Article archive / August 1, 2011
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 12. Source pages: 1, 4.
Responding to a set of questions from the Times, the psychology board (LSBEP) noted in a July 29 email to the publisher that it regards a medical psychologist to be a ‘psychologist.’ In June the Times had asked the board, “Does the board consider a medical psychologist who is not licensed by LSBEP [to be] a "psychologist?" If no, why? If yes, why?” In their July 29 email the board answered, “Yes,” and referenced RS 23:1371.1. RS 23 is Workman’s Compensation law, and in the definitions, 23:1371, applicable to workman’s compensation, item 6 notes, "Psychologist" shall mean an individual licensed to practice psychology by the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists or licensed to practice medical psychology by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, or, in the event an individual is practicing psychology in a jurisdiction other than Louisiana, licensed by the appropriate member board of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards to practice psychology, …”
In an October 2010 decision the LSBEP had determined that the psychology licensing law would prevail in their view, which specifically defines psychologist: “ ‘Psychologist’ means any person licensed as a psychologist under this Chapter.”
The medical psychologist licensing law notes, " ‘Medical psychologist’ or ‘MP’ means a psychological practitioner…”
The reversal of Opinion #012 followed the testimony by Dr. Marier, the medical board’s Executive Director, and Dr. John Bolter. The Times asked for that testimony but the LSBEP declined, referring back to the sources.
Medical psychologists’ practice, including supervision of psychological assistants and psychometricians, and now candidates for psychology licenses, falls under the authority of the medical board, which has the right to “Establish and publish standards of medical psychology practice…”
The board’s vote to reverse the Opinion #012 was: Comaty-yea, Courtney- yea, Matthews-yea, Young –yea, Culross-nay.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.