This bill addresses the licensure and practice of school psychologists in Rhode Island, aiming to improve access to mental health professionals in schools. It includes licensed school psychologists under the regulations governing psychologists and expands their licensing for independent practice.

The legislation introduces new definitions related to school psychology, establishes specific criteria for licensure, including advanced graduate degrees, supervised experience, and relevant examinations. It expands the scope of practice for licensed school psychologists to include educational evaluations and the diagnosis of psychological disorders related to academic learning processes.

Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program to support the implementation of school psychologist graduate preparation programs within state-funded institutions of higher education. It mandates the Department of Education to conduct an annual collection of data on the employment status of school psychologists, which will be used to inform decision-making regarding the effective use of state funds to recruit, train, and retain school psychologists, particularly in high-need districts.

The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5556: 23-1-54