2024 -- S 2871

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LC005801

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PSYCHOLOGISTS

     Introduced By: Senators F. Lombardi, DiMario, Ciccone, Burke, LaMountain, Tikoian,
and Quezada

     Date Introduced: March 22, 2024

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Legislative findings and purpose.

     (a) The general assembly finds that:

     (1) School psychologists are part of a comprehensive program to meet student needs,

consistent with 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 [the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act"] and 20

U.S.C. Sec. 6301 [the "Every Student Succeeds Act"].

     (2) School psychologists are an integral part of the school team and support student

learning, mental health and behavior to help students achieve academically, socially, behaviorally,

and emotionally.

     (3) The National Association of School Psychologists recommends a maximum ratio of

five hundred (500) students per school psychologists in order to provide a comprehensive range of

school psychological services.

     (4) There is a shortage of school psychologists in Rhode Island, with an estimated ratio of

763:1. Ratios in the urban districts average 1:1000.

     (5) A shortage of school psychologists across the State of Rhode Island jeopardizes the

state's ability to provide essential services and supports to students, schools, and communities.

     (6) Data indicate that shortages of school psychologists will persist into the future.

     (7) There is an insufficient number of credentialed school psychology graduates produced

by the state's higher education institutions to fill existing gaps.

     (8) Initiatives designed to promote and support the education and preparation of school

psychologists can help mitigate the problem of a shortage.

     (9) Research and best practice show that after three (3) years of employment within a

school, school psychologists become imbedded in their community, resulting in lower turnover

within the profession.

     (b) The purpose of this legislation is:

     (1) To address the shortage of school psychologists in the State of Rhode Island.

     (2) To address the shortage of school psychologists in the higher education pipeline.

     (3) To create a pipeline for licensure through the department of health that would allow for

independent contracting, educational evaluations, consultation, and other services related to the

academic learning process.

     (4) To improve the academic, behavioral, and social–emotional well-being of children and

youth by increasing access to high quality school-employed mental and behavioral health

professionals.

     (5) To improve the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional well-being of children and

youth by increasing community access to high quality mental and behavioral health professionals

who specialize in school psychology, and psychoeducational evaluations.

     (6) To ensure the state fulfills its obligations to state and federal laws that address students

with disabilities, school safety, school climate and social and emotional learning.

     SECTION 2. Sections 5-44-1, 5-44-12, 5-44-13 and 5-44-15 of the General Laws in

Chapter 5-44 entitled "Psychologists" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-44-1. Definitions.

     As used in this chapter:

     (1) "Academic psychologist" means a person employed by or associated with a recognized

college or university or other recognized institution who is engaged in teaching, studying, or

conducting research in the science of psychology.

     (2) "Board" means the board of psychology established by § 5-44-3.

     (3) "Department" means the Rhode Island department of health.

     (4) "Director" means the director of the Rhode Island department of health.

     (5) "Education" means the academic program pursued by a person in obtaining a doctoral

degree, that program to include formal course work, seminars, and practica.

     (6) "Graduate program" means a program accredited by the state that is dedicated to

providing an organized program of graduate preparation in school psychology and provides no less

than sixty (60) graduate semester hours (or the equivalent) and includes coursework and experience

relevant to both education and psychology. Coursework shall advance knowledge in:

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     (i) Data collection and analysis, and data-based decision making;

     (ii) Student assessment and evaluation;

     (iii) Academic programs and instructional support; and

     (iv) Multi-tiered systems of support to address students' academic, social--emotional, and

mental and behavioral health needs including:

     (A) Universal screening and early identification;

     (B) Prevention and intervention services;

     (C) Progress monitoring; and

     (D) Providing a range of increasingly intensive services based on student need.

     (I) School-wide practices to promote student learning, resilience and risk factors, and crisis

preparedness, response, and recovery;

     (II) Mental health interventions;

     (III) Consultation and collaboration;

     (IV) Family--school--community collaboration;

     (V) Diversity in development and learning;

     (VI) Program evaluation and research;

     (VII) Professional ethics;

     (VIII) Systems; and

     (IX) All relevant local, state and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act and the requirements specific to the role of the school psychologist.

     (6)(7) "Licensed psychologist" means a person who has been licensed for the practice of

psychology under this chapter. "Psychologist" as used in this chapter means a licensed psychologist

as defined in this section.

     (8) "Licensed school psychologist" means a school psychologist who meets the

qualifications set forth in § 5-44-9.1.

     (9) "Living wage" means the amount of money needed to provide for annual basic needs

for an individual to live above the poverty level and is determined by the state.

     (7)(10)"Practice of psychology" means the rendering of professional psychological

services to individuals, groups, families, or any public or private organization for remuneration.

Professional psychological services means applying established psychological principles, methods,

or procedures for the purpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired

behavior and of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment, personal

effectiveness, and mental health. The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to:

     (i) Diagnoses and treatment of emotional, mental, or behavioral dysfunction, disorder, or

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disability, alcoholism and substance-abuse disorders of habit or conduct, as well as of the

psychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, or disability;

     (ii) Psychological testing and evaluation of intelligence, personality, abilities, interests,

aptitudes, and neuropsychological functioning;

     (iii) Psychoeducation evaluation, therapy, remediation, and consultation; and

     (iv) Counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, and behavior

analysis and therapy.

     (8)(11) "Psychology student," "psychology trainee," "psychology intern," or "psychology

resident" means a student, intern, or other person studying or preparing for the profession of

psychologist under the supervision of recognized educational or training institutions or facilities.

     (12) "School psychology internship" means a culminating and immersive field-supervised

experience in which the primary focus is on providing high-quality experiences, attainment of

comprehensive school psychology competencies, and integration and application of the full range

of domains of school psychology. Minimum requirements for an internship shall include:

     (i) At least one thousand two hundred (1,200) hours in duration over the course of an

academic year;

     (ii) At least six hundred (600) hours of the internship shall occur in a school-based setting

as defined by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) standards;

     (iii) Opportunities and supervision in a broad range of direct and indirect school

psychological services; and

     (iv) Supervision shall be conducted by a credentialed school psychologist or a professional

appropriately credentialed for the internship setting.

     (9)(13) "Training" means the pre-professional or professional-supervised experience

received by the person at the pre- or post-doctoral level, that experience to have been obtained in

an internship, clinic, or other similar professional setting.

     5-44-12. Application fee.

     The applicant applying for licensure as a psychologist or a licensed school psychologist

shall pay a fee as set forth in § 23-1-54 to the department.

     5-44-13. Temporary license.

     (a) Pursuant to §§ 5-44-6 and 5-44-23(f) and rules and regulations promulgated hereunder,

a temporary permit to practice psychology under supervision may be granted to a candidate for

licensure who has paid the required fee as set forth in § 23-1-54 and has satisfied the following

requirements:

     (1) Filed an application for licensure with all required supporting materials;

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     (2) Has received a doctoral degree in accordance with § 5-44-9, and successfully completed

one thousand five hundred (1,500) hours of supervision satisfactory to the board as specified in the

rules and regulations;

     (3) Shall only practice under the appropriate supervision of a licensed psychologist as

delineated in the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder;

     (4) Shall refrain from using the title "psychologist" or "licensed school psychologist"

representing himself or herself as a psychologist other than by using the title "psychology student,"

"psychology trainee," "psychology intern," "licensed school psychologist trainee," or "psychology

resident"; and

     (5) The temporary permit shall be valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of

issuance.

     (b) Temporary permit holders may request from the board a one-year extension. Such an

extension may be granted at the discretion of the board upon review of the applicant's

circumstances. This extension shall only be granted once.

     5-44-15. Expiration and renewal of licenses — Continuing education — Lapsed

license.

     (a) The license of every person licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall expire

on the first day of July of the next even-numbered year following the issuance of his or her license.

     (b) On or before the first day of May of each even-numbered year, the department shall

mail an application for renewal of license to every person to whom a license has been issued or

renewed during the cycle.

     (c) Every licensed person who desires to renew his or her license shall file with the

department a renewal application, executed, together with a renewal fee as set forth in § 23-1-54,

on or before the first day of June in each even-numbered year. Upon receipt of a renewal application

and payment of the renewal fee, the accuracy of the application shall be verified and the department

may grant a renewal license effective July 1st and expiring the June 30th in each even-numbered

year.

     (d) Every licensed psychologist or licensed school psychologist who desires to continue

licensure as a licensed psychologist or licensed school psychologist shall present satisfactory

evidence to the board and approved by rule or regulation of the board that the licensed psychologist

or licensed school psychologist has completed a prescribed course of continuing licensed

psychological education.

     (e) Any person who allows his or her license to lapse, by failing to renew it on or before

June 1st in each even-numbered year, as provided in this section, may be reinstated by the

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department on payment of the current renewal fee, plus an additional fee as set forth in § 23-1-54.

Any person using the title "psychologist" or offering services defined as the practice of psychology

under this chapter during the time his or her license has lapsed is subject to the penalties provided

for violation of this chapter.

     SECTION 3. Section 23-1-54 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-1 entitled "Department

of Health" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-1-54. Fees payable to the department of health.

     Fees payable to the department shall be as follows:

PROFESSION RIGL Section Description of Fee FEE

Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-10(a) Renewal application $25.00

Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-10(a) Renewal application:

Manicuring Instructors and manicurists $25.00

Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-10(b) Minimum late renewal fee $25.00

Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-10(b) Maximum late renewal fee $100.00

Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-11[c] Application fee $25.00

Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-11[c] Application fee: manicuring

Instructors and manicurists $25.00

Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-13 Demonstrator's permit $90.00

Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-15 Shop license: initial $170.00

Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-15 Shop license: renewal $170.00

Veterinarians 5-25-10 Application fee $40.00

Veterinarians 5-25-11 Examination fee $540.00

Veterinarians 5-25-12(a) Renewal fee $580.00

Veterinarians 5-25-12[c] Late renewal fee $120.00

Podiatrists 5-29-7 Application fee $240.00

Podiatrists 5-29-11 Renewal fee: minimum $240.00

Podiatrists 5-29-11 Renewal fee: maximum $540.00

Podiatrists 5-29-13 Limited registration $65.00

Podiatrists 5-29-14 Limited registration:

Academic faculty $240.00

Podiatrists 5-29-14 Application fee:

Renewal minimum $240.00

Podiatrists 5-29-14 Application fee:

Renewal maximum $440.00

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Chiropractors 5-30-6 Examination fee: $210.00

Chiropractors 5-30-7 Examination exemption fee $210.00

Chiropractors 5-30-8(b) Exam Physiotherapy $210.00

Chiropractors 5-30-8(b) Exam chiro and $210.00

physiotherapy

Chiropractors 5-30-12 Renewal fee $210.00

Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-6(d) Dentist: application fee $965.00

Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-6(d) Dental hygienist:

application fee $65.00

Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-6(d) Reexamination: dentist $965.00

Dentists/dental hygienist 5-31.1-6(d) Reexamination: hygienist $65.00

Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-21(b) Reinstatement fee dentist $90.00

Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-21(b) Reinstatement fee hygienist $90.00

Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-21(c) Inactive status: dentist $220.00

Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-21(c) Inactive status: hygienist $40.00

Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-22 Limited registration $65.00

Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-23[c] Limited reg: Academic faculty $965.00

Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-23[c] Limited reg:

Academic faculty renewal $500.00

Electrolysis 5-32-3 Application fee $25.00

Electrolysis 5-32-6(b) Renewal fee $25.00

Electrolysis 5-32-7 Reciprocal license fee $25.00

Electrolysis 5-32-17 Teaching license $25.00

Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-12 Funeral establishment license $120.00

Funeral services establishments

Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-15 Renewal: funeral/director - $90.00

Funeral services establishments embalmer $30.00

Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-12 Funeral branch ofc license $90.00

Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-13.1 Crematories: application fee $120.00

Funeral services establishments

Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-15 Renewal: funeral/director

Funeral Svcs establishments establishment $120.00

Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-15 Additional branch office

Funeral services Establishments licenses $120.00

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Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-15 Crematory renewal fee

Funeral svcs establishments $120.00

Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-15 Late renewal fee

Funeral svcs establishments (All license types) $25.00

Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-16(a) Intern registration fee

Funeral Services establishments- $25.00

Nurses 5-34-12 RN Application fee $135.00

Nurses 5-34-16 LPN Application fee $45.00

Nurses 5-34-19 Renewal fee: RN $135.00

Nurses 5-34-19 Renewal fee: LPN $45.00

Nurses 5-34-37 RNP application fee $80.00

Nurses 5-34-37 RNP renewal fee $80.00

Nurses 5-34-37 RNP prescriptive privileges $65.00

Nurses 5-34-40.3 Clin nurse spec application $80.00

Nurses 5-34-40.3 Clin nurse spec renewal $80.00

Nurses 5-34-40.3 Clin nurse spec Rx privilege $65.00

Nurse anesthetists 5-34.2-4(a) CRNA application fee $80.00

Nurse anesthetists 5-34.2-4(b) CRNA renewal fee $80.00

Optometrists 5-35.1-4 Application fee $280.00

Optometrists 5-35.1-7 Renewal fee $280.00

Optometrists 5-35.1-7 Late fee $90.00

Optometrists 5-35.1-7 Reactivation of license fee $65.00

Optometrists 5-35.1-19(b) Violations of section $650.00

Optometrists 5-35.1-20 Violations of chapter $260.00

Opticians 5-35.2-3 Application fee $30.00

Physicians 5-37-2 Application fee $1,090.00

Physicians 5-37-2 Re-examination fee $1,090.00

Physicians 5-37-10(b) Late renewal fee $170.00

Physicians 5-37-16 Limited registration fee $65.00

Physicians 5-37-16.1 Ltd reg: academic faculty $600.00

Physicians 5-37-16.1 Ltd reg: academic

Faculty renewal $170.00

Acupuncture 5-37.2-10 Application fee $310.00

Acupuncture 5-37.2-13(4) Acupuncture assistant $310.00

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Licensure fee $170.00

Social workers 5-39.1-9 Application fee $70.00

Social workers 5-39.1-9 Renewal fee $70.00

Physical therapists 5-40-8 Application fee $155.00

Physical therapists 5-40-8.1 Application: physical $50.00

therapy assistants

Physical therapists 5-40-10(a) Renewal fee:

Physical therapists $155.00

Physical therapists 5-40-10(a) Renewal fee: Physical

      therapy assistants $50.00

Physical therapists 5-40-10[c] Late renewals $50.00

Occupational therapists 5-40.1-12(2) Renewal fee $140.00

Occupational therapists 5-40.1-12(5) Late renewal fee $50.00

Occupational therapists 5-40.1-12(b) Reactivation fee $140.00

Occupational therapists 5-40.1-13 Application fee $140.00

Psychologists/licensed school 5-44-12 Application fee $230.00

psychologist

Psychologists/licensed school 5-44-13 Temporary permit $120.00

psychologist

Psychologists/licensed school 5-44-15[c] Renewal fee $230.00

psychologist

Psychologists/licensed school 5-44-15(e) Late renewal fee $50.00

psychologist

Nursing home administrators 5-45-10 Renewal fee $160.00

Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-1(14) Speech lang support

personnel: late filing $90.00

Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(a) Application fee: Audiologist $65.00

Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(a) Application fee:

Speech Pathologist $145.00

Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(a) Renewal fee: Audiologist $65.00

Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(a) Renewal fee: Speech $145.00

Pathologist

Speech pathologist/ audiologists 5-48-9(a) Provisional license:

renewal fee $65.00

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Speech pathologist/au- 5-48-9(b) Late renewal fee $50.00

diologists

Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(d)(1) Reinstatement fee:

audiologist $65.00

Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(d)(1) Reinstatement fee:

audiologist $65.00

speech pathologists $145.00

personnel: late filing $65.00

Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-6(a) License endorsement

Examination fee $25.00

Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-8(b) Temporary permit fee $25.00

Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-8(d) Temporary permit $35.00

renewal fee

Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-11(a)(1) License fee $25.00

Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-11(b) License renewal fee $25.00

Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-11[c] License renewal late fee $25.00

Physician assistants 5-54-9(4) Application fee $110.00

Physician assistants 5-54-11(b) Renewal fee $110.00

Orthotics/prosthetic practice 5-59.1-5 Application fee $120.00

Orthotics/prosthetic practice 5-59.1-12 Renewal fee $120.00

Athletic trainers 5-60-11 Application fee $60.00

Athletic trainers 5-60-11 Renewal fee $60.00

Athletic trainers 5-60-11 Late renewal fee $25.00

Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-16 Application fee: Marriage/

Marriage and family Family therapist $130.00

therapists

Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-16 Application fee: Mental

Marriage and family therapists Health counselors $70.00

Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-16 Reexamination fee:

Marriage and family therapists Marriage/family therapist $130.00

Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-16 Reexamination fee:

Marriage and family therapists Mental health counselors $70.00

Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-17(a) Renewal fee: Marriage/

Marriage and Family therapists Family therapist $130.00

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Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-17(a) Renewal fee:

Marriage and Family therapist Mental health counselor $50.00

Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-17(b) Late renewal fee:

Marriage and Family therapist Marriage and family $90.00

therapist

Dieticians/nutritionists 5-64-6(b) Application fee $75.00

Dieticians/nutritionists 5-64-7 Graduate status:

Application fee: $75.00

Dieticians/nutritionists 5-64-8 Renewal fee $75.00

Dieticians/nutritionists 5-64-8 Reinstatement fee $75.00

Radiologic technologists 5-68.1-10 Application fee maximum $190.00

Licensed chemical de- 5-69-9 Application fee $75.00

pendency professionals

Licensed chemical de- 5-69-9 Renewal fee $75.00

pendency professionals

Licensed chemical 5-69-9 Application fee $75.00

Licensed chemical 5-69-9 Application fee $75.00

dependency clinical supervisor

Licensed chemical 5-69-9 Renewal fee $75.00

dependency clinical supervisor

Deaf interpreters 5-71-8(a)(3) License fee maximum $25.00

Deaf interpreters 5-71-8(a)(3) License renewal fee $25.00

Milk producers 21-2-7(g)(1) In-state milk processor $160.00

Milk producers 21-2-7(g)(2) Out-of-state milk processor - $160.00

Milk producers 21-2-7(g)(3) Milk distributors $160.00

Frozen desserts 21-9-3(1) In-state wholesale $550.00

Frozen desserts 21-9-3(2) Out-of-state wholesale $160.00

Frozen desserts 21-9-3(3) Retail frozen dess pro- $160.00

cessors

Meats 21-11-4 Wholesale $160.00

Meats 21-11-4 Retail $40.00

Shellfish packing houses 21-14-2 License fee:

Shipper/reshipper $320.00

Shellfish packing houses 21-14-2 License fee:

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Shucker packer/repacker $390.00

Non-alcoholic bottled 21-23-2 Bottler permit

beverages, drinks & juices $550.00

Non-alcoholic bottled 21-23-2 Bottle apple cider fee

beverages, drinks and juices $60.00

Farm home food manu- 21-27-6.1(4) Registration fee $65.00

facturers

Cottage Food Manu- 21-27-6.2(4) Registration fee $65.00

facturers

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(1) Food processors wholesale $300.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(2) Food processors retail $120.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(3) Food service establishments

50 seats or less $160.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(3) Food service establishments

more than 50 seats $240.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(3) Mobile food service units $100.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(3) Industrial caterer or

food vending

Machine commissary $280.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(3) Cultural heritage

educational Facility $80.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(4) Vending Machine

Location3 units or less $50.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(4) Vending Machine

Location 4-10 units $100.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(4) Vending Machine

Location = 11 units $120.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(5) Retail Mkt

1-2 cash registers $120.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(5) Retail Market

3-5 cash registers $240.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(5) Retail Market = 6

Cash registers $510.00

Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(6) Retail food peddler $100.00

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Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(7) Food warehouses $190.00

Food businesses 21-27-11.2 Certified food safety mgr $50.00

License verification fee 23-1-16.1 All license types $50.00

Tattoo and body piercing 23-1-39 Annual registration

fee: Person $90.00

Tattoo and body piercing 23-1-39 Annual registration fee:

establishment $90.00

Vital records 23-3-25(a)(1) Certificate of birth, fetal

death, death, marriage, birth,

or Certification that such

record Cannot be found $20.00

Vital records 23-3-25(a)(1) Each duplicate of

certificate of birth,

fetal death, death, marriage,

birth, or certification that

such record cannot be found $15.00

Vital records 23-3-25(a)(2) Each additional calendar

year Search, if within 3

months of original

search and if receipt of

original search presented $2.00

Vital records 23-3-25(a)(3) Expedited service $7.00

Vital records 23-3-25(a)(4) Adoptions, legitimations,

or Paternity determinations $15.00

Vital records 23-3-25(a)(5) Authorized corrections,

Alterations, and additions $10.00

Vital records 23-3-25(a)(6) Filing of delayed record

and Examination of docu-

mentary Proof $20.00

Vital records 23-3-25(a)(6) Issuance of certified copy

of a delayed record $20.00

Medical Examiner 23-4-13 Autopsy reports $40.00

Medical Examiner 23-4-13 Cremation

certificates and statistics $30.00

LC005801 - Page 13 of 23

Medical Examiner 23-4-13 Testimony in civil suits:

Minimum/day $650.00

Medical Examiner 23-4-13 Testimony in civil suits:

Maximum/day $3,250.00

Emergency medical 23-4.1-10[c] Annual fee: ambulance

technicians service maximum $540.00

Emergency medical 23-4.1-10[c] Annual fee: vehicle

technicians license maximum $275.00

Emergency medical 23-4.1-10[c] Triennial fee: EMT

technicians license maximum $120.00

Emergency medical 23-4.1-10(c)(2) Exam fee maximum: $120.00

technicians EMT

Emergency medical 23-4.1-10(c)(2) Vehicle inspection

technicians Maximum $190.00

Clinical laboratories 23-16.2-4(a) Clinical laboratory

license

per specialty $650.00

Clinical laboratories 23-16.2-4(a) Laboratory station $650.00

license

Clinical laboratories 23-16.2-4(b) Permit fee $70.00

Health care facilities 23-17-38 Hospital: base fee $16,900.00

annual

Health care facilities 23-17-38 Hospital: annual per $120.00

bed fee

Health care facilities 23-17-38 ESRD: annual fee $3,900.00

Health care facilities 23-17-38 Home nursing-care/

home-

care providers $650.00

Health care facilities 23-17-38 OACF: annual fee $650.00

Assisted living residences/ 23-17.4-15.2(d) License application fee: $220.00

administrators

Assisted living residences/ 23-17.4-15.2(d) License renewal fee: $220.00

administrators

Assisted living residences 23-17.4-31 Annual facility fee: base $330.00

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Assisted living residences 23-17.4-31 Annual facility per bed $70.00

Nursing assistant registration 23-17.9-3 Application: competency

evaluation training

program maximum $325.00

Nursing assistant registration 23-17.9-5 Application fee $35.00

Nursing assistant registration 23-17.9-5 Exam fee: skills proficiency $170.00

Nursing assistant registration 23-17.9-6 Registration fee $35.00

Nursing assistant registration 23-17.9-7 Renewal fee $35.00

Sanitarians 23-19.3-5(a) Registration fee $25.00

Sanitarians 23-19.3-5(b) Registration renewal $25.00

Massage therapy 23-20.8-3(e) Massage therapist appl fee $65.00

Massage therapy 23-20.8-3(e) Massage therapist $65.00

renewal fee

Recreational facilities 23-21-2 Application fee $160.00

Swimming pools 23-22-6 Application license:

first pool $250.00

Swimming pools 23-22-6 Additional pool

fee at same location $75.00

Swimming pools 23-22-6 Seasonal application

license: first pool $150.00

Swimming pools 23-22-6 Seasonal additional pool

fee at same location $75.00

Swimming pools 23-22-6 Year-round license

for non-profit $25.00

Swimming pools 23-22-10 Duplicate license $2.00

Swimming pools 23-22-12 Penalty for violations $50.00

Respiratory care practitioners - 23-39-11 Application fee $60.00

Respiratory care practitioners 23-39-11 Renewal fee $60.00

     SECTION 4. Chapter 5-44 of the General Laws entitled "Psychologists" is hereby amended

by adding thereto the following sections:

     5-44-9.1. Qualifications for licensed school psychologist.

     An applicant for licensure shall submit to the board written evidence satisfying the criteria

set forth herein, on forms furnished by the professional regulation unit of the department of labor

and training, verified under oath, that said applicant:

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     (1) Is of good moral character;

     (2) Has obtained an advanced graduate degree in school psychology from a regionally

accredited college or university whose school psychology program is accredited by the American

Psychological Association and/or the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and

requires at least sixty (60) graduate credits with one thousand two hundred (1,200) hours of

supervised school psychology experience;

     (3) Has three (3) years or three thousand six hundred (3,600) hours of postgraduate

supervised experience as a school psychologist;

     (4) Has passed the Educational Testing Service's School Psychology Examination as

determined by the National School Psychology Certification Board; and

     (5) Has obtained credentials as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist by the National

Association of School Psychologists.

     5-44-9.2. Scope of practice of a licensed school psychologist.

     (a) A licensed school psychologist may engage in the practice of school psychology in

public schools kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), early childhood and pre-K settings, and

private and charter schools as an employee or consultant to the local education agency or school.

Licensed school psychologists may practice outside of these settings or independent of an

employment or consulting relationship. The practice of educational psychology is the performance

of any of the following professional functions pertaining to academic learning processes or the

education system or both:

     (1) Educational evaluation.

     (2) Diagnosis of psychological disorders related to academic learning processes.

     (3) Administration of diagnostic tests related to academic learning processes including tests

of academic ability, learning patterns, achievement, motivation, and personality factors.

     (4) Interpretation of diagnostic tests related to academic learning processes including tests

of academic ability, learning patterns, achievement, motivation, and personality factors.

     (5) Providing psychological counseling for individuals, groups, and families.

     (6) Consultation with other educators and parents on issues of social development and

behavioral and academic difficulties.

     (7) Conducting psychoeducational assessments for the purposes of identifying special

needs.

     (8) Developing treatment programs and strategies to address problems of adjustment.

     (9) Coordinating intervention strategies for management of individual crises.

     (b) The board of psychology shall further define the practice of school psychology in rules

LC005801 - Page 16 of 23

and regulations.

     SECTION 5. Chapter 16-11 of the General Laws entitled "Certification of Teachers [See

Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended by adding

thereto the following sections:

     16-11-11. School psychologist graduate preparation grant program.

     (a) There is hereby established a grant program to incentivize and support the

implementation and operation of school psychologist graduate preparation programs within state-

funded institutions of higher education. This program shall be a culminating and immersive field-

supervised experience in which the primary focus is on providing high-quality experiences,

attainment of comprehensive school psychology competencies, and integration and application of

the full range of domains of school psychology. Minimum requirements for an internship shall

include:

     (1) At least one thousand two hundred (1,200) hours in duration over the course of an

academic year;

     (2) At least six hundred (600) hours of the internship shall occur in a school-based setting

as defined by national standards;

     (3) Opportunities and supervision in a broad range of direct and indirect school

psychological services; and

     (4) Supervision shall be conducted by a credentialed school psychologist or a professional

appropriately credentialed for the internship setting.

     (b) The department of education shall provide annual funding to institutions of higher

education to fill faculty vacancies in existing graduate programs in school psychology.

     (1) For institutions of higher education with existing graduate programs in school

psychology that do not have unfilled vacancies, the department shall provide funding to recruit and

supplement the costs of additional faculty to train and prepare more qualified school psychology

candidates.

     (2) The department shall work with institutions of higher education to place school

psychology interns in high needs districts, while ensuring the availability of effective and

appropriate internship supervision, and provide an annual living internship stipend that meets the

state requirements for a living wage.

     (3) The department shall forgive the school loans accrued by school psychologists in

pursuit of their degree, upon completion of five (5) years of employment in a high needs district.

     16-11-12. Reporting requirements.

     (a) The department of education ("department") shall conduct an annual collection of data

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on the number of school psychologists who are employed:

     (1) Full-time by a school or district;

     (2) Part-time by a school or district;

     (3) By an outside organization and provides school psychological services as a school

psychologist in a school or district; and

     (4) As a full- or part-time contract employee providing services as a school psychologist

in a school or district.

     (b) Data shall be:

     (1) Used to inform the department regarding high needs districts;

     (2) Used to inform the department's decision making regarding the effective use of state

funds to recruit, train, and retain school psychologists;

     (3) Used to help identify and target funding needs;

     (4) Made publicly available on the state department of education website; and

     (5) Reported annually to the general assembly and the governor.

     SECTION 6. The title of Chapter 5-63.2 of the General Laws entitled "Mental Health

Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists" is hereby amended to read as follows:

CHAPTER 5-63.2

Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists

CHAPTER 5-63.2

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS AND

LICENSED SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

     SECTION 7. Sections 5-63.2-2 and 5-63.2-9 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-63.2 entitled

"Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists" are hereby amended to read as

follows:

     5-63.2-2. Definitions.

     As used in this chapter:

     (1) "Advertise" means, but is not limited to, the issuing or causing to be distributed any

card, sign, or device to any person; or the causing, permitting, or allowing any sign or marking on

or in any building, radio, or television; or by advertising by any other means designed to secure

public attention.

     (2) "Allied field" means counselor education, psychology, marriage and family therapy,

counseling psychology, community mental health, education with a concentration in counseling or

psychology, or other field determined by the board to be an allied field. Said allied field shall

include all components of the core curriculum.

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     (2)(3) "Board" means the board of mental health counselors and marriage and family

therapists and mental health counselors.

     (3)(4) "Clinical counselor in mental health counselor" means a person who is licensed

pursuant to § 5-63.2-9, which license is in force and not suspended or revoked as of the particular

time in question.

     (5) "Clinical instruction" means all supervised course work within which the student has

the opportunity to engage in a broad range of clinical activities similar to those performed by a

licensed counselor/therapist. This instruction includes all practice and internships completed within

a student's program.

     (6) "The practice of clinical mental health counseling," in addition to the definition

contained within this section, includes the following professional services:

     (i) Promoting mental health and wellness, which includes the achievement of social,

education and career, and emotional development across the lifespan, as well as preventing and

treating mental disorders and providing crisis intervention.

     (ii) Psychotherapy, diagnosis, evaluation, administration of assessments, tests, and

appraisals, referral, and treatment of behavioral, emotional, addiction and mental disorders, and

establishment of counseling treatment plans for individuals, couples, groups, and families with

emotional, mental, addiction, cognitive, academic and physical disorders.

     (iii) Consultation and program evaluation, program administration within and to schools

and organizations, and training and supervision of interns, trainees, and pre-licensed professional

counselors through accepted and established principles, methods, procedures, and ethics of

counselor supervision.

     (iv) The practice of clinical mental health counseling does not include functions or

practices that are not within the professional's training or education.

     (7) "Department" means the Rhode Island department of health.

     (8) "Director" means the director of the Rhode Island department of health.

     (4)(9) "Internship" means a part of an organized graduate program in counseling therapy

and constitutes a supervised experience within a mental health and/or marriage and family setting.

     (10) "Licensed school psychologist" means a person who is duly licensed and which license

is in force and not suspended or revoked as of the particular time in question.

     (5)(11) "Marriage and family therapist" means a person who is licensed pursuant to § 5-

63.2-10, which license is in force and not suspended or revoked as of the particular time in question.

     (6)(12) "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, organization, or

body politic.

LC005801 - Page 19 of 23

     (7)(13) "Practice of clinical mental health counseling" means the rendering of professional

services to individuals, families, or groups for monetary compensation. These professional services

include:

     (i) Applying the principles, methods, and theories of counseling and/or psychotherapeutic

techniques to define goals and develop a treatment plan of action aimed toward the prevention,

treatment, and resolution of social, mental, and emotional dysfunction and intra or interpersonal

disorders in persons diagnosed at intake as non-psychotic and not presenting medical problems;

and

     (ii) Engaging in psychotherapy of a nonmedical nature, utilizing supervision when

appropriate, and making referrals to other psychiatric, psychological, or medical resources when

the person is diagnosed as psychotic or presenting a medical problem.

     (8)(14) "Practice of marriage and family therapy" means the rendering of professional

services to individuals, family groups, couples, or organizations for monetary compensation. These

professional services include applying principles, methods, and therapeutic techniques for the

purpose of resolving emotional conflicts; modifying perceptions and behavior; enhancing

communications and understanding among all family members; and the prevention of family and

individual crisis. Individual marriage and family therapists shall also engage in psychotherapy of a

nonmedical and non-psychotic nature with appropriate referrals to psychiatric resources.

     (15) "Practice of school psychology" or "licensed school psychologist (LSP)" means the

performance of any of the following professional functions pertaining to academic learning

processes or the education system or both: educational evaluation; diagnosis of psychological

disorders related to academic learning processes; administration of diagnostic tests related to

academic learning processes including tests of academic ability, learning patterns, achievement,

motivation, and personality factors; interpretation of diagnostic tests related to academic learning

processes including tests of academic ability, learning patterns, achievement, motivation, and

personality factors; providing psychological counseling for individuals, groups, and families;

consultation with other educators and parents on issues of social development and behavioral and

academic difficulties; conducting psychoeducational assessments for the purposes of identifying

special needs; developing treatment programs and strategies to address problems of adjustment,

and coordinating intervention strategies for management of individual crises.

     (9)(16) "Practicum" means a part of an organized graduate program in counseling therapy

and constitutes a supervised experience within the graduate counseling program.

     (10)(17) "Qualified supervision" means the supervision of clinical services in accordance

with standards established by the board under the supervision of an individual who has been

LC005801 - Page 20 of 23

recognized by the board as an approved supervisor.

     (11)(18) "Recognized educational institution" means any educational institution that grants

a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree and is recognized by the board of mental health counselors

and marriage and family therapists or a recognized postgraduate clinical training program as

specified in §§ 5-63.2-9 and 5-63.2-10.

     (12)(19) "Use a title or description of" means to hold oneself out to the public as having a

particular status by means of stating on signs, mailboxes, address plates, stationery,

announcements, calling cards, or other instruments of professional identification.

     5-63.2-9. Qualifications of licensed clinical mental health counselor associates and

licensed clinical mental health counselors Qualifications of licensed clinical mental health

counselor associates, licensed clinical mental health counselors and school psychologists.

     (a) The department shall issue the appropriate license to applicants who meet the

qualifications in this section.

     (1) Prerequisites for licensure of a clinical mental health counselor associate. A license as

a "clinical mental health counselor associate" shall be issued to an applicant who meets the

following qualifications:

     (i) Is of good character;

     (ii) Has received a graduate degree specializing in counseling/therapy from a college or

university accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, or an equivalent

regional accrediting agency, and that has the approval by a cognizable national or regional

certifying authority;

     (iii) Has completed sixty (60) semester hours or ninety (90) quarter hours within his or her

graduate counseling/therapy program; and

     (iv) Has completed a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours or eighteen (18) quarter hours

of supervised practicum and a minimum of one calendar year of supervised internship consisting

of twenty (20) hours per week, or its equivalent, with emphasis in mental health counseling

supervised by the department within the college or university granting the requisite degree or by an

accredited postgraduate clinical training program recognized by the United States Department of

Education, or education and/or experience that is deemed equivalent by the board.

     (2) Prerequisites for licensure of a clinical mental health counselor. A license as a "clinical

mental health counselor" shall be issued to an applicant who meets the following qualifications:

     (i) Has completed a minimum of two (2) years of relevant postgraduate experience,

including at least two thousand (2,000) hours of direct client contact offering clinical or counseling

or therapy services with emphasis in mental health counseling subsequent to being awarded a

LC005801 - Page 21 of 23

master's degree, certificate of advanced graduate study, or doctorate;

     (ii) Has a minimum of one hundred (100) hours of post-degree supervised case work spread

over a two-year (2) period; provided, that the supervision was provided by a person who, at the

time of rendering the supervision, was recognized by the board as an approved supervisor; and

     (iii) Has passed, to the satisfaction of the board, an examination conducted by it to

determine the applicant's qualification for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor or is

applying for licensure under the provisions of § 5-63.2-15.

     (3) A license as a "licensed school psychologist" shall be issued to an applicant who meets

the following qualifications:

     (i) Filed an application for licensure with all required supporting materials;

     (ii) Has received an advanced level degree in school psychology from a program accredited

by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), or equivalent, and successfully

completed one thousand two hundred (1,200) hours of appropriately supervised practice; and

     (iii) Shall only practice within the scope of competency, and adherence to the Code of

Ethics, set forth by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

     (b) Provisional permit holders may request from the board a one year extension. Such an

extension may be granted at the discretion of the board upon review of the applicant's

circumstances. This extension shall only be granted once.

     (b)(c) A candidate shall be held to have qualified for licensure as a clinical mental health

counselor associate, or a clinical mental health counselor upon the affirmative vote of at least four

(4) members of the board, two (2) of whom must be mental health counselors on the board.

     SECTION 8. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PSYCHOLOGISTS

***

     This act would include licensed school psychologists under the provisions of the general

laws governing the regulations of psychologists and would expand the licensing of school

psychologists for independent practice.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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