§2356.2. Provisional licensed psychologist; renewal; continuing education

A. The board shall issue a provisional license to each person who files an application with the board upon a form and in such a manner as the board prescribes, submits the fee for a provisional license, and furnishes evidence to the board that the person meets all the following requirements:

(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 person 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 by the board.

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

(6) Has completed a minimum of one year of experience practicing psychology under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or has completed an approved predoctoral internship as defined in the rules and regulations of the board.

(7) Demonstrates professional knowledge of laws and rules regarding the practice of psychology in Louisiana.

B. If the board reasonably believes that a person applying for a provisional license or for renewal of a provisional license is not physically or 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 the person to submit to a physical examination by a medical doctor approved by the board or submit to a mental health examination by a psychologist or psychiatrist approved by the board. If the person refuses to submit to the examination, the board, after a 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 provisional licensure or renewal of a provisional license prior to such examination. Proceedings pursuant to this Subsection shall be conducted in compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

C.(1) A provisional licensed psychologist shall be eligible for renewal of licensure without regard to any subsequent changes in the requirements for licensure upon payments of the fees established under R.S. 37:2354 and compliance with the requirements established pursuant to this Subsection. A provisional license may be renewed a maximum of three times.

(2) The board shall establish continuing education requirements to be fulfilled prior to the renewal of a provisional license. Failure to fulfill these requirements shall cause the license to lapse. A provisional license shall not be reinstated if a lapse occurs unless such requirements are satisfied within six months from the date of lapse.

D. A provisional licensed psychologist shall maintain a relationship with a licensed psychologist or a medical psychologist licensed in accordance with R.S. 37:1360.51 et seq. for the purposes of clinical supervision. The supervising psychologist or medical psychologist shall have legal functioning authority over the professional activities of the provisional licensed psychologist.

E. The board may adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to administer and implement the provisions of this Section.

Acts 2014, No. 137, §1; Acts 2018, No. 206, §3.