Psychological testing technicians.

The Psychology Licensing Law provides for the licensure and regulation of psychologists by the Board of Psychology. The act prohibits a person from engaging in the practice of psychology or representing that the person is a psychologist without a license, except as specified, and makes any violation of the act a crime. Existing law authorizes a person other than a licensed psychologist to register with the board as a registered psychological associate and perform specified psychological functions if specified requirements are met. This bill, on and after January 1, 2024, would authorize a person who is registered with the board as a psychological testing technician to administer and score standardized objective psychological and neuropsychological tests and observe and describe clients' test behavior and responses. The bill would set forth specified requirements for registration as a psychological testing technician, including submitting an application to the board and attesting under penalty of perjury that the information in the application is true and correct. By expanding the scope of the crime of perjury, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would set forth education and training requirements for registration as a psychological testing technician, including proof of completion of a minimum of 80 hours of education and training relating to psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring. The bill would require all psychological testing technician services to be provided under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist, would require supervisors of psychological testing technicians to meet specified requirements, and would assign specified responsibilities to the supervising psychologist, including monitoring the psychological testing technician's compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The bill would require a psychological testing technician to renew their registration annually, as specified, and would establish a fee of $75 for registration or renewal and a fee of $25 to add or change the psychological testing technician's supervisor. By expanding the scope of the Psychology Licensing Law, the violation of which is a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.