New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03278

Introduced
1/24/25  
Refer
1/24/25  
Engrossed
6/5/25  
Refer
6/5/25  

Caption

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons; establishes mandatory continuing education requirements.

Summary

Bill S03278 aims to establish a licensure framework for school psychology practitioners in New York State. It recognizes the increasing mental health needs of children, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and seeks to enhance access to mental health services by allowing licensed school psychology practitioners to provide services outside traditional educational settings. The bill outlines the qualifications necessary for licensure, including educational requirements, supervised experience, and examination criteria, while also detailing the scope of practice for licensed practitioners.

Impact

The bill will amend the education law to create a new category of licensed professionals specifically for school psychology practitioners, thereby formalizing their role in providing mental health services to children and youth. It will also impact existing statutes related to the practice of psychology and mental health services by establishing clear guidelines and standards for licensure, which may lead to increased accountability and professionalism in the field.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S03278 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous support in the Senate Rules Committee and a strong majority in the final Senate floor vote. The discussions highlight a collective acknowledgment of the urgent need for mental health services for children, suggesting broad agreement on the importance of the bill's objectives.

Contention

While the bill has garnered significant support, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of new licensing requirements and the potential impact on existing practitioners who may not meet the new standards. Some stakeholders may worry about the accessibility of mental health services during the transition period as new practitioners are licensed and trained under this framework.

Companion Bills

NY A01745

Same As Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons.

Previously Filed As

NY A01745

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons.

NY A02033

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons.

NY S03036

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons.

NY H7335

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.

NY H5556

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.

NY SB531

Relating to the licensing of a psychologist as a licensed specialist in school psychology; authorizing a fee.

NY HB2157

Relating to the licensing of a psychologist as a licensed specialist in school psychology; authorizing a fee.

NY HB1254

To Authorize A Licensed Psychological Practitioner To Practice Independently In This State; And To Remove The Independent Practice Privileges From Psychological Examiners.

NY SB368

Board of Psychologists rule relating to requirements for licensure as psychologist or school psychologist

NY HB4317

Relating to authorizing the Psychologists to promulgate a legislative rule relating to requirements for licensure as a psychologist or a school psychologist.

Similar Bills

NV SB165

Establishes provisions relating to behavioral health. (BDR 54-145)

AR HB1254

To Authorize A Licensed Psychological Practitioner To Practice Independently In This State; And To Remove The Independent Practice Privileges From Psychological Examiners.

NY A01745

Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons.

NH SB640

relative to the use of artificial intelligence to provide services requiring a professional license.

KY HB59

AN ACT relating to psychologists.

KY HB439

AN ACT relating to psychologists.

NJ A4190

Codifies certain regulatory provisions regarding controlled dangerous substances and prescription monitoring.

HI SB708

Relating To Prescriptive Authority For Clinical Psychologists.