Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 575 - State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
The Oklahoma Administrative Code, Title 575, governs the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. This title outlines the regulations and procedures that the Board uses to regulate the practice of psychology in Oklahoma, with the primary mission of protecting the public's mental health, safety, and welfare.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas covered in Title 575:
Chapter 1 - Organization of Board and Procedures for Handling Complaints:
Board Structure and Operations: This chapter details how the Board is organized, its administrative procedures, and its general powers and duties.
Complaint Procedures: It outlines the process for filing complaints against licensed psychologists, how these complaints are investigated, and the procedures for hearings. This includes requirements for written, signed, and notarized complaints, and the Board's discretion to investigate independently verifiable allegations.
Chapter 10 - Licensure of Psychologists: This is a crucial chapter that covers the requirements for becoming and remaining a licensed psychologist in Oklahoma. Key sections include:
Purpose: States the purpose of the licensure regulations.
Requirements for Licensure: Lays out the comprehensive requirements to become a licensed psychologist, including:
Education: Typically requires a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) in psychology from an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited program. Specific coursework hours in psychological content areas are usually mandated.
Supervised Experience: A significant number of supervised hours (e.g., 4,000 hours, with specific breakdowns for pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral experience) are required. These hours must be under the direct and continuing professional supervision of licensed psychologists.
Examinations: Candidates must pass the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Oklahoma-specific Jurisprudence (JP) Examination. The JP exam covers Oklahoma's Psychologists Licensing Act, Board Rules, and other pertinent mental health laws.
Criminal Background Check: Generally a requirement for licensure.
Private Practice Under Supervision: Details the conditions and requirements for individuals who are not yet fully licensed to practice psychology under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. This includes specific responsibilities for the supervisor.
Institutional Practice Under Supervision: Similar to private practice, but for individuals gaining supervised experience in institutional settings.
Fees: Outlines the various fees for applicants and licensees, including application, examination, and renewal fees.
License Status and Public Inquiries: Addresses how license status is maintained and how the public can inquire about licensed psychologists.
Directory Listing: Rules regarding the public directory of licensed psychologists.
Hiring of Psychological Technicians: Specifies the regulations for licensed psychologists to hire and supervise psychological technicians, including the scope of practice for technicians and the supervisor's responsibilities.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE): Mandates ongoing professional development for licensees. This typically requires a minimum number of credits (e.g., 20 credits annually), with a portion specifically dedicated to ethics, relevant laws, and professional practice guidelines.
Code of Ethics: Adopts the "Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct" of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the "ASPPB Code of Conduct" of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards as part of the Board's own Code of Ethics. Violations of this code are considered unprofessional conduct and can lead to sanctions.
Telepsychology: Addresses the regulations for providing psychological services via electronic transmission. Oklahoma is part of PSYPACT, which facilitates interstate practice of telepsychology and temporary in-person practice among participating states.
Overall Purpose of the Board and Regulations:
The Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists' core function is to safeguard the public. It achieves this by:
Setting standards for licensure: Ensuring that only qualified individuals are granted licenses to practice psychology.
Regulating the practice: Establishing ethical and professional standards that all licensees must adhere to.
Investigating complaints: Addressing grievances against licensed psychologists to protect consumers.
Enforcing disciplinary actions: Imposing sanctions when violations of the licensing act or ethical code occur.
Overseeing continuing education: Ensuring that psychologists maintain and update their knowledge and skills.
How to Access Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 575:
You can typically find the full text of Title 575 on:
Legal Information Institutes and Databases: Websites like Justia and Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII) also host the Oklahoma Administrative Code.
Always refer to the most current version of the code, as regulations can be updated.
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