Bill > HB1254

This bill aims to create a new category of mental health professional called a "licensed psychological practitioner" while phasing out the existing "psychological examiner" designation. The bill establishes detailed requirements for becoming a licensed psychological practitioner, including completing a specific 60-hour master's degree in health services psychology, obtaining 3,000 hours of post-degree clinical supervision, and passing board examinations. Licensed psychological practitioners will be authorized to practice independently in most areas of psychology, such as providing therapeutic interventions, diagnosing mental health disorders, conducting assessments, and consulting with other healthcare professionals, with some restrictions on neuropsychological, forensic, and projective personality assessments. After December 31, 2026, no new psychological examiner licenses will be issued, effectively transitioning the profession to the new licensed psychological practitioner model. The bill also specifies that licensed psychological practitioners can receive compensation from various sources including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and healthcare providers. Notably, psychological examiners who were granted independent practice privileges on or before December 31, 2024, will be grandfathered into the new system without having to fulfill all the new training requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1254&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R