Psychologists' Licensing & Practice

CS HB 110 (HSS), "Psychologists' Licensing and Practice", hopes to clarify current statute regarding the licensing and regulation of psychologists in Alaska.

When current statute was written outlining the licensure of psychologists, the State Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners offered the qualifying exam for Psychological Associates once every six months. Now the exam is offered more frequently, but AS 08.86.162 still specifically requires that an applicant who takes but does not pass the exam must wait six months before trying again. HB 110 deletes this requirement, allowing applicants to re-take the exam the next time it is offered. This change creates a more efficient licensure system, without sacrificing professional standards or quality.

HB 110 also clarifies to whom Alaska's laws regarding licensure do, and do not, apply. Passage will not limit the work of any other mental health service providers in Alaska – public, private, secular, spiritual, professional, or within volunteer-driven programs.

HB 110 is supported by the State Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners, the Alaska Psychological Association, and the Alaska Mental Health Board.

Thank you for your interest. Please freely contact myself, or aide Liz Clement, with any questions.