LSBEP is currently engaged in Rulemaking and has published 4 Notices of Intent to amend/adopt rules in the November 20, 2022 Louisiana Register. The Final publication of rules is anticipated on March 20, 2023 as follows:

PROPOSED: Training, Credentials and Scope of Practice for Neuropsychology Specialty Designation and Provisional Licensure; other technical corrections (LAC 46:LXIII. 100, 102, 103, 108, 201, 303, 305, 307, 701, 702, 705, 709, 1002, 1201, 1205, 1213, 1401, 1403, 1405, 1407, 1409,  1701, 1702, 1705, 1903, 1905, 3402 and 3403)

PROPOSED: Registration of Assistant to a Psychologist (LAC 46:LXIII. 601, 1100, 1101, 1103, 1105, 1107, and 1109)

PROPOSED: Continuing Education, Exemptions and Fees (LAC 46:LXIII. 601, 603, 803, 805, 806, 811, 905 and 4001)

PROPOSED: Code of Ethics for Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LAC 46:LXIII. Sections 4201, 4203, 4205, 4207, 4209, 4211)

A Rules Hearing is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on December 16, 2022. To view the Notices of Intent and comments form, please visit the rulemaking page: https://lsbep.org/rule-making/

Effective January 2023 LSBEP will be moving to a quarterly meeting schedule.  The Board’s daily functioning will continue through the authority delegated by the LSBEP to examining board members, committees, and staff.  CLICK HERE for more information.

The nominations period to fill the vacancy of the Board Member seat occurring on July 1, 2023, is now CLOSED. The election to fill this seat will open on December 1, 2022.  CLICK HERE for more information about the election process.

CLICK HERE to read A MESSAGE FROM BOARD CHAIR, GREGORY GORMANOUS related to the upcoming 2022 Election.

The Licensed Specialist In School Psychology Committee (LSSP Committee) meets quarterly in accordance with the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46: Section 3202.G.. Meetings are held at the Board office unless otherwise indicated in the meeting notice.  Special meetings may be called by the board chair or governor.

 If you are interested in serving as an LSSP Committee Member.  The next vacancy will require an LSSP to fill the term 7/1/2023 – June 30, 2026. Please contact Jaime Monic (jaime.monic@la.gov) if you are interested in serving on this Committee.

LSBEP’s 2022 Continuing Education Webinar

Date:   Friday, December 2, 2022 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST Expert Speaker:  Dr. Cynthia de las Fuentes, Ph.D. Course Sponsorship and Credit: This activity is sponsored by the LSBEP and approved for 2 hours of continuing education in ethics or multicultural issues for Louisiana Licensed Psychologists, Louisiana Provisionally Licensed Psychologists and Louisiana Licensed Specialists in School Psychology. Registrants licensed in other jurisdictions should check to see if LSBEP CE credit is accepted in their jurisdiction. A LIVE ZOOM EVENT: CLICK HERE  FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

NEWSLETTERS

• Current Newsletter – July 2021
• Second Edition LSBEP Newsletter, March 2021 (Correction Published 4-26-2021)
• First Edition LSBEP Newsletter, January 2021
• Third Edition LSBEP Newsletter, December 2020
• Second Edition LSBEP Newsletter, September 2020
• First Edition LSBEP Newsletter, August 2020
• October 2019 Issue
• May 2019 Issue
• Volume 28, Issue 1
• Volume 27, Issue 2
• Volume 27, Issue 1
• Volume 26, Issue 1
• Volume 25, Issue 1
• Volume 24, Issue 1
• Volume 23, Issue 1
• Volume 22, Issue 1
• Volume 21, Issue 1
• Volume 20, Issue 2
• Volume 20, Issue 1
• Volume 19, Issue 1
• Volume 18, Issue 1
• Volume 17, Issue 1
• Volume 16, Issue 1
• Volume 15, Issue 2

OTHER NEWS

NOTICE: ASPPB’s PLUS APPLICATION:  ASPPB has notified LSBEP that they are phasing out the PLUS Application. After January 31, 2022, ASPPB will no longer accept new PLUS Applicants from Louisiana.

Louisiana will continue to accept and process PLUS Applications for those applicants who are currently in the PLUS system. New applications received after January 31, 2022 will be processed on Louisiana’s forms.

Letter to ASPPB re LSBEP Position on EPPP-Part 2 (7/20/2018)

LSBEP EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

The LSBEP is currently seeking qualified applicants to join our team. Click on the link below to learn more :

1.    Complaints Coordinator (Contract)

2.    The LSBEP is currently accepting letters of interest & resumes (with references) for Executive Counsel (In-house Attorney).

3.    As of April 9, 2022, LSBEP is no longer accepting applications for Administrative Assistant.

_________________________

Information for Louisiana Licensed Psychologists temporarily displaced by Hurricane Ida

1. As soon as possible, please email the LSBEP with your temporary location. Include contact information you want to make publicly available to clients/patients trying to locate you.
2. A psychologist who is temporarily displaced and also currently licensed or temporarily registered to practice psychology in Louisiana is not prohibited from providing services to a client/patient who is also located in Louisiana. Services may be in person or  via Telepsychology while the Louisiana Psychologist is in another state. HOWEVER, please be advised that there may be additional requirements imposed by the state/jurisdiction where you or your client are are temporarily located.

LSBEP has collected the following information to help you navigate your practice if you or your patients are currently displaced from Hurricane Ida. This table will be updated as additional states provide information.

State where you are temporarily located	Licensure Requirements	Link to jurisdiction licensing/temporary practice information
TEXAS	Texas requires a psychologist to apply for a temporary license to practice from within, or into their state.	https://www.bhec.texas.gov/wp content/uploads/2020/09/AppTempLicense-2020Sept.pdf
MISSISSIPPI		Contact Stacie Sharp, Executive Director Mississippi Board of Psychology 601-576-2577 or email: Admin@msbop.ms.gov
ALABAMA	Alabama allows for 30 days of temporary practice per calendar year.  Part Alabama is under a State of Emergency because of Hurricane Ida and the entire state is under a Public Health SOE because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  These two SOEs allow providers to register for temporary Emergency Practice to provide services in and/or into and/or from Alabama.	Link to Alabama’s registration form: Alabama registration form
NEW MEXICO	Psychologists who are providing services to a patient/client who is in New Mexico must be licensed in New Mexico.  If the Psychologist is providing services to a patient who is in another jurisdiction, falls under that jurisdiction’s authority. A Temporary License is available. A temporary license shall be valid for six months and is not subject to extension or renewal, unless a federal or state public health emergency is declared pursuant to the Public Health Emergency Response Act [Chapter 12, Article 10A NMSA 1978] and directly impacts the applicant; in which case, an applicant’s temporary license shall be automatically extended for the duration of the public health emergency and for an additional six months, beginning on the day that the public health emergency ends.	Applications for a Temporary License can be obtained through the following link: a4cd995d-5fab-41af-ace3-bca74c4f6f24 (realfile1ee897135beb4b1c82715d36398de4c5.s3.amazonaws.com)
ARKANSAS	Information not yet available.
FLORIDA	Information not yet available.
CALIFORNIA	California allows a psychologist to practice from within, or into their state for 30 days in a calendar year without requiring an application. If a psychologist intends to practice for longer than 30 days, an application is required.	https://www.psychology.ca.gov/ licensees/faq.shtml
OREGON	Oregon requires a psychologist to apply for a temporary license to practice from within, or into their state.	https://www.oregon.gov/psychology/Pages/Permit.aspx
NEW YORK	New York allows a psychologist licensed in another state to practice in New York (in person or virtually) one time, upon filing of notice with the State Board as set out in Part 72.5 of NYCRR: A psychologist eligible for exempt practice in accordance with section 7605(4) of the Education Law, shall notify the department of the time and place of such exempt practice. Practice under this one-time exemption shall not exceed 10 consecutive business days or a total of 15 business days in a 90-day period.	The law and regulations are online at: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/psych/psychlaw.htm
OTHERS	Information not yet available.

 

COVID-19 PREPARATION AND PREVENTION IN YOUR PRACTICE: Updated: 11/3/2020 – The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (“Board”) is aware of the threat that COVID-19 poses.  The following information is being provided to keep you apprised of all orders and provide applicable resources and information to individuals licensed by this Board:

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO PRACTICE OR LICENSURE DURING COVID-19

• TELEHEALTH/TELEPSYCHOLOGY– The Board requires a license (or temporary registration) in Louisiana to practice psychology via telehealth.  If you are licensed in Louisiana, no additional certification is required to utilize this modality.  LSBEP has adopted guidelines that address the practice of Telepsychology as well supervision via Telepsychology (Louisiana Telepsychology Guidelines).  In all cases, you are expected to follow the provisions of the Psychology Practice Act, the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46. Psychologist and any other provision related to your practice in Louisiana. NOTE: Due to the relaxation of HIPPA guidelines and the CMS Telehealth Waiver outlined in the resources below, the requirement under LSBEP Telepsychology Guidelines which require “two-way video and audio transmissions simultaneously” is likewise waived for the duration of this emergency. 

• • Louisiana Department of Health –
    • Informational Bulletin 20-4:COVID-19 – MHR Telemedicine/Telehealth (Revised January 26, 2021)
    • Informational Bulletin 20-5:COVID-19 Provider Update (Revised January  15, 2021)
    • Informational Bulletin 20-6:COVID-19 – LMHP Telemedicine/Telehealth (Revised February 4, 2021)
    • Informational Bulletin 20-7:COVID-19 – SUD Telemedicine/Telehealth (Revised January 26 2021)
    • Informational Bulletin 20-8:CARES Act Provider Relief Funding (Revised June 15, 2020)
  • HIPPA: “Notification of Enforcement Discretion for telehealth remote communications during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency” – https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html
  • Medicare Learning Network, Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS) Publication “Telehealth Services” ICN MLN901705 March 2020  – https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/Downloads/TelehealthSrvcsfctsht.pdf 
  • APA RESOURCES:
    • Informed Consent Checklist for Telepsychology Services
    • Office and Technology Checklist for Telepsychology Services
    • What the COVID19 Telehealth Waiver Means 
  • The Louisiana Psychological Association has information on their website related to training (including Telehealth Webinars) and support in your practice during COVID19.  You can access their page at https://louisianapsychologicalassociation.org/
• TELESUPERVISION– An “Application for Authorization to Provide Tele-supervision to Psychology Trainees/Unlicensed Assistants” is required.
  • The application fee is required for all submissions beginning September 1, 2020.
  • Applications should be mailed to: 4334 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Suite C-150, Baton Rouge, LA  70816.  Practice under this registration provision shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46 Part LXIII. Psychologists.
  • You will receive an email notification of receipt/approval.
  • On April 3, 2020, for the period beginning March 11, 2020, through the duration of the Governor’s “Stay at Home” Order, the Board voted to waive the requirement that at least 50% of approved tele-supervision of trainees and assistants be provided in-person. All other supervision requirements remain the same (e.g., minimum supervision time requirements, appropriateness of activities delegated to assistants and trainees, etc.).
• TEMPORARY REGISTRATIONS FOR OUT OF STATE PSYCHOLOGISTS – An Out-of-State Psychologist may register to practice on a temporary basis under one of the following provisions:

1. Traditional Temporary Registration which will allow you to practice in Louisiana for not more than 30 days (non-consecutive) in a calendar year.  This registration may be applied for up to three calendar years.
2. An Emergency Temporary Registration is also available however REQUIRES that you are coming in to practice in association with an organized relief effort AND that you are providing gratuitous services in response to the COVID-19 emergency, in accordance with  Louisiana Administrative Code, Ch. 10, §1002. This form must be notarized.

• CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWALS – For the 2020 renewal period, the Board is waiving the requirement that CPD credits must be obtained from at least two different subcategories under the LAC 803. That is, licensees can obtain all CPD credits from activities in one of the nine  subcategories listed in the LAC Chapter 8.  Additionally, for BOTH the 2018-2020 and 2019-2021 renewal periods, the board reduced the number of required CPD credits from 40 to 30, understanding the hardship imposed on all licensees during this crisis.
• LICENSING – The following provisions have been considered and modified in order to continue processing applications for psychologists, specialists in school psychology, and provisional licensure:
  1. The Board will waive the in-person requirement for administration of the Oral Examination and will conduct face-to-face examinations via Zoom.
  2. Criminal Background Check requirements have not been waived. Information on obtaining a background check will be mailed directly to the applicant.
  3. EXAMINATION FOR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN PSYCHOLOGY (EPPP) –

     Updates on the Pearson site can be found:  https://home.pearsonvue.com/coronavirus-update. ASPPB has posted a FAQ page regarding the rescheduling process at ASPPB COVID19, EPPP Update.

• BOARD OPERATIONS – The board will remain functional to address essential operations. Some deliverables may be delayed as a result.  Work schedules have been altered for essential personnel to work remotely or stagger shifts.  The best point of contact will be via email to admin.lsbep@la.gov or jaime.monic@la.gov.  Our main office is shared with another board and we have a common area shared with another office, therefore our office is CLOSED to ALL visitors until April 3, 2020, except to receive mail and courier deliveries.  This is required to ensure the continued health of essential employees and continued operations of the board.

• ORGANIZED VOLUNTEER EFFORTS IN LOUISIANA – Register to volunteer through LAVA (Louisiana Volunteers in Action) at www.lava.dhh.louisiana.gov. LAVA is administered by the LA Department of Health, Office of Public Health to recruit, credential, train, manage and deploy volunteers (medical and non-medical) to assist during emergencies.

• PRACTICE DURING COVID-19 –  In determining best practice guidelines during this emergency, in order to protect your patients/clients, staff and yourself, you are encouraged to follow the guidance of your national, state and local governments.  The following resources are available to help you stay informed and prepared.
  • LA Department of Health – Guidance on the Provision of Health Care Services in a Non-Discriminatory Manner During the COVID19 Event
  • LA Department of Health Provider & Plan Resources (advisories and information): http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/1734
  • APA Resources for use in your practice – https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/pandemics
  • “Prepare for your Health” U.S. Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/prepareyourhealth/index.html
  • “Resources for Clinics and Healthcare Facilities: U.S. Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/index.html 
  • “Information specific to Coronavirus” U.S. Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/
  • Louisiana specific information and links regarding Coronavirus, Office of the Governor of Louisiana: https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/89
  • Louisiana Department of Health –  http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/
• OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES –
  • La Department of Health Advisory Memo #2020-COVID19-ALL PROVIDERS-001 from Interim Secretary Stephen R. Russo to all health care providers. Contains a summary of recent federal legislation passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the types of funding available to health care providers.
  • The Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Behavioral Health (LDH-OBH) is providing free, 24/7 counseling support services for Louisiana citizens. These services can be accessed through: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/5492.