If you own or work for a healthcare practice in the psychology field — such as a psychiatric hospital, integrated healthcare clinic, or addiction treatment center — or if you are a patient of a psychologist, it is essential to understand the laws designed to protect clients’ rights in California.
These California psychology laws ensure ethical practices, protect client confidentiality, and promote professional accountability. Violating them not only puts your patients at risk but also jeopardizes your job, professional integrity, and reputation. In severe cases, noncompliance can lead to legal issues, including fines, license suspension, or revocation.
Anyone involved in a situation involving a violation of California psychology laws — whether as a psychologist facing allegations or a patient seeking justice — can greatly benefit from the guidance of a psychologist malpractice attorney or psychologist license defense attorney. These legal professionals can help protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome for your specific case.
Below, you can find the latest California (CA) Board of Psychology rules worth noting.
Effective July 1, 2024, AB 665 provides minors with easier access to mental health services in California. Previously, minors could only consent to mental health treatment, outpatient counseling, or residential shelter services if they were considered a danger to themselves or others or were victims of incest or child abuse.
The new law removes these specific conditions, allowing any minor aged 12 or older who is deemed mature enough to participate in treatment to consent to mental health treatment or counseling services.
Previous law also required parental involvement unless the licensed mental health professional determined it would be inappropriate. Now, under AB 665, the professional must consult the minor before deciding whether involving the parent or guardian is appropriate.
These changes provide minors with more privacy, autonomy, and access to necessary mental health care. Whether you connect with a psychologist defense attorney or malpractice lawyer, our experienced attorneys can help by explaining the new rules of AB 665 to minors, parents, and healthcare providers.
They can ensure that mental health professionals follow the law, especially when it comes to consulting with minors about involving parents in their treatment. Attorneys can also help resolve disagreements about consent or privacy and protect minors’ rights to get mental health services.
Effective January 1, 2024, SB 816 establishes a $127 application fee for the California Psychology Law and Ethics Exam (CPLEE), reduced from $235.20, and a $184 fee for Fingerprint Hard Card Processing for out-of-state applicants.
The new law also increases fees in several areas, including the psychologist application fee, psychologist renewal fee, psychologist delinquency fee, psychologist associate application fee, and more.
If you are an applicant facing financial difficulties or have concerns about the increased fees, an attorney may be able to assist you in appealing fees or exploring potential exemptions.
Since January 1, 2024, the Department of Consumer Affairs is now required to compile an annual report for the Legislature on the professional licensure of military members, military spouses, and honorably discharged military members, instead of focusing solely on veterans, service members, and their spouses. The report will be based on each fiscal year rather than the calendar year.
Additionally, under the Psychology Licensing Law, applicants for licensure as psychologists must provide verification of training in suicide risk assessment and intervention, as well as aging and long-term care.
SB 887 allows applicants to submit a transcript to the Board of Psychology (“Board”) as evidence of completing the coursework and permits the department chair to provide written certification for applicants when course titles are unclear.
Beginning January 1, 2025, the administration and enforcement of research psychoanalyst registrations will be transferred from the Medical Board of California to the Board. Fees for research psychoanalyst registrations, previously paid to the Medical Board’s Contingent Fund, will now be deposited into the Psychology Fund.
Since January 1, 2024, SB 372 requires the Board to update a licensee’s or registrant’s license or registration upon request to reflect their current name or gender, replacing old references with the new information.
Publicly accessible information online will show the individual’s current name or gender, and former identifying information will not be published. If requested, the Board will reissue the license with the updated name or gender at no higher fee than for other updates.
Additionally, for individuals with prior enforcement actions, the Board will not post enforcement records online but will include a statement that enforcement occurred, directing the public to contact the Board for details.
Effective January 1, 2024, this bill outlines the qualifications, responsibilities, and regulations for those working as psychological testing technicians. This includes:
Fenton Jurkowitz Law Group has a team of seasoned psychology malpractice or defense attorneys who are well-versed in the California Board of Psychology laws and regulations. It is important to have legal counsel on your side to ensure you and your healthcare practice are protected. Fill out our contact form on our website today to connect with an experienced attorney.