS .; wclfied by the board of
having previously achieved a $ core on a test \ vhlch zqir: tls or e\ ce& this
state's criteria for pnssing silch n ritten teqt.
2. Diplomates of the Anierican board of esnrnii! ers in professional psy-chology.
C. . in applicant lvhose application I.; rejected l) y the board may reqrlest a
he: lring before the bo; trd. Such a hearing sh: i! l be ralires:? d within sixty
days of the time of notification that the esaminutlorr is ~: l~ siltisfttctory. h de-cision
on such hearing 3hall be rendered within sixty days sfter completion of
the hearing.
D. . in applicant r h o fails the essmination n a y register for another
examination. Each reapplication 5hsll ! x acmrnpnnied by the reapplicntion
fee as prescribed in ri .3"-' 7074. .\ i :? mcni!~ tl I.: I\\. S 197- 3, I'h. 99, 5, cff.
JIny ' 76, 1976.
Repeal
This sectiotr is repealed b! g Larc- s 1978, Ch. 210. $ I on Jnnunrli 1,
1981. See g 41- 2262.
5 32- 2073. Renewal of certification
A~~ plicationfuo r renewal of cer! ification shill1 IF made nnnrli~ llyb efore the
first day of July, and shall be ati. ompilnit. 11 by the rene\ v;~ l fw as prescrilml
in 9 31- 2074. If such it- is not paid, an additionnl fee of ten dollars for ench
month of delaying psyrr. ent beyond the first day of July shnll be added to
the regular fee. If any psycholc@ st ivho has failed to renew his certificate
contin~ les to represent liiln3elf ; IS a psycholoeist Iwyond the first day of Sep
ternber thereafter, he shall be in riulntion of this ch; ll) ter ttntl the certificate
Inay be suspended or revoked by : he b a r d . The i) onrtl mwy \ I- aire renewal
requirements for j) sycliol~) gi?; tsw ho I I I W ~ criteria for i~ l;~ ctivset atus. As
amended Laws 1978, Ch. 99, $ 6. eff. J1: l. r 3, 1976.
Repeal
Thin acclio~ r in repealed by J ~ l t c r 1978, C'h. 210, ,$ 1 on Jantrur]/ I.
1981. SCC 8 41- 2262.
Laws 19i8. Ch. 99. 8 14, effective Jlay as a psrchoIo% l. it hall not be required
26. 1978 provtdes: to meet' the q? laiiflcat( ons prescribed bY
". hy Derson who. on the effectlre I 4 of thls act In order to renew such
date of thls act. holds a valid certificate certificate."
5 32- 2074. Fees and charges
A. The h a r d shall chtirglh a fw not to esffwl orre hundred fifty dollars
for any one of the follo\ ving:
1. 0rigin: tl 11pl) lication for esamination.
2. Reitpj) lici! tion fur exarnin; ttion.
B. The bonrd shnll chnrgc : I fpe not to t* scc~ toi rre hu~ ttirt~ dlo ll:~ rsf or the
: Innual rene\ v: ll of a certificltte.
C. The bo:~ rd niny charge not in excess of tcn c! oilars pchr request to issue
to a ps~ cholo# ist n duplicate ccrtiflcate or cwpics of other records irl 11is file.
D. The board may set reu. wnlihle rhargrs for mntclriitls which i t has
printed lit Its expense. As iul~ clid+~ Lt: ll \ vs ISiS, Ch. W, 5 7, oft. .\ lay 26, 1978.
3 32 - 20' 74 PROFESSIOXS AND OCCUPATIONS
Repeal
Thix . icction is repfaled bg Lalcs 1978. Ch. 210, 5 1 cin January 1,
1961. See 3 41- 2262.
ARTICLE 3. REGtfLATION
5 32- 2081. Revocation or suspension of certificates; probation
The certificate of any person certified by the board niay be suspended or
revoked by the board or the person may be placed on probation upon proof
that the psycliologist:
1. Has been concicted of a felony, whether or not involving moral turpi-tude,
or a misdemeal~ or involving n; oral turpitude, as finally determined by
a court of competent jurisdiction.
2. Has used fraud or deceit in connection with rendering serrices as
a psychologist or in establishing his ~ qrxalificntions under this chapter.
3. Is an habitual drunkard or nctdicted to the use of a narcotic drug Or
other dr~: g hafing a disabling effect.
4. Is under commitment to an invtitution for the mentally incompetent.
5. Has teen guilty of ucpmfe- a~ onal conduct which shall include the
followicg actiritiee and such additional ncti~ ities as are defined as unpro-fessional
conduct by the rules and regulations of the board:
( a) Obtaining a fee by fraud or nlisrepresentation.
( b) Betraying professional confidences.
( c) Making use of statements of a character tending to deceive or mislead
the public.
( d) hiding or abetting a person, not certified as a psychologist tinder the
provisions of this chapter, in repres6nting himself as a psychologist in this
state.
( e) Gross negligence in the practice of a psychologist.
( f) Sexual intimacies with clients.
( g) Engaging or offering to engage as a psychologist in activities not con-gruent
with the psychologist's prnfwional education, training or experience.
6. Has violated a: ly of the provisions of this chapter or refused or neg-lected
to comply ~ vith the rules and regulations issued thereunder or any
lawful order of the board. As a~ l~ e~ idLeatwi s 1978, Ch. 99, 3 8, eff. JItty 8. 1978.
Repeal
Thia section is repealed b11 I, nrce 1978, Ch. 210, 8 1 on January 1,
1981. See 5 41- 2262.
Crosa References Law Review Cornrnentarlcr
Certiflcatlon. failure to renew. revoca- Psychotheraptists' liah! llty for extra-tion
or suspension. see 1 32- 2073. judicial breaches of cunfldentlaiity. 18
Rules and regulations o f . the board. Xriz. h w Rev. 1061 ( 1 3 7 6 ) .
see # 32- 2063.
3 32- 2082. Hearing; report; subpoena powers; appeal
A. So certificate shall be suspended or revoked other than for nonpayment
of fees, and no pychoiogist shall k placed on probation until utter a hear-ing
before the b a r d and Ipon ten tlays' ivritten notice to the psychologist
of the hearing. The psycholi~ gi. it ! nay d? fend hilnsrlf either in person or .
by counsel and produce ; vitnesses to testify in hir behalf. A stenographic
record of the hearing . s! lall IN? take11 and pml. wrc~ tl. Thc hearing may be
adjourned from time to time.
PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS 5 32- 2084
8. The board nlay atllninister orlths, tr~ ke tcstiinony, subpoena witnesses
. ~ n dz oinpe! the prodnction of hooks, I) nlwrs, rwortl.-; ilnd ~ loc~~ mendetexm ed
r.+ rtint>:~ ttc ) the investigation.
C. The Iw: ird shjtll tnakc it writtell report of its findings either placing
! he psycholl)= ist 1\ 11 prohatiorl, or suspentling. w\. oking or continr~ ing 111
. , f f , . ~ t the certific: tte wder incluiry itnd .; 11: 1ll niitil : i copy thereof by certi-ti-.(
l or re:. istcred iii!~ il to the ;, sychologist. The ~, rovisions of title 12. chap
rrr 7, ii. rric- le 6.1 sh: lll : tpply to :~ ntl eovern evpry itction to review judicislly it
finnl rlt> cision of the Iw~~ r: r~ l ndth e. ps~ cllologiscs h: ill l~ wg ranted : I triaI tie
novo. .\ s :~ nlentledL a\\. s IOiR, ( Ih. 99, 0, elf. J1i1y 26. 1978.
1 Section 12- 901 et seq.
Repeal
Thir .< cctfon i x repctrled by I. nrcx 1978, (' h. 2117. S I o) r ./ rr~! cfrtr: t/ I ,
1981. . SCV $ ; I-, 262.
C r ~ t sR eferences
. idnin~ strati\- e 1: earings. contested Son- payment of fees, certificatisn re-ia$
es. >?* $ 41- 1~ 119 t? t sea. nen- al. see $ 32- 2073.
5 32- 2083. Exceptions
Sothing in this cnapter shall be construed to:
1. Lirnit the nctivitic~ s. ser\. ies iind rise of ill1 officiitl title rm the part of
a person in the einploy of ; I federal, st; ite, cot111ty or rnrlnicipal agency or
other political sukiivision of the state, or a dulr established and recognized
etiucntional icstit~ ttion, insofar : as such activities and serrices are a part of
the duties of his cfficial position.
2. Limit the activities and services of a student, interne, or resident in
r~ srcholozy, pursuing a course of study tipproved by the institution where
srich person is r~ sident Ivhich is qualified to pire such course under the
terms of thin chapter, provided that such activities and services constitute
a part of the supervised course oi study.
3. Restrict the use of the title " social psychologist" by any person who:
18) Has received a doctoral degree in sociology or social psycholorn from
iin institution accredited in the manner prescribtl by O 32- 2071: and
( b) IIas notified the boiird of his intention to use the title " sociiil [) sycholo-gist"
and has filed evidence of hiiving obtained a degree as prescribed by
this paragraph and hus a practice confined to the area of social psychology
as defined by the board.
4. Limit the activities of a psrchologist currently licensed or certified in
another state from providing short- term training or consultation within his
iirea of practice, not to exceed twenty days p r year, providing such ~ c t i v i t y
is not otherwise in violation of this chapter. As amended Laws 1978, Ch. w,
5 10, eff. May 26, 1978.
Repeal
Thie seciiotr in repeuled b! y 1, i~ tcw 1978, Ch. 210, ! j 1 on. Junuary I,
1981. See 9 $ l- 2262.
5 32- 2084. Practice of medlclae unauthorized
So provisirrr~ of this chafctrr allttll ~ trithori; rx: I I I ~ j rSr. u) n to er~ pagf! in tiny
Inallllvr in the pr;\ ctic. e of rnctlici~ ir HS definrtl 1) y the la\\ s of this Ante,
r! sccpt that tiny ~ ~ r s oc* nra rtifitqi by the pn, visi~, r~ rs) f this chaptrr > hail I*
pr~ nittetlt o tliilgrrose, tre: tt ar~ llc ol. rect h ~ ~ n l ar. uo ntIitiu~ tso rtlinarily Ivithin
the scww of the pr;~ ctia! of u l) sych( tlo# ist. . I.$ ulliendd l.; r\ vs IS;, flh. 145,
$ 9.
5 32 - 2084 PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
Repeal
This ~ ection is repealed by Lax8 1978, Ch. 210. 9 1 on Januafy 1.
1981. See ff 41- 2262.
For purpose of Laws 1977. Ch. 145, see not court decision. Eilbrey v. Indristrial
note following J 32- 2& 01. Commission ( 19i6) 27 Arlz. App. 473. 556
P. 2d 27.
Index to Xotem
2 Workmen's Compensation
In ~ r x e e d i n nb efore Industrlsl Corn-
In general 1
rnissibn. opinion as to wt- ether claimant
Workmen's compensation 2
continued to suffer emotional conse-quences
from accident and & ether
there was direct causal relationship be-tween
clainlant's physical injury and his
1. In general emotional condit~ on constituted medical
Prtviieges and limits of psychology c: iagnosis xhlc'l could snly he provitled
profession are primarily matters t o je hy expert medical : estirnony and not by
: i- termined by the ! rgis! ature, acd any testimony of licensed c! lnical psycholo-extension
of such privileges and limits gist. Bilbrey v. Inrlustr! aI Cnmmi. ision
must be made by legi- s! ative enactment, ( 1176) 27 ArizApp. 473. 556 P. X 27.
5 32- 2085. Privileged communications
Repeal
Thi. 9 3ectiorr in repealed by Laze* 1978, Ch. 210, 3 1 otr J n n l t ~ r1] ,~
1981. SCC5 jl- 2262.
Law Review Commentaries
P3ychoth~ raptisw' liab~ lity for extra-
! udicial breaches of confidentiality. 18
.\ riz. Law Rev. 1061 ( 1376).
1 32- 2086. Board of psychologist examlners fund
A. All monies received hy the board shall be paid to the state treasurer
who shall deposit ten per cent of such monies in the general fund and ninety
per cent in the board of psychologist examine- fund.
B. A11 monies deposited in the board of psychologist examiners fund shall
be subject to the provisions of 11 35- 143.01. As amended Laws 1077, Ch. 82.
5 23, JIay 23. 1977.
Repeal
This section is repealed by Laics 1978, Ch. 210, 3 1 on Jatlttary I ,
1981. See 5 41- 2262.
For legislative Intent as to Laws 1977.
Ch. 83, see note followtng 8 3- 375.
8 32- 2087. Violatlone; classlflcatlan
Tezt a# amended h ! ~ I, a lcs 1978, Ch. 99, g 11.
Any person who is not a certified psychologist who represents himself as
a psychologist, as defined in this chapter, or who contirir~ es to represent
hirn. self : IS a psychologist while his certificate 1.9 @ spireci, hllapended or re-voked,
or otherwlse violates any provision of this chapter, is guilty of a class
2 misdemeanor. Each day that a violation is cornrriitted shall constitute ti
separate offense. . is arcended Laws 19TB, Ch. 99, 5 .11, eft. .\ lay 26, 1958.
For tezt ua ntr~ ttrdcd by Lnlc~ 1970, C'h. 201, 5 561, see g 32- 2087,
pont.
9 32- 2087. Vlolatlons; classlflcatlon
Tcrt ax ( r~~ rvndrbdy I.(~ Ic1. Y37 8, Ch. ,201, 561.
. iny wr. c) n \ vho i3 r i ~ , ? ; i cvrtificcl rfiyrnoioai.; t who r~. prc. centu hin~ self
: IS : i ysyc'holi~~ is1t, 1 s rlt'filleti in this chapter, or who cbor. tir~ rirtso rf! prererit
hirnself : IS a yh$ ychoIugist while hls l i c ~ c ~ is e~ uspendedo r revolted, or other-
\ vise violntes ally provisiotr of this cl~ rtptt- r, is mtilty of n class 2 ~ liisdt~~ ile~~ ror.
Etich d: tp thtrt : I vio1; ttion itc n) mnrittrd q11; 111 colr.; titr~ tc' rt he;) ar:~ tc offrtl- W.
Aq nmended Laws 1978. Ch. 201, f 561, rff. Oct. 1, 1978.
For tert ax alltended by 1, orc- 8 19711. (' h. 99, g 11, . ice 5 .11- 2087.
ante.
Repeat
Thi* srctioti ix repctrled hy 1. i11r- x 1.978, C'h. 210, $ 1 rtfr . Jc~? rtrnr. f1/ ,
1981. SW 8 $ 1- 2262.
For application of Laws 1978. Ch. 201. founcl guilty of a class 2 rnisderlieanor
effective rlctober 1, 19i8. see note fol- pursuant to section 32- 2' 157, .\ rlzona Re-lotving
4 !-' 21.5. vised Statutes. shall be prtnishsd a s pre-
For rifective tlate provision of IAKS scribed in srcttons 13- 303. 13- 1iJl12 and
1375. Ch. 2101, see note folloxving $ 1- 215. 13- 11Jt14. Arizona iZev1sed . Statutes. as
Laws 1979, c'h. 99. 1 1.5 elf. Xay 26, transferred ant1 renumbered. respective-
197s. prov~ des: ly. sections 13- 707. 13- Sill and 13- 504.
"- 4. For t h e DurDcses of this a c t and Arizona Revised Statutes."
11nti1 the eifeciive' date of house I) ill
Zl)?:. [ enacted as Laws 1378, Ch. ? I) l, ef- 1978 * eviser'=
iective october 1, i3; g] rhirty- thirj leg- Laws 1975. Ch. 201, section 561 failed
islarure. swon, j session to set fotth tlie text of this section as
to a 2 a~ nen'te'i by Laws 137s. Ch. 99, section
meanor is ~ u n i s h a b l e bv uo to six 11, effective .\ fay 26. 197%.
months ~ rnp; i~ onnient. a- fin; of not Cross References
more than three hundred dollars. or Classlficatron of offenses, see 9 13401
bath. et seq.
" B. Fmrn and a f t e r t h e effective Fines. see I 13- 601 et seq.
date of house bill 2025. thirty- third lfg- Ps?. chr. logist. deiinitlan. see B 32- 2061.
Mature. second regular session. r e l a t ~ n g Seniencrs of imprisonment. see 8 13-
to the criminal code. a person who is 701 et seq.
9 32- 2088. Injunction; representatlon
The 1w: lrd may q u e s t that ~ IIIi lrjul~ ctiott lw issrtccl lap tht. s~ riwriorr orlrt
t~ gititlst~ t l y~ ~\ vho IIs notI ; i trh rtifircl psyc1111logistI \- ilo re[, rrsclr: s tlitn-
. self : ts it ps~ cshologisot r ~ vlloc otltit~~ trtwo rr; lnwtit I~ i~ t~..:; IrS lf; I l~ sycl~ ologist
\\- hilt- his certific:~ tei s rsiiirtrl, sl~ rlw-~ ltltorlr rc* vcbl; t. tl, or otht~ r\ viwv iolntcs
Rlly provision of this cht~ ptc~ rr. r tlr or rc, gul;~ tiott or I; r\ vf~ rl onler of tlre
tmsrrl. The attorney p. nrritl sllnll reprt~ sentt l ~ c1) ortrtl ill : ill 1rr; tttrrs rcilrrir-i:
tg legal :~ sqintnnee. The Iwani ttias ianlj) ioy utlrrr or i~ tltlitionnlc nrrttsel wit11
the mnsent of the attortley ge11t. r: cl. Adcl~ l1 . n ) ~ 1~!) iX . ( Ih. ! W. 6 I!!. taff. .\ l: ry
26, 1978.
Repeal
Title .??, Chnptrr 19.1 i w 1. r pealed by Lttrr.~ 1.078. (' h. 210, 9 1 ( IN
Jtrttrtor!~ 1. 198I. See # . fl- 22li; r.
3" t
A . P *
" ,' '.?, f P i -
: $ 4, )@ J 1 * P L J
APPENDIX I1
ADIIINISTRATIVE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
R4- 26- 50.
R4- 26- 5 1.
through
R4- 26- 56.
R4- 26- 57.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
PSYCHOLOGY BOARD
I N D E X
Article 1. General Provisions
Board Meetings
Official Signatures
Advisory Committee
Confidentiality of Records
Current Address
Article 2. Certification
Moral Character
Doctoral Degree
Approved or Accredited Programs
Evaluation of Applicant Credentials
Written Test
Renewal of Certificate
Inactive Status- Reinstatement
Fees
Article 3. Regulatioll
Unprofessional Conduct
Reserved
Rehearing, or Review of Decision
Effective 7/ 27/ 79
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Article 1. General Provisions
K4- 26- 0 I . Board Meetings
I'ursuant to A. R. S. 832- 2062F, the Board shall meet prior
to July 1 of each year to elect a chairman and a secretary who
s l ~ ~ tlakl e office until June 30.0f the following year. Any vacancy
occurring in the office of chairman or secretary shall be filled by
special election.
R3- 2 6- 02. Official Signatures
The Chairman or secretary shall sign or authorize signature of
correspondence, forms, legal documents or other official papers
relating to the work of the Board.
R4- 26- 03. Advisory Committees
The Board may appoint such advisory committees as it deems
necessary for the purpose of conducting investigations and making
recommendations to the Board concerning official actions to be
taken, or considered by the Board regarding the certification
process or disciplinary matters.
R4- 26- 04. Confidentiality of Records
The following shall pertain to the confidentiality of Board
reports pursuant to A. R. S. 832- 2063.6.
I. All records which are open to public inspection must be
viewed at the Board office during normal business hours.
2. All Board records are open to public inspection and copy-ing
except those determined to be confidential, as follows:
a. Minutes of executive sessions.
b. Records which are classified as confidential by other
laws, rules or regulations applicable to the Board.
c. College or university transcripts and professional rcfcr-ences
of applicants for certification or of persons certi-fied
as psychologists, except that the person on whonl
the file is kept may view or copy such records.
d. Records for which the Board determines the public
disclosure would have significant and adverse effect on
the Board's ability to perform its duties or which would
otherwise be detrimental to the best interests of the
state, except that the Board shall order such records be
made available for public inspection or copying upon
the Board's determination that the reasons justifying
the confidentiality of such records no longer exists.
I
e. Records which the Board determines constitute an
unnecessary disclosure to the public of the personal
or family life of a psychologist's client, such as infornla-tion
relating to his diagnosis, treatment, or the basis
for his complaint to the Board; however, the client may
waive any and all such confidentiality provisions by
written statement to that effect.
f. All materials relating to an investigation by the Board;
however, the public may be informed that an investign-tion
is being undertaken and the nature of the investiga-tion
may be described in such manner as is approved by
the Board. Materials pertaining to an investigation
shall be released by the Board in response to subpoena,
to the person being investigated or to his attorney, upon
the institution of civil enforcement action or informal
or formal disciplinary proceedings against the person
who is the subject of the investigation, upon the Board's
decision not to undertake an investigation o r t o close
an investigation, or to public agencies of this state or
other states if it is determined by the Board to be in
the public interest.
R4- 26- 05. Current Address
It is the psychologist's responsibility to notify the Board of
permanent address changes so that the Board always has current
address information on fjle. It is the psychologist's responsibility
to arrange to receive mail when temporarily away from his perma-nent
address. The Board is not responsible for a psychologist's
failure to receive a' renewal notice or other mail which the Board
sends to the most recent address which he has placed on file with
Article 2. Certification
1l- 1- 76- 30, Moral Character
A. The Board may consider without limitation criteria such as
the following to determine whether an applicant is of good moral
character, as required by A. R. S. 832- 207 1.1 . a:
1 . Past suspension, revocation or probation of a psycholo-gist's
license or certificate for other than non- payment of
fees.
2. Denial of licensure or certification by a Board of psycholo-gist
examiners.
3. Expulsion from any professional society for other than
non- paymen t of fees.
3. Conviction for any offense involving moral turpitude.
5. Unprofessional conduct toward a receiver of services.
6. Illegally representing oneself as a psychologist.
7. Activities which, if performed by a certified psychologist,
would be cause for probation, suspension or revocation of
the certificate.
B. Good moral character shall be presumed in the absence
of evidence to the contrary.
C. Evidence for judging moral character may come from the
application form, the applicant's designated reference persons,
records of complaints, or other records or sources judged by the
Uoard to be factual and reliable. Only issues having a substantial
bearing on the applicant's qualifications or performance as a
psychologist shall be considered.
11. The applicant will be afforded an opportunity to submit
evidence concerning his moral character prior to a final decision
by the Board to deny an application based on its determination
that an applicant is not of good moral character.
R. 1- 2 6- 2 I . Doctoral Degree
The Board shall use the following criteria to determine \ vhcther
an applicant has received the doctoral degree based on a program
of studies, the content of which was primarily psychologrcnl, as
required by A. R. S. 532- 207 1.1 . b.
1 . Every applicant must provide evidence satisfactory to the
Board that he has earned a doctorate by completing a
program of studies consisting of an organized and systema-tic
sequence of graduate level academic courses and super-vised
activities, the content of which was primarily psy-chological,
as determin. ed by the Board.
2. A doctorate from an educational institution meeting the
accreditation requirements of this law is accepted by the
Board as being primarily psychological if the applicant's
transcript clearly designates the degree as being a doctorate
in psychology, clinical or counseling psychology, school
or educational psychology, or other subject area within
the field of psychology which is acceptable to the Board.
3. A doctorate degree from an educational institution meet-ing
the accreditation requirements of this law but which
is not specified in subsection ( 2) above is accepted by
the Board as being primarily psychological if the appli-cant's
transcripts show that of graduate courses taken
for graduate credit a minimum of 75% or 68 semester
hours, whichever is least, are in subject areas within the
the field of psychology. The research and practicuni nctiv-ities
of any such applicant must be considered as prin~ arily
psychological by the Board.
4. An honorary doctorate or other degee based principally
upon credit granted for life experiences is not considered
a degree based on a program of studies and does not qualify
an applicant for certification as a psychologist.
I
I
R4- 26- 22. Approved or Accredited Programs I I
i
Pursuant to A. R. S. 832- 207 1.1 . b. the applicant's doctorate
must be based upon a program of studies obtained fro111 an educa-tional
institution or institutions having graduate programs qual-ified
at the appropriate degree level to award the degrees received
by the applicant. Graduate programs qualify if at the time of the
applicant's graduation, they are approved or accredited at the
appropriate degree level according to one of the following pro-
1. The program is approved by the American Psychological
Association. Applicants will be considered who are gradu-ates
of institutions whose programs have been previously
approved by the American Psychological Association but
which are on probationary status and are not currently
accredited under subsection ( 2) below at the time of the
person's application. The Board may seek clarification of
circun~ stances from both the applicant and the institution
and if the reason for the program's probationary status
has a substantial aqd undesirable bearing on the appli-cant's
qualifications as a psychologist the application may
be denied.
2. The institution is accredited by one of the regional accredit-ing
agencies recognized by the Arizona Board of Regents,
namely:
a. New England Association of Colleges and Schools.
b. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
c. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
d. Northwest Association of Colleges and Schools.
e. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
f. Western Association of Colleges and Schools.
3. The foreign school is accredited by an accrediting agency
acceptable to the Arizona Board of Regents; or where
there is no such agency for accrediting schools in the
country the applicant's credits would be acceptable as
transfer credits into t h ~ sta te's university system, such
determination to be made by review of the applicant's
transcripts by the registrar's office of a state university
of the Arizona Board of Regents.
R4- 26- 23. Evaluation of Applicant Credentials
Pursuant to A. R. S. 832- 2073. A. applicants for certification
shall submit for Board review all materials which the Board
deems relevant and necessary for it to determine the applicant's
eli~ bility to take the Board's written test or to have such test
waived. As a minimum, the applicant's credentials must include:
1. The Board's application form which shall be completed and
signed by the applicant and notarized. The applicant must
have indicated on his application an intention to practice
in an area or areas consistent with his education, training
and experience.
2. Two professional references from persons familiar with the
applicant's education, training or experience. Acceptable
references shall provide favorable endorsement of the
applicant's good moral character, professional competence
and experience in the areas of in tended practice, not merely
indicate that the applicant is known to the referee. Mere
provision of signature or an unfavorable report by a, referee
does not constitute provision of credentials necessary for
certification. The reference persons shall be Arizona certified
psychologists, diplomates of the American Board of Pro-fessional
Psychology, fellows or members in good standing
of the American or Canadian Psychological Association, or
if none of the foregoing persons are available to the appli-cant,
other professional persons who have supervised or
been associated with the applicant's professional activities
and who are acceptable by the Board as referees.
3. Official transcripts covering the applicant's entire graduate
training. These transcripts must be sent to the Board by the
institution and must contain a notation of degrees awarded
or be accompanied by an official notice of degree awarded.
4. If seeking waiver of the Examination for the Professional
Practice of Psychology, the applicant must request the
Professional Examination Service to send his previous
test scores directly t o the Board.
5. If seeking waiver of the Board's written test based upon
ABPP diplomat status, the applicant must request of the
American Board of Examiners in Professional Psyctiology
that it send verification of such status directly to the Board.
R4- 26- 24. Written Test
A. Pursuant to A. R. S. 532- 2072A, the Board shall administer
the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology
provided by the Professional Examination Service. An applicant
\ vllo, after an evaluation of credentials submitted to the Board, is
~ 111pro~ etdo take the written test shall be considered to have
p,~ shed the test if his score equals or exceeds the national mean
score for all doctoral level examinees, disregarding the decimal
pol~ lts. The applicant will be notified of his results on the test
and gtven all material information about those results as provided
to the Board by the Professional Examination Service.
B. An applicant requesting waiver of the written test pursuant
to A. RSfj32- 2072. B. 1, shall be considered to have passed the test
it' his score equals or exceeds the national mean score, disregard-ing
the decimal points, for all doctoral level examinees who took
that form of test prior to as well as at the time of the applicant's
examination.
R4- 26- 25. Renewal of Certificate
l'ursuant to A. R. S. 832- 2073, a certificate must be renewed
prior to July 1 of each year or be sub