AB 196 revises Nevada’s psychology licensing and disciplinary laws in three main ways. First, it gives the Board of Psychological Examiners explicit authority to adopt regulations allowing licensed psychologists to delegate certain Board-prescribed psychological tests to unlicensed individuals under direct supervision and periodic observation, and to allow those individuals to use the title “psychometrist” when performing those tests. This creates a formal regulatory pathway for a limited testing role that already existed in practice under some Board regulations, while clarifying the title that may be used.
Second, the bill adds a time limit for disciplinary complaints. A complaint may not be filed with the Board if three or more years have passed since the act or omission that forms the basis of the alleged misconduct. The bill also requires the Board to retain complaints for at least 10 years, including complaints that are not acted upon. Third, it repeals a provision requiring certain firms, partnerships, or corporations engaged in the practice of psychology to register with the Board, removing that registration requirement from the statute.
Impact
The bill amends Chapter 641 of the Nevada Revised Statutes governing psychologists, psychological assistants, interns, and trainees. It narrows the Board’s complaint process by imposing a three-year filing deadline, expands the Board’s rulemaking authority over delegated psychological testing and the use of the title “psychometrist,” and removes statutory registration requirements for certain business entities that practice psychology. It also updates the title-restriction statute to carve out an exception for Board-authorized psychometrists, while leaving the gross misdemeanor penalties for unauthorized practice and misrepresentation otherwise intact.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Assembly 42-0 and the Senate 21-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. The lack of recorded committee transcript discussion also suggests there was little public or legislative opposition, and the measure was treated as a technical or clarifying revision to professional regulation rather than a highly contested policy change.
Contention
The main policy issues embedded in the bill are the scope of delegation to unlicensed personnel, the use of the title “psychometrist,” and the new three-year limit on filing disciplinary complaints. Supporters would likely view the bill as clarifying professional practice and modernizing Board authority, while any concern would center on whether allowing unlicensed individuals to perform tests under supervision could affect consumer protection or whether the complaint deadline could limit accountability for older misconduct. The repeal of business-entity registration requirements may also be notable to regulated practices, but no specific opposition is reflected in the available record.
Includes licensed school psychologists under the provisions of the general laws governing the regulations of psychologists and expands the licensing of school psychologists for independent practice.
Includes licensed school psychologists under the provisions of the general laws governing the regulations of psychologists and expands the licensing of school psychologists for independent practice.
Health occupations: psychologists; requirements for practice by limited licensed psychologist; modify. Amends secs. 18221, 18223, 18233 & 18237 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.18221 et seq.).
Further providing for definitions, for State Board of Psychology and for powers of the board; providing for prescription certificate, for prescribing and administrative practices and for controlled substances; and further providing for refusal, suspension or revocation of license, for reporting of multiple licensure and for penalties and injunctions against unlawful practice.