The proposed bill aims to expand the scope of practice for psychology technicians by removing the previous limitations that restricted their employment solely to neuropsychology. It allows psychology technicians to be employed by licensed psychologists or healthcare facilities and outlines specific areas in which they can practice under supervision. The bill amends existing laws to clarify that technicians may engage in the administration and scoring of standardized psychological tests, manualized cognitive intervention services, and fitness-to-proceed examinations, while prohibiting them from conducting intake assessments, interpreting patient data, or communicating test results directly to patients.

Additionally, the bill introduces new training requirements for technicians, mandating a minimum of eighty hours of documented training in various areas, including professional ethics and direct observation of test administration. It also establishes that supervising psychologists can only oversee a limited number of technicians at one time and ensures that technicians are aware of their limited roles in psychological examinations. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the reimbursement of services provided by technicians under Arkansas Medicaid and health benefit plans, thereby enhancing the integration of technicians into the psychological services framework.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1257 Original - 1-27-2025 02:52 PM: 17-97-401(a), 17-97-402(a), 17-97-402(d), 17-97-402(g), 17-97-405(a), 17-97-405(c), 17-97-405, 17-97-406(a), 17-97-406(d)
Old version HB1257 V2 - 2-19-2025 11:00 AM: 17-97-401(a), 17-97-402(a), 17-97-402(d), 17-97-402(g), 17-97-403, 17-97-405(a), 17-97-405(c), 17-97-405, 17-97-406(a), 17-97-406(d)
Old version HB1257 V3 - 3-18-2025 02:06 PM: 17-97-401(a), 17-97-402(a), 17-97-402(d), 17-97-402(g), 17-97-403, 17-97-405(a), 17-97-405(c), 17-97-405, 17-97-406(a), 17-97-406(d)
HB 1257: 17-97-401(a), 17-97-402(a), 17-97-402(d), 17-97-402(g), 17-97-405(a), 17-97-405(c), 17-97-405, 17-97-406(a), 17-97-406(d)
Act 434: 17-97-401(a), 17-97-402(a), 17-97-402(d), 17-97-402(g), 17-97-403, 17-97-405(a), 17-97-405(c), 17-97-405, 17-97-406(a), 17-97-406(d)