Article archive / April 1, 2013
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 8. Source pages: 5.
Psych Board Okays New Cont’ Ed Topics Removes restrictions about percentages
After almost two years of discussions about possible changes in the continuing education rules, the state psychology board appears to be getting closure on changes for continuing development for licensed psychologists.
At their Long-Range Planning meeting on March 14, and after review of some of the public comments received last year, and discussion with those attending, the board members indicated that they would remove the percentages from the new options outlined in the rules they proposed in August 2012.
From the recent discussion, the board will retain their original plan to increase CE hours from 30 to 40 for the two-year reporting period. They also decided to retain the new types of training options, outlined in their Notice of Intent last year. These include new activities such as peer consultation, client monitoring, and publications.
However, board members decided to drop the requirements for certain percentages in each type of activity, and instead will only require that licensees submit at least two different types of continuing development.
The need for at least two categories emerged in the discussion with Vice Chair Dr. Rita Culross who noted that some psychologists obtained all their continuing education from home study. Culross said that this seemed likely to limit the value of the training. Dr. Janet Matthews, who was in attendance, agreed. Matthews commented that she felt it was often the interaction with colleagues during conferences that could be of the most value.
Board member Dr. Darla Burnet noted her concern that in some of the new categories for development, a person could receive 100 percent of their credits from serving on a board.
In discussing exactly how to determine the number of continuing education units, to be called continuing professional development units, the board members struggled with how they would to set the limits on which types of training. This led to the suggestion that they remove all the limitations and require a minimum of two methods.
Public attendee Dr. Darlyne Nemeth voiced the concern that many others had voiced, about any restrictions to traditional training at conferences. Nemeth said to the group, “I strongly disagree with limiting the traditional training.” When Dr. Burnett asked her how much was acceptable, Nemeth said, “I want 100 percent.”
Executive Director Kelly Parker told the Times last week that the ideas expressed at the planning session were going forward. “Dr. Culross is working on the wording and there were no other changes following the decisions at the Long- Range Planning meeting,” Parker said.
Psychology board Vice Chair Dr. Rita Culross and Chair Dr. Lee Matthews at the recent long-range planning meeting. The board invited the public to give ideas and feedback on several topics of importance.
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