Bill > H462

This bill establishes a new "senior psychologist" licensure category in Massachusetts to help experienced psychologists who may have difficulty proving their historical credentials. By July 1, 2026, the state's psychology licensing board must create a special licensure pathway for psychologists who have a doctoral degree and have been licensed and practicing in another state for an extended period, but whose original training and education documentation might be unavailable. The board will develop specific requirements for this licensure, which will consider factors such as: the doctoral degree's origin from a regionally accredited institution, the number of years the applicant has been licensed by state or provincial psychology boards affiliated with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, the duration of the applicant's psychology practice, and whether the applicant has been free from disciplinary sanctions. While the board can include standard requirements like a state jurisprudence exam, these requirements cannot create an unreasonable burden for senior psychologist applicants. The goal is to provide a flexible path to licensure for experienced, out-of-state psychologists while maintaining professional standards.

Health and Social Services, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H462