HB326 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul DeMarco

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Psychology, Alabama Board of Examiners in, duties, membership, powers, licensure requirements and procedures, fees, continuation of powers and obligations of board under prior law, Psychology Licensure Act, Secs. 34-26A-1 to 34-26A-6, inclusive, 34-26A-20, 34-26A-21, 34-26A-40 to 34-26A-56, inclusive, 34-26A-60 to 34-26A-66, inclusive, added; Secs. 34-26-1 to 34-26-3, inclusive, 34-26-20 to 34-26-22, inclusive, 34-26-40 to 34-26-48, inclisive, 34-26-60 to 34-26-66, inclusive, repealed

Summary

HB326 creates the Alabama Psychology Licensure Act (Chapter 26A), moving licensing from Chapter 26, reorganizing the licensing board, and adding new rules on practice, education, background checks, supervision, temporary licenses, and disciplinary procedures.

What This Bill Does

HB326 moves licensing responsibilities from Chapter 26 to a new Chapter 26A and ensures continuity of the board's rights and duties. It defines the practice of psychology and creates two license levels—psychologist and psychological technician—with a code of conduct, licensure requirements, fees, background checks, and continuing education. It allows limited practice by out-of-state licensed psychologists and technicians, creates temporary and provisional licenses, and sets detailed supervision requirements for technicians along with education and training standards. It establishes grounds for denying, suspending, or revoking licenses, sets complaint processing procedures, and gives the board enforcement powers and penalties while outlining confidentiality and privilege rules for client communications.

Who It Affects

• Licensed psychologists and licensed psychological technicians in Alabama: face a new licensure framework, supervision rules, continuing education, annual registration, and disciplinary procedures.
• Applicants for licensure (including out-of-state licensees and students/training programs): must meet updated education, examinations, background checks, and supervision requirements; may obtain temporary or provisional licenses and may be subject to reciprocal licensing rules.

Key Provisions

• Creates Chapter 26A (Alabama Psychology Licensure Act) to replace Chapter 26 and continues board rights/duties.
• Establishes the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology with seven members (five licensed psychologists, one licensed psychological technician, one public member); outlines appointment and term rules.
• Defines practice and license levels (psychologist and psychological technician) and requires a board-developed code of conduct and privilege rules.
• Sets licensure requirements, including education (doctoral for psychologists, master's for technicians), background checks, examinations, and reciprocal/licensing standards; and requires renewal with continuing education.
• Authorizes temporary and provisional licenses and prohibits unauthorized practice; requires malpractice insurance for certain out-of-state practice; establishes inactive status and reactivation rules.
• Imposes disciplinary powers: grounds for denial/suspension/revocation, penalties (including misdemeanors), formal complaint procedures, hearings, and appeals; allows injunctive relief and enforcement.
• Requires annual registration and fees for licenses and licenses’ renewals; deposits fees to state treasury; and empowers the board to adopt necessary rules.
• Creates mandatory supervision for psychological technicians (Levels I-III) with contract requirements, supervision hours, and reporting; outlines supervisor qualifications and oversight duties.
• Provides for background checks using state and federal databases; allows cross-state practice under specified conditions and requires notification/consent for practice in Alabama.
• Defines education program standards for degree programs (post-2000 requirements, residency, practicum, field experience, and supervised training) and outlines related program accreditation expectations.
• Prescribes confidentiality and privilege protections for client communications, with specified exceptions, and outlines duty-to-warn/protect provisions and related liability rules.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Psychology, Alabama Board of Examiners in