FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1734

                          C 66 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Subjecting licensed psychologists to chapter 18.130 RCW, the uniform disciplinary act.

Sponsors:  Representatives Esser and Schual‑Berke; by request of Department of Health.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

The practice of psychology is licenced by the Department of Heath.  The Examining Board of Psychology qualifies applicants for licensure and serves as the disciplining authority for unprofessional conduct under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

The requirements of the psychologist law do not apply to persons working in the following exempt settings:  a person teaching, conducting research, or consulting in a college or university; a person holding a school psychologist credential from the state Board of Education; a person employed by a local, state, or federal agency; a person working in business not engaged in the practice of psychology; a bona fide psychology student; or a person qualified in sociology as a social psychologist.

It is unclear whether a licensed psychologist is subject to the Uniform Disciplinary Act when working in an exempt setting.

Summary:

A person who is licensed as a psychologist is subject to the Uniform Disciplinary Act at all times.

Votes on Final Passage:

House867

House940(House reconsidered)

Senate450

Effective:July 25, 1999