Bill > A01745

This bill establishes a new professional licensing category for school psychology practitioners, creating comprehensive standards for their practice, education, and professional boundaries. The bill aims to address children's growing mental health needs by allowing school psychology professionals to provide services outside traditional educational settings. To become a licensed school psychology practitioner, individuals must complete a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours in psychology, including a master's or doctoral degree with specific coursework in areas like child development, psychopathology, assessment, and consultation. Applicants must also complete 2,400 hours of supervised post-master's experience, pass an examination, be at least 21 years old, demonstrate good moral character, and pay specified fees. The bill sets clear professional boundaries, prohibiting practitioners from prescribing medications, performing invasive procedures, or providing private practice services to students in schools where they are currently employed. The legislation also includes provisions for limited permits, exemptions for other mental health professionals, and a transitional period for existing school psychology professionals to obtain licensure. Additionally, the bill requires licensed school psychology practitioners to complete child abuse and maltreatment training and adds them to the list of mandated reporters for child abuse. The overall intent is to expand and standardize mental health support for children and youth while ensuring professional competence and ethical practice.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1745