Article archive / January 1, 2015
Originally published: . Volume 6, No. 1. Source pages: 4.
The state Medical Board published “Guidance for Medical Psychologists” in their recent News category on their website. The guidance relates to two measures passed in the spring legislative session. The measures, Act 136 and Act 137, established the “Licensed Specialist in School Psychology” and the “Provisionally Licensed Psychologist.” The bills were amended to include medical psychologists who may supervise these new categories but who are only regulated by the state medical board.
The statement by the medical board, posted on December 17, stated that MPs licensed only under the medical board should comply with the supervisory obligations set out by the state psychology board. Specifically the announcement noted:
“While the LSBEP has no regulatory authority over MPs who do not maintain their license with the LSBEP, the supervisory requirements imposed upon LSSP [Licensed Specialist in School Psychology] and PLP [Provisionally Licensed Psychologist] by the law and any LSBEP regulations must be met in order for these individuals to lawfully practice their profession. With that in mind, the Board would consider it the professional obligation of any MP who undertakes the supervision of an LSSP or PLP to be aware of and comply with the obligations imposed on such supervisors by law and LSBEP rules. Failure to provide such supervision would work to the detriment of the LSSP or PLP (and clients), who could also be found to be engaged in an improper practice for lack of supervision.”
“In short, while there may little occasion for an MP to serve as a supervisor for a LSSP or a PLP, an MP who does so should comply with the supervisory obligations imposed by law and LSBEP regulations. To do otherwise may be viewed by the Board as unprofessional conduct or having a professional association with an improper practitioner, which could give rise to disciplinary investigation and/or action by the Board.”
According to the August minutes of the Medical Board, Dr. C. Mouton, Executive Director of the Medical Board, met with Kelly Parker, Executive Director for the psychology board, and discussed these new Acts and that included medical psychologists as potential supervisors. “… Following review and discussion it was the consensus of the Board to await the input of the Medical Psychology Advisory Committee on this matter,” noted the August minutes.
In the September minutes of the psychology board, minutes noted, “Ms. Parker updated the Board regarding the meeting with LSBME and counsel.”
And in their meeting on October 10, the Medical Psychology Advisory Committee was listed in its agenda to discuss the Rules for Acts 136 and 137. No minutes have been published thus far as to the substance of that discussion.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.