§2356. Licensure of psychologists by written and oral examination

A. The board shall issue a license as a psychologist to each applicant who shall file an application upon a form and in such a manner as the board prescribes, accompanied by such fee as required by this Chapter, and who furnishes evidence to that board that, except as otherwise required by law, he:

(1) Is at least twenty-one years of age.

(2) Is of good moral character.

(3) Is a citizen of the United States or has declared his intention to become a citizen. A statement by the applicant under oath that he is a citizen or that he intends to apply for citizenship when he becomes eligible to make such application shall be sufficient proof of compliance with this requirement.

(4) Is not in violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder.

(5) Holds a doctoral degree with a major in psychology from a school or college as defined in this Chapter.

(6) Has a minimum of two years of experience practicing psychology under the supervision of a psychologist, one year of which may be a predoctoral internship as defined in the rules and regulations of the board and required as part of the doctoral degree in psychology as defined by the board and all other experience being post-doctoral. Psychologists who can demonstrate five years of licensed practice as a psychologist in another state, with no disciplinary actions, may qualify to meet one year of post-doctoral experience as defined in the rules and regulations of the board.

(7) Demonstrates professional knowledge and competence by passing a written and oral examination in psychology prescribed by the board.

B. Upon investigation of the application and other evidence submitted, the board shall, not less than thirty days prior to the examination, notify each applicant that the application and evidence submitted for licensure is satisfactory and accepted and that the applicant has been admitted to candidacy status, or unsatisfactory and rejected; if rejected, said notice shall state the reasons for such rejection.

C. The place of examination shall be designated in advance by the board, and such examination shall be given annually at such place and time and under such supervision as the board may determine, and specifically at such other times as, in the opinion of the board, the number of candidates warrants.

D. The examination shall be of such form and content as determined by the board.

E. The examination passing grade shall be determined by the board.

F. In the event a candidate fails to receive a passing grade on the written/oral examination, he may apply for re-examination and shall be allowed to take a subsequent written/oral examination upon payment of such fee as is required by this Chapter.

G. The board shall maintain as a record, in electronic or other format, all of the following items:

(1) The written examination papers.

(2) An accurate transcript of the questions and answers relating to the oral examinations.

(3) The grade assigned to each answer thereof.

H. If the board reasonably believes that a person applying for a license or for renewal of a license is not physically and mentally competent to render psychological services with reasonable skill and safety to his patients, or is afflicted with a disease or condition, either physical or mental, which would impair his competency to render psychological services, the board may request that the person submit to a physical examination by a medical doctor approved by the board and/or submit to a mental health examination by a psychologist and/or psychiatrist approved by the board. If the person refuses to submit to the examination, the board, after contradictory hearing and upon finding reasonable cause, may issue an order requiring the person to submit to the examination. A person who is ordered to submit to an examination shall not be eligible for licensure or renewal of license prior to the examination. Proceedings under this Subsection shall be conducted in compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq.

Added by Acts 1964, No. 347, §6. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 212, §1; Acts 1987, No. 915, §2, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1995, No. 1302, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 2015, No. 255, §1; Acts 2017, No. 234, §1, eff. June 14, 2017.