SB38 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

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34-26-3, inclusive, 34-26-20 to 34-26-22, inclusive, 34-26-40 to 34-26-48, inclisive, 34-26-60 to 34-26-66, inclusive, repealed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

SB38 would move Alabama’s psychology licensing to a new Alabama Psychology Licensure Act, creating a state board, defining licensure for psychologists and psychological technicians, and tightening oversight and standards for practice.

What This Bill Does

It creates the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology (seven members) and establishes the Alabama Psychology Licensure Act (Chapter 26A) with licensure categories, fees, and ongoing duties. It defines the practice of psychology, sets licensure requirements (including doctorates, background checks, and supervision for technicians), allows temporary and provisional licenses, and outlines renewal, continuing education, and disciplinary processes to enforce standards and protect the public. It also addresses privilege communications, code of conduct, interstate practice, and penalties for violations.

Who It Affects

• Licensed and aspiring psychologists and psychological technicians in Alabama, who would face new licensure requirements, fees, renewal rules, background checks, supervision rules for technicians, and potential disciplinary actions.
• Clients and the public receiving psychological services, who would gain stronger privacy protections, a state-run code of conduct and board oversight, and clearer safeguards against unqualified practice.

Key Provisions

• Create the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology with seven members (five licensed psychologists, one licensed psychological technician, and one unlicensed public member) and establish appointment, terms, and duties.
• Establish the Alabama Psychology Licensure Act (Chapter 26A) with definitions for board, client/patient, licensed, and rules; define what constitutes the practice of psychology and list included services.
• Define two practice levels: psychologist and psychological technician, including who may use each title and the scope of permissible activities for technicians.
• Require licensure for practice, including education (doctoral degree for psychologists; master’s or equivalent for technicians), character, exams, and potential retraining or supervised experience for non-APA-accredited areas; provide for license reciprocity and out-of-state licensure under specified conditions.
• Provide for temporary and provisional licenses, background checks, inactive status options, and renewal mechanics with continuing education requirements and renewal fees.
• Set up a formal code of conduct, annual registration and reporting, and board authority to discipline licensees (suspension, revocation, probation) with a defined complaint and hearing process.
• Outline supervision requirements for psychological technicians (Levels I-III) with specified hours, contracts, reporting, and duties of supervisors and supervisees.
• Specify privilege communications and exceptions, safeguarding confidential therapist-client communications while outlining circumstances where privilege may be overridden.
• Grant the board authority to enforce penalties for violations, process complaints, and handle investigations and court actions as needed.
• Address protections and limitations related to practice by psychologists licensed in other states, including time-limited practice in Alabama and required notifications and insurance proof.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Psychology, Alabama Board of Examiners in