HB584 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Elaine BeechEd HenryBecky NordgrenDonnie ChesteenJim Patterson

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Psychology, practice further defined, unauthorized practice further regulated, definitions altered, confidential communications privileged, membership of Board of Examiners altered, continuing education; license renewal, proof of citizenship or legal status required for applicants for licensure, temporary licenses, emergency disaster licenses, reciprocal licensing, fine and penalty for unauthorized practice, civil procedure for enjoining unauthorized practice, certain fees increased, examinations of applicants, disciplinary evidence required by clear and convincing evidence, judicial review of board's orders, complaints of alleged misconduct, Secs. 34-26-1, 34-26-2, 34-26-21, 34-26-22, 34-26-40, 34-26-41, 34-26-42, 34-26-43, 34-26-43.1, 34-26-44, 34-26-45, 34-26-46, 34-26-47 am'd

Summary

HB584 overhauls Alabama's psychology licensing law by creating two practice levels, expanding the licensing board, and strengthening public protections and oversight.

What This Bill Does

It defines two levels of practice (psychologist and psychological technician) and clarifies what counts as practicing psychology. It tightens licensure requirements (doctoral degree for psychologists, background checks, good moral character, examinations, and citizenship/legal presence) and creates rules for reciprocity and temporary licenses, including disaster-related licensing. It expands the Board of Examiners in Psychology with specific representation and powers to license, regulate, and discipline licensees, and to set fees, oversee continuing education, and issue civil remedies for unauthorized practice. It strengthens protections for the public through confidential communications rules with defined exceptions and imposes penalties and enforcement mechanisms for unauthorized practice, including injunctions and misdemeanors.

Who It Affects

• Licensed psychologists, psychological technicians, and licensure applicants: face new entry requirements, renewal and continuing education rules, mobility/reciprocity provisions, and potential disciplinary actions.
• General public and clients: gain stronger confidentiality protections, clearer access to licensed professionals, and civil or criminal remedies if someone practices psychology without proper licensure.

Key Provisions

• Defines two levels of practice (psychologist and psychological technician) and what activities constitute the practice of psychology.
• Imposes licensure criteria for psychologists (doctorate in psychology, good moral character, examinations, citizenship or legal presence) and establishes reciprocal licensing and temporary licenses, including disaster-related practice allowances.
• Creates and staffs the State Board of Examiners in Psychology with a mix of academic and practicing psychologists, a psychological technician, and a public member; outlines terms, appointments, diversity goals, duties, and enforcement authority.
• Requires annual license renewal, continuing education, and associated fees; allows renewal after expiration with penalties and defines inactive status and reactivation procedures.
• Establishes fees for licenses, registrations, and examinations, with maximums set by the board and provisions for background checks and cost recovery.
• Strengthens the confidential communications privilege between licensees and clients, with specific exceptions (e.g., abuse, will contests, malpractice defenses, imminent threats, or board investigations).
• Enhances enforcement against unauthorized practice, including civil injunctions, misdemeanors for title misuse, and disciplinary actions (suspension, probation, remediation, or revocation) with due process provisions.
• Defines the scope of practice for psychological technicians, including allowable activities without supervision and supervision requirements for advanced services.
• Provides for complaint handling, hearings, judicial review of board orders, and annual reporting by the board to the Governor.

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