The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes new rule §463.8, Licensed Psychological Associate. The proposed new rule is intended to replace the current version of the rule and reflects a collaborative effort by the Board and its stakeholders to consolidate the rules governing supervision into a more intuitive format. The proposed new rule sets forth the same requirements for licensure as the current rules, but will eventually require the supervised experience necessary for licensure to be obtained as part of an organized course of study. The proposed new rule will also expand licensure opportunities by allowing applicants who possess a doctoral degree that is primarily psychological in nature, but who do not also have a master's degree, the ability to apply for licensure as a psychological associate. Lastly, the proposed new rule incorporates the designation of the title for an individual licensed under this rule, currently found in Board rule §461.9.

Darrel D. Spinks, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed new rule will be in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Spinks has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to help the Board protect the public. There will be no economic costs to persons required to comply with this rule. There will be no effect on small businesses or local economies.

Comments on the new rule may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701 within 30 days of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register. Comments may also be submitted via fax to (512) 305-7701 or via email to brenda@tsbep.texas.gov.

The new rule is proposed under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

No other code, articles or statutes are affected by this section.