HB544 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim Patterson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Psychology, practice further defined, unauthorized practice further regulated, 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by clear and convincing evidence, judicial review of board's orders, complaints of alleged misconduct, Sec. 34-26-45 repealed; Secs. 34-26-21, 34-26-22, 34-26-41, 34-26-42, 34-26-43, 34-26-43.1, 34-26-44, 34-26-46, 34-26-47 am'd

Summary

HB544 overhauls Alabama's psychology licensing regime by reorganizing the licensing board, tightening licensure rules, expanding temporary and disaster licensing, increasing enforcement tools and fees, and adding background checks and continuing education requirements to protect the public.

What This Bill Does

Creates a seven-member State Board of Examiners in Psychology with a mix of academic and practicing psychologists, a psychological technician, and a public member; establishes appointment, terms, and governance rules. Requires licensure applicants to meet citizenship or lawful status, expands reciprocal licensing with additional pathways (including CPQ/ABPP), and introduces temporary and emergency disaster licenses; licenses expire Oct 15 and must be renewed annually with continuing education. Imposes new or higher fees for licensure, renewal, registration of CE credits, and examination costs, plus background-check fees; authorizes civil remedies and injunctions to stop unauthorized practice and sets disciplinary procedures with specified penalties. Enhances board authority to discipline licensees for a wide range of offenses, requires hearings with due process, supports mental/physical examinations when needed, and mandates public reporting of disciplinary decisions; repeals the existing out-of-state license waiver and subjects the board to Sunset Law.

Who It Affects

• Licensed psychologists, psychological technicians, and applicants for licensure in Alabama — face new board composition, stricter licensure requirements, ongoing continuing education, background checks, higher or new fees, and clearer disciplinary processes.
• The general public in Alabama — gains greater protection through stronger enforcement, mandatory CE, and the board's ability to issue civil orders and penalties for unauthorized practice and other violations.

Key Provisions

• Board composition: seven members (two academic psychologists, three practicing psychologists, one psychological technician, one public member) with defined appointment rules and terms.
• Licensure and mobility: establishes criteria for initial licensure, reciprocal licensure pathways, acceptance of CPQ/ABPP as evidence, and provisions for temporary (up to 30 days) and disaster-related (up to 60 days) practice without full licensure.
• Citizenship/legal status: requires applicants to be U.S. citizens or legally present with appropriate federal documentation.
• Continuing education and renewals: requires annual renewal tied to continuing education; board may require CE credits and can charge CE registration fees; lapse or suspension possible for non-compliance.
• Fees: sets or authorizes fees for licensure, renewal, CE registration, and examinations; requires background-check-related costs to be included in examination fees.
• Examinations: conducts licensure examinations at least annually with safeguards (coding to protect identity) and allows review of graded papers; annual testing requirements.
• Disciplinary authority: lists numerous grounds for suspension, revocation, or other discipline; allows investigations, cost recovery, and penalties up to $1,000 per violation (max $5,000 total) with due process and judicial review.
• Civil remedies and enforcement: authorizes the board to seek injunctions to stop unauthorized practice and to enforce compliance with the act.
• Public reporting and hearings: requires notices, hearings, and public reporting of disciplinary actions; maintains board oversight across all practice settings, including out-of-state services.
• Repeal and Sunset: repeals the waiver of examination for out-of-state licensees (34-26-45) and subjects the Board to the Alabama Sunset Law with periodic termination dates.
• Effective date: provisions take effect a defined period after passage, with ongoing implementation through board rules and regulations.

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