TITLE examining-boards

Part XVIII. Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Chapter 378. Continuing Education

22 TAC §378.8

The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners proposes an amendment to §378.8 concerning Inactive License Status. The amendments are being proposed to clarify the requirements for having an inactive license.

Allen M. Hymans, Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering these sections.

Mr. Hymans has also determined that for each year for the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be the understanding that the renewal fee must still be paid each year even if you are on inactive status. There will be no cost to small or large businesses and/or individuals.

Comments on or about the proposal may be submitted to Janie Alonzo, Staff Services Officer I, Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, P.O. Box 12216, Austin, Texas, 78711-2216.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4568(j), which provides the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners with the authority to adopt all reasonable or necessary rules, regulations, and by-laws not inconsistent with the law regulating the practice of podiatric medicine, the laws of this state, or of the United States; to govern its proceedings and activities, the regulation of the practice of podiatric medicine, and the enforcement of the law regulating the practice of podiatric medicine.

The proposed amendments implement the Podiatric Medical Practice Act, Article 4571, Section 7.

§378.8.Inactive License Status.

(a)

A licensee may place a license on inactive status by applying for inactive status in writing to [ on a form prescribed by ] the Board before the date of the expiration of the license and by complying with all license renewal requirements , which includes payment of annual renewal fee each year [ other than the continuing education requirements ].

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 7, 1999.

TRD-9900053

Janie Alonzo

Staff Services Officer I

Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7000


Chapter 382. Radiologic Technologists

22 TAC §382.4

The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners proposes an amendment to §382.4 concerning Non-Certified Podiatric Technician's Scope of Practice. The amendment is being proposed to delete the section that states that the podiatric physician must be physically present on the premises.

Allen M. Hymans, Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Mr. Hymans has also determined that for each year for the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be knowing who must be present during the procedure. There will be no cost to small or large businesses, and/or individuals.

Comments on or about the proposal may be submitted to Janie Alonzo, Staff Services Officer I, Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, P.O. Box 12216, Austin, Texas, 78711-2216.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4568(j), which provides the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners with the authority to adopt all reasonable or necessary rules, regulations, and by-laws not inconsistent with the law regulating the practice of podiatric medicine, the laws of this state, or of the United States; to govern its proceedings and activities, the regulation of the practice of podiatric medicine, and the enforcement of the law regulating the practice of podiatric medicine.

No other code, statute or article are affected by this rule change.

§382.4.Non-Certified Podiatric Technician's Scope of Practice.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

A registrant shall perform radiological procedures only under the supervision of a podiatric physician [ physically present on the premises ].

(c)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 7, 1999.

TRD-9900054

Janie Alonzo

Staff Services Officer I

Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7000


22 TAC §382.7

The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners proposes new §382.7 concerning Continuing Medical Education Requirements. The new rule is being proposed to set up guidelines for the continuing medical education requirements.

Allen M. Hymans, Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Mr. Hymans has also determined that for each year for the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be knowing that the technicians are receiving continued training. There will be no cost to small or large businesses. There will be a cost to the individuals who are registered and must take the continuing education courses in order to comply with the new section.

Comments on or about the proposal may be submitted to Janie Alonzo, Staff Services Officer I, Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, P.O. Box 12216, Austin, Texas, 78711-2216.

The new section is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4568(j), which provides the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners with the authority to adopt all reasonable or necessary rules, regulations, and by-laws not inconsistent with the law regulating the practice of podiatric medicine, the laws of this state, or of the United States; to govern its proceedings and activities, the regulation of the practice of podiatric medicine, and the enforcement of the law regulating the practice of podiatric medicine.

No other code, statute or article are affected by this rule change.

§382.7.Continuing Medical Education Requirements.

(a)

Non-certified radiologic technicians must complete four hours of CME every two years to include training in radiation safety and current developments as well as radiographic procedures in the podiatric office.

(b)

Schools or organizations that have been certified to instruct the 20 hour certification program through the Texas Department of Health, shall be approved to conduct the continuing medical education.

(c)

Qualified instructors who have been approved to instruct the 20 hour certification program through the Texas Department of Health, shall be approved to conduct the continuing medical education.

(d)

Approved organizations are required to issue to each student who successfully completes the program, a certificate of completion listing the student's name, program name and date of completion. It is the responsibility of the non-certified podiatric medical radiologic technician and the podiatric physician for whom they are working to provide a copy of this certificate of completion to the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 7, 1999.

TRD-9900055

Janie Alonzo

Staff Services Officer I

Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7000


Part XXI. Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Chapter 463. Applications

22 TAC §463.6

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes an amendment to §463.6, concerning Experience. The amendment is being proposed in order to clarify that as required by §21(a)(2) of the Psychologists' Licensing Act, at least one year of the two years of supervised experience required to qualify for licensure, must have been received by an applicant after the date on which the applicant's doctoral degree was conferred; to indicate the acceptable titles for those individuals under supervision; and to require that those receiving psychological services be informed of an individual's supervisory status.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the section.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be to enable licensees and consumers of psychological services to better understand and examine the training requirements for licensed psychologists. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted by March 8, 1999, to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512c, which provide the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed amendment does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§463.6. Supervised Experience Required for Licensure as a Psychologist.

In order to qualify for licensure, a psychologist must submit proof of two years of supervised experience, at least one year of which must have been received after the doctoral degree was officially conferred and at least one year of which must have been a formal internship which meets the requirements set forth in paragraphs (2) or (3) of this section. The formal internship year may be met either before or after the doctoral degree is conferred.

(1)

General. All supervised experience for licensure as a psychologist, including the formal internship, must meet the following requirements:

(A)-(M)

(No change.)

(N)

The supervisee shall be designated by a title that clearly indicates a supervisory licensing status such as "intern," "resident," "trainee," or "fellow." An individual who is a provisionally licensed psychologist may use this title so long as those receiving psychological services are clearly informed that the individual is under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

(O)

The supervisee and supervisor must clearly inform those receiving psychological services as to the supervisory status of the individual and how the patient or client may contact the supervising licensed psychologist directly.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 6, 1999.

TRD-9900042

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


22 TAC §463.28

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes an amendment to §463.28, concerning Time Limit on Examination Failures and Passing Scores. The amendment is being proposed in order to reflect a time limit on the validity of an applicant's score on the Board's Jurisprudence examination.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the section.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be to ensure that the public receive psychological services from the most qualified individuals. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed other than to pay the fee to take the examination again if the time limit on the previous passing score has expired.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted by March 8, 1999, to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512c, which provide the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed amendment does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§463.28. Time Limit on Examination [ Exam ] Failures and Passing Scores .

(a)

Applicants must successfully pass all examinations required of them within three years of the first examination date immediately following the date they are approved to sit for each exam. Failure to do so will result in termination of application. The Board may adjust this requirement within 10 days to provide flexibility in the Board's scheduling of examinations.

(b)

For the purpose of fulfilling application requirements for licensure, a passing score on the Board's Jurisprudence examination is valid for only four years, unless the applicant has other active licensure with the Board at the time the application is received by the Board.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 6, 1999.

TRD-9900043

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


22 TAC §463.31

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes new §463.31, concerning Temporary Privileges to Practice Psychology in Texas. The new rule is being proposed in order to reorganize and clarify the rules of the Board.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be to make the rule easier for licensees and the general public to follow and understand. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted by March 8, 1999, to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The new rule is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512c, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed new rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§463.31. Temporary Privileges to Practice Psychology in Texas.

A person licensed as a psychologist and in good standing in another state, may perform psychological services with individuals, groups, or organizations within the State of Texas for a period of time not to exceed 30 days within a calendar year. Persons applying for temporary privileges must apply in writing to the Board at least 30 days prior to the expected working days in Texas. The petition for temporary privileges must include but shall not be limited to psychological services to be performed; the specific dates of the psychological services; and documentation of credentials. Any psychologist granted temporary privileges must abide by the rules and regulations of the Board during the period the privileges are in effect. This rule does not apply to those persons who reside or who are in the process of establishing residence in Texas or who provide psychological services primarily in Texas. This rule cannot be used as an entry or vehicle for entry to certification or licensure in Texas.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 6, 1999.

TRD-9900044

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


Chapter 465. Rules of Practice

22 TAC §§465.1, 465.2, 465.7, 465.10, 465.11, 465.13, 465.14, 465.22, 465.23, 465.33, 465.36

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes the repeal of §§465.1, 465.2, 465.7, 465.10, 465.11, 465.13, 465.14, 465.22, 465.23, 465.33 and 465.36 concerning Rules of Practice. The repeals are being proposed in order to reorganize the rules of the Board.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeals are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeals.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the repeals are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the repeals will be to make the rules easier for licensees and the general public to follow and understand. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeals as proposed.

Comments on the proposals may be submitted by March 8, 1999, to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The repeals are proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512c, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed repeals do not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§465.1. Listings.

§465.2. Supervision of Psychological Services.

§465.7. Status of Psychological Associates/Certified Psychologists.

§465.10. Applicability of the Act and Rules of the Board to Licensees.

§465.11. Termination of Employment.

§465.13. Disposition of Practice by a Psychologist or by the Estate of a Psychologist.

§465.14. Display of License and Renewal Permit.

§465.22. Psychological Records.

§465.23. Temporary Privileges to Practice Psychology in Texas.

§465.33. Sexual Intimacies and Sexual Harassment.

§465.36. Ethics Code.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 6, 1999.

TRD-9900045

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


22 TAC §§465.1, 465.2, 465.5-465.22, 465.25, 465.26, 465.29, 465.32-465.37

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes new §§465.1, 465.2, 465.5-465.22, 465.25, 465.26, 465.29, and 465.32-465.37, concerning Rules of Practice. The new rules are being proposed in order to reorganize and clarify the rules of the Board.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be to make the rules easier for licensees and the general public to follow and understand. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed.

Comments on the proposals may be submitted by March 8, 1999, to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The new rules are proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512c, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed new rules do not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§465.1. Definitions.

The following terms have the following meanings:

(1)

"Client" has the same meaning as "patient."

(2)

"Dual Relationship" means a situation where a licensee and another individual have both a professional relationship and a non-professional relationship. Dual relationships include, but are not limited to, personal friendships, business or financial interactions, mutual club or social group activities, family or marital ties or sexual relationships.

(3)

"Forensic psychology" is the provision of psychological services involving a court of law or the legal system. The provision of forensic psychological services includes any and all preliminary and exploratory services, testing, assessments, evaluations, interviews, examinations, depositions, oral or written reports, live or recorded testimony, or any psychological service provided by a licensee concerning a current or potential legal case at the request of a party or potential party, an attorney for a party, or a court, or any other individual or entity, regardless of whether the licensee ultimately provides a report or testimony that is utilized in a trial or hearing.

(4)

"Informed Consent" means consent by the patient, client and other recipients of psychological services only after the patient, client or other recipient has been made aware of the purpose and nature of the services to be provided, including but not limited to: the specific goals of the services; the procedures to be utilized to deliver the services; possible side effects of the services, if applicable; alternate choices to the services, if applicable; the possible duration of the services; the confidentiality of and relevant limits thereto; all financial policies, including the cost and methods of payment; and any provisions for cancellation of and payments for missed appointments; and right of access of the patient, client or other recipient to the records of the services.

(5)

"Licensee" means a licensed psychologist, provisionally licensed psychologist, licensed psychological associate, licensed specialist in school psychology, applicants to the Board, and any other individual over whom the Board has the authority to discipline under these Rules.

(6)

"Multiple Relationship" means any relationship between a licensee and another individual involving a professional relationship and more than one non-professional relationship.

(7)

"Patient" means a person who consults or is interviewed by a licensee for a diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of any mental or emotional condition or disorder of that person regardless of whether the patient or some other individual or entity paid for the consultation or interview.

(8)

"Professional relationship" is any relationship between a licensee and another individual, group or organization in which the licensee delivers psychological services to the individual, group, or organization.

(9)

"Professional standards" are determined by the Board through its rules, regulations, policies and any other sources adopted by the Board.

(10)

"Provision of psychological services" means any use by a licensee of his or her education or training in psychology in the context of a professional relationship. Psychological services include, but are not limited to, therapy, diagnosis, testing, assessments, evaluation, treatment, counseling, supervision, consultation, providing forensic opinions, rendering a professional opinion, performing research, or teaching to an individual, group, or organization.

(11)

"Records" are any information, regardless of the format in which it is maintained, that can be used to document the delivery, progress or results of any psychological services including, but not limited to, data identifying a recipient of services, dates of services, types of services, fees and fee schedules, assessments, treatment plans, consultations, session notes, test results, reports, release forms obtained from a client or patient or any other individual or entity, and records concerning a patient or client obtained by the licensee from other sources.

(12)

"Report" includes any written or oral assessment, recommendation, psychological diagnostic or evaluative statement containing the professional judgment or opinion of a licensee.

(13)

"Sexual Relationship" has the definition set forth in §465.33(c) of this title (relating to Improper Sexual Conduct).

(14)

"Test data" refers to testing materials, test booklets, test forms, test protocols and answer sheets used in psychological testing to generate test results and test reports.

§465.2. Supervision.

(a)

A licensee is responsible for the professional supervision of all individuals that the licensee employs or utilizes to provide psychological services of any kind.

(b)

Licensees provide an adequate level of supervision to all individuals under their supervision according to accepted professional standards given the experience, skill and training of the supervisee and the type of psychological services.

(c)

Licensees must be competent to perform any psychological services being provided under their supervision.

(d)

Licensees shall document their supervision activities in writing.

(e)

Licensees delegate only those responsibilities that supervisees may legally and competently perform.

(f)

Licensees utilize methods of supervision that enable the licensee to monitor all delegated services for legal, competent, and ethical performance.

(g)

For purposes of this rule, the term "supervision" does not apply to the supervision of purely administrative or employment matters.

§465.5. Status of Licensed Psychological Associates and Provisionally Licensed Psychologists.

Licensed psychological associates and provisionally licensed psychologists must be under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and may not engage in independent practice.

§465.6. Listings & Advertisements.

(a)

Listings.

(1)

Licensees providing supervision and any individuals practicing under that supervision are responsible for ensuring that all materials relating to the practice of psychology upon which the supervisee's name or signature appears must indicate the supervisory capacity of the supervisee and the name of the licensee providing the supervision.

(2)

Supervisory capacity must be indicated by one of the following:

(A)

Supervised by (name of supervising licensee);

(B)

Under the supervision of (name of supervising licensee);

(C)

The following persons are under the supervision of (name of supervising licensee); or

(D)

Supervisee of (name of supervising licensee).

(3)

Only licensed psychologist may be listed in telephone directories under the title of "Psychologists."

(b)

Public Statements & Advertising.

(1)

Licensees shall not make public statements that are false, deceptive, misleading or fraudulent, either because of what they state, convey or suggest or because of what they omit concerning the practice of psychology or their own training, experience or competence; their academic degrees; their credentials; their institutional or association affiliations; publications or research.

(2)

Licensees who learn of false or deceptive statements about their practice of psychology or their status as providers of psychological services make reasonable efforts to correct such statements.

(3)

Licensees do not solicit testimonials from current therapy clients or patients or from other persons who are vulnerable to undue influence.

(4)

Licensees do not engage, directly or through agents, in uninvited in-person solicitation of business from actual or potential therapy patients or clients.

§465.7. Display of License/Renewal Permit.

Licensees must display the original license or an official duplicate issued by the Board and the current renewal permit in a conspicuous place in the principal office where the licensee practices. Any reproduction displayed in lieu of those cited in this section is unauthorized by the Board.

§465.8. Psychological Services Are Provided Within a Defined Relationship.

Licensees provide psychological services only in the context of a defined professional relationship.

§465.9. Competency.

(a)

Licensees provide only services for which they have the education, skills, and training to perform competently.

(b)

Competency includes the ability to provide services concerning a specific individual that takes into account characteristics of that individual including age, gender, ethnicity, national origin, disability, language, and socio-economic status.

(c)

Licensees maintain current knowledge of scientific and professional information that ensures competency in any area in which they provide services.

(d)

Licensees provide services in an unfamiliar area or involving new techniques only after first undertaking appropriate study and training, including supervision, and/or consultation from a professional competent to provide such services.

(e)

In emerging areas in which generally recognized standards for preparatory training do not exist, licensees take reasonable steps to ensure the competence of their work and to protect patients, clients, research participants, and other affected individuals from the potential for harm.

(f)

Licensees are responsible for ensuring that all individuals practicing under their supervision are competent to perform those services.

(g)

Licensees who delegate performance of certain services such as test scoring are responsible for ensuring that the entity to whom the delegation is made is competent to perform those services.

(h)

Licensees who lack the competency to provide particular psychological services to a specific individual must withdraw and refer the individual to a competent appropriate service provider.

§465.10. Basis for Scientific and Professional Judgments.

Licensees rely on scientifically and professionally derived knowledge when making professional judgments.

§465.11. Informed Consent/Describing Psychological Services.

(a)

Licensees obtain informed consent concerning all services they intend to provide to the patient, client or other recipient(s) of the psychological services prior to initiating the services, using language that is reasonably understandable to the recipients unless consent is precluded by applicable federal or state law.

(b)

Licensees provide appropriate information as needed during the course of the services about changes in the nature of the services to the patient client or other recipient(s) of the services using language that is reasonable understandable to the recipient to ensure informed consent.

(c)

Licensees provide appropriate information as needed, during the course of the services to the patient client and other recipient(s) and afterward if requested, to explain the results and conclusions reached concerning the services using language that is reasonably understandable to the recipient(s).

(d)

When a licensee agrees to provide services to a person, group or organization at the request of a third party, the licensee clarifies to all of the parties the nature of the relationship between the licensee and each party at the outset of the service and at any time during the services that the circumstances change. This clarification includes the role of the licensee with each party, the probable uses of the services and the results of the services, and all potential limits to the confidentiality between the recipient(s) of the services and the licensee.

(e)

When a licensee agrees to provide services to several persons who have a relationship, such as spouses, couples, parents and children, or in group therapy, the licensee clarifies at the outset the professional relationship between the licensee and each of the individuals involved, including the probable use of the services and information obtained, confidentiality, expectations of each participant, and the access of each participant to records generated in the course of the services.

(f)

At any time that a licensee knows or should know that he or she may be called on to perform potentially conflicting roles (such as martial counselor to husband and wife, and then witness for one party in a divorce proceeding), the licensee explains the potential conflict to all affected parties and adjusts or withdraws from all professional services in accordance with Board rules and applicable state and federal law.

(g)

When persons are legally incapable of giving informed consent, licensees obtain informed consent from any individual legally designated to provide substitute consent.

(h)

When informed consent is precluded by law, the licensee describes the nature and purpose of all services, as well as the confidentiality of the services and all applicable limits thereto, that he or she intends to provide to the patient, client, or other recipient(s) of the psychological services prior to initiating the services using language that is reasonably understandable to the recipient(s).

§465.12. Privacy and Confidentiality.

(a)

Licensees utilize business practices and provide services in a manner that safeguards the privacy and confidentiality of patients and clients.

(b)

Licensees must inform their patients or clients about confidentiality and foreseeable limitations on confidentiality created by existing and reasonably foreseeable circumstances prior to the commencement of services.

(c)

Licensees keep patients and clients informed of all changes in circumstances affecting confidentiality as they arise.

(d)

Licensees comply with Chapter 611 of the Texas Health & Safety Code and all other state and federal law applicable to patient/client confidentiality.

(e)

Licensees disclose confidential information without the consent of a patient or client only in compliance with applicable state and federal law.

(f)

Licensees who release confidential records relating to a patient or client that also contain confidential information relating to a second patient or client that the licensee obtained through the provision of services to that second individual, and who lack consent or other legal authority to disclose the second individual's identity and/or records, must remove all identifying and confidential information relating to the second individual before releasing the records.

(g)

Licensees may share information for consultation purposes without a consent only to the extent necessary to achieve the purposes of the consultation and excluding information that could lead to the identification of the patient or client.

(h)

Licensees shall not require a patient or client to waive a legal right to confidentiality as a condition of providing services.

§465.13. Personal Problems, Conflicts & Dual Relationships.

(a)

In General.

(1)

Licensees refrain from providing services when they know or should know that their personal problems or a lack of objectivity have the potential to impair their competency or harm a patient, client, colleague, student, supervisee, research participant, or other person with whom they have a professional relationship.

(2)

Licensees seek professional assistance for any personal problems, including alcohol or substance use, that have the potential to impair their competency.

(3)

Licensees do not exploit persons over whom they have supervisory evaluative, or other authority such as students, supervisees, employees, research participants, and clients or patients.

(4)

Licensees refrain from entering into any professional relationship which conflicts with their ability to comply with all Board rules applicable to other existing professional relationships.

(5)

Licensees who find themselves in a professional relationship that conflicts with other professional relationships to the extent that the licensee cannot comply with all applicable Board rules relating to each of the professional relationships must withdraw from any and all relationships to prevent the conflict(s).

(b)

Dual Relationships.

(1)

A licensee must refrain from entering into or agreeing to enter into a dual relationship with a client, patient, supervisee, student or any other individuals if it appears that such a relationship has the potential to impair the licensee's objectivity or otherwise interfere with the licensee's ability to effectively and competently provide psychological services or has any other potential to harm or exploit the other party.

(2)

A licensee must refrain from a professional relationship where pre-existing personal, financial, professional, or other relationships have the potential to impair the licensee's objectivity or have any other potential to harm or exploit the other party.

(3)

Licensees do not have sexual relationships with a client or patient.

(4)

Licensees do not provide psychological services to an individual with whom they have had sexual relationships.

(5)

Licensees do not have sexual relationships with persons over whom they have supervisory, evaluative or other authority, including students, trainees or supervisees.

(6)

Licensees do not terminate the delivery of psychological services with an individual in order to engage in a sexual relationship with that person.

(7)

A licensee considering a professional relationship that would result in a dual or multiple relationship shall take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional consultation or assistance, to determine whether there is a risk that the dual relationship could impair the licensee's objectivity or cause harm to the other party. If potential for impairment or harm exists, the licensee shall not provide services regardless of the wishes of the other party.

(8)

A licensee in a potentially harmful dual or multiple relationship must cease to provide psychological services to the other party, regardless of the wishes of that party.

§465.14. Misuse of Licensees' Services.

(a)

Licensees decline to offer services when limitations or conditions are placed on their work by the patient or client or third parties which could foreseeably cause the licensee to violate a Board rule.

(b)

If licensees become aware of misuse or misrepresentation of their services or the results of their services, they take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation.

§465.15. Fees and Financial Arrangements.

(a)

General Requirements.

(1)

Before the provision of any services, the licensee and the recipient of psychological services reach an agreement specifying the compensation and billing arrangements.

(2)

If services are not paid for as agreed, the licensee shall not utilize a collection agency or legal measures to collect the fees until after the licensee has first informed the affected party that such measures will be taken and the party has been provided with a reasonable opportunity to make prompt payment.

(3)

Licensees shall not withhold records solely because payment has not been received unless specifically permitted by law.

(4)

In their reports to third-party payors for services, licensees accurately state the nature, date and amount of the services provided, the fees, and the identity of the individual(s) who actually provided the services.

(b)

Ethical & Legal Aspects.

(1)

Licensees do not engage in fraudulent billing.

(2)

Licensees do not misrepresent their fees.

(3)

Licensees do not overcharge or otherwise exploit recipients of services or payors with respect to fees.

(4)

Licensees do not receive payments or divide fees with another health care provider for professional referrals.

(5)

A licensee does not participate in bartering if it is clinically contraindicated or the relationship has the potential to create an exploitative or harmful dual relationship.

§465.16. Evaluation, Assessment, Testing, and Reports.

(a)

Scope & Purpose.

(1)

Before performing evaluations, testing and assessments, licensees clearly define the purposes and scope to the subject(s) of the evaluations, testing and/or assessments.

(2)

Licensees produce reports consistent with and which clearly state the purpose and scope of the evaluations, testing and/or assessments.

(b)

Reliability & Validity.

(1)

Licensees produce or co-sign only assessments, recommendations, reports or psychological diagnostic or evaluative statements that are based on information and techniques sufficient to provide appropriate substantiation for the findings.

(2)

Licensees administer, score, interpret or use assessment techniques or tests only if they are familiar with the reliability, validation and related standardization or outcome studies of, and proper applications and use of, the techniques they use.

(3)

Licensees who administer, score, interpret or utilize psychological assessment techniques, tests or instruments do so in a manner and for purposes for which there are professional or scientific bases.

(4)

Licensees do not base their assessment or intervention decisions or recommendations on data or test results that are outdated for the current purpose.

(5)

Licensees do not base decisions or recommendations on tests and measures that are obsolete or not useful for the current purpose.

(c)

Limitations.

(1)

Licensees include all information that provides the basis for their findings in any report in which they make findings or diagnoses about an individual.

(2)

Licensees identify limits to the certainty with which diagnoses, judgments, or predictions can be made about individuals.

(3)

Licensees identify various test factors and characteristics of the person being assessed that might affect their professional judgment or reduce the accuracy of their interpretations when interpreting assessment results, including automated interpretations.

(4)

Licensees include any significant reservations they have about the accuracy or limitations of their interpretations or findings in any report they produce.

(d)

Test Security & Validity. Licensees conduct testing and maintain and release test protocols and data in a secure manner that does not compromise the validity of the test.

§465.17. Therapy and Counseling.

(a)

Imbalances of Power.

(1)

Licensees who engage in therapy or counseling recognize the actual or perceived power or undue influence they hold over current and former patients and clients.

(2)

Licensees are presumed to have power and influence over former therapy or counseling patients or clients.

(3)

Licensees do not engage in sexual relationships with, employ, enter into business with or otherwise exploit any former patient or client over whom they have actual or perceived power or undue influence created through a therapeutic relationship.

(b)

Treatment plans.

(1)

Licensees create specific treatment plans that include, at a minimum, agreed upon goals of the treatment, the techniques to be used, and the tentative duration of the treatment for any therapy or counseling that they provide.

(2)

Licensees explain the treatment plan to all recipients of the therapy or counseling before commencing the services.

(3)

Licensees alter the treatment plan when clinically indicated.

(4)

Licensees confer with the recipient(s) concerning significant alterations in the treatment plan.

§465.18. Forensic Services.

(a)

In General.

(1)

A licensee who provides services concerning a matter which the licensee knows or should know will be utilized in a legal proceeding, such as a child custody determination or a divorce, must comply with all applicable Board rules concerning forensic services regardless of whether the licensee is acting as a factual witness or an expert.

(2)

Licensees who engage in forensic services must have demonstrated appropriate knowledge of and competence in all underlying areas of psychology about which they provide such services.

(3)

All forensic opinions, reports, assessments, and recommendations rendered by a licensee must be based on information and techniques sufficient to provide appropriate substantiation for each finding.

(4)

A licensee who provides forensic services must comply with all other applicable Board rules and state and federal law relating to the underlying areas of psychology relating to those services.

(b)

Limitation on Services.

(1)

A licensee who is asked to provide an opinion concerning an area or matter about which the licensee does not have the appropriate knowledge and competency to render a professional opinion shall decline to render that opinion.

(2)

A licensee who is asked to provide an opinion concerning a specific matter for which the licensee lacks sufficient information to render a professional opinion shall decline to render that opinion unless the required information is provided.

(3)

A licensee shall not render a written or oral opinion about the psychological characteristics of an individual without conducting an examination of the individual unless the opinion contains a statement that the licensee did not conduct an examination of the individual.

(4)

A written or oral opinion about the psychological characteristics of an individual rendered by a licensee who did not conduct an examination of that individual must contain clarification of the extent to which this limits the reliability and validity of the opinion and the conclusions and recommendations of the licensee.

(5)

When seeking or receiving court appointment for a forensic assessment, a licensee specifically avoids accepting both appointment for evaluation and therapeutic intervention for the same case. A licensee provides services in one but not both capacities in the same case.

(c)

Describing the Nature of Services. Licensees who interview or examine an individual for purposes of providing forensic services must first inform the individual of the specific purpose of the interview or examination, the party on whose behalf they are performing the services, the use to which the information gathered will be put and who will have access to the results.

§465.19. Teaching.

(a)

Education & Training Programs.

(1)

Licensees participating in education and training programs work only in programs that are competently designed, provide the proper experiences and meet the requirements for licensure, certification, or other goals for which claims are made by the program.

(2)

Licensees responsible for education and training programs provide current and accurate description of the program content, training goals and objectives, and requirements that must be met for satisfactory completion of the programs.

(3)

Licensees provide course outlines that accurately describe the subject matter to be covered, bases for evaluating progress and the nature of course experiences.

(4)

Licensees providing documentation of education or trainee experiences of applicants for licensure provide accurate and complete information.

(b)

Relationships with students and trainees.

(1)

Licensees who engage in teaching or training recognize the power they hold over students or trainees.

(2)

Licensees do not engage in conduct that exploits or demeans students or trainees.

(3)

Licensees establish an appropriate process for providing feedback to students and trainees.

(4)

Licensees do not permit students or trainees to provide services that they are not competent to perform.

(5)

Licensees evaluate students and trainees on the basis of their actual performance on relevant and established program requirements.

(6)

Licensees do not engage in sexual relationships with students or trainees.

§465.20. Research.

(a)

Conducting Research.

(1)

Licensees who conduct research involving human research participants must obtain informed consent which includes risks, discomfort, adverse effects, limitations on confidentiality including anticipated sharing or use of personally identifiable research data and of the possibility of unanticipated future uses, as well as any aspects about which the prospective participants inquire.

(2)

Licensees shall conduct all research involving animals in a humane manner which minimizes the discomfort, infection, illness and pain of animal subjects. A procedure subjecting animals to pain, stress or privation is used only when an alternative procedure is unavailable and the goal is justified by its prospective scientific, education or applied value.

(b)

Research results.

(1)

Psychologists do not fabricate data or falsify results in their publications.

(2)

Licensees who discover significant errors in their published data take all reasonable steps to correct such errors.

(3)

Licensees do not present substantial portions or elements of another individual's research work or data as their own.

(4)

Licensees take responsibility and credit, including authorship credit, only for work they have actually performed or to which they have contributed.

§465.21. Termination of Services.

(a)

Licensees do not abandon patients or clients.

(b)

Withdrawal from a professional relationship in compliance with Board rules to avoid a prohibited dual relationship is not abandonment of a patient or client.

(c)

Licensees terminate a professional relationship when it becomes reasonably clear that the patient or client no longer needs the service, is not benefiting or is being harmed by continued service.

(d)

Prior to termination of a professional relationship for any reason, the licensee takes all reasonable steps to facilitate transfer of responsibility for the patient or client to a qualified service provider if necessary to prevent physical or emotional harm and, if not precluded by the patient or client's conduct, provides appropriate pre-termination counseling and referrals.

(e)

Licensees who are required to interrupt services of a professional relationship for any reason shall make arrangements for provision of any services to all patients or clients required during the interruption.

(f)

Termination of employment with agencies or organizations.

(1)

When entering into employment or contractual relationships, licensees provide for orderly and appropriate resolution of responsibility for patient or client care in the event that the employment or contractual relationship ends, with paramount consideration given to the welfare of the patient or client.

(2)

Licensees who are employed by an organization or agency to provide psychological services must, upon termination of that employment, work with the employer to facilitate access to records of all services provided by the licensee to patients or clients as otherwise required by Board rules and applicable law.

(3)

Licensees who are employed by an organization or agency to provide psychological services must, upon termination of that employment, work with the employer to facilitate transfer of clients or patients who are continuing to receive services from the agency or organization to another qualified service provider.

§465.22. Psychological Records, Test Data & Test Protocols.

(a)

General Requirements.

(1)

All licensees shall create and maintain accurate, current, and pertinent records of all psychological services rendered by or under the supervision of the licensee.

(2)

All records shall be sufficient to permit planning for continuity in the event that another care provider takes over delivery of services to a patient or client for any reason, including the death, disability or retirement of the licensee and to permit adequate regulatory and administrative review of the psychological service.

(3)

All licensees shall identify impressions and tentative conclusions as such in patient or client records.

(4)

All records and record entries shall be created in as timely a manner as possible after the delivery of the specific services being recorded.

(5)

Records, test data and test protocol shall be maintained and stored in a way that permits review and duplication.

(6)

Licensees working in public school settings shall comply with all federal and state legislation and regulations relative to the content, maintenance, control, access, retention and destruction of psychological and educational records, test data and test protocols.

(b)

Maintenance and Control of Records and Test Data.

(1)

Licensees shall maintain records, test data and in a manner that protects the confidentiality of all services delivered by the licensee.

(2)

Licensees are responsible for the maintenance, confidentiality and contents of, and access to, all records and test data.

(3)

Licensees shall make all reasonable efforts to protect against the misuse of any record or test data.

(4)

Licensees shall maintain control over records and test data to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable Board rules and all state and federal laws.

(5)

In situations where it becomes impossible for a licensee to maintain control over records and test data as required by applicable Board rule and state and federal law, the licensee shall make all necessary arrangements for transfer of the licensee's records to another licensee who will ensure compliance with all applicable Board rules and state and federal laws concerning records.

(6)

Records and test data of psychological services rendered by a licensee as an employee of an agency or organization remain the property of the employing agency upon termination of the employment of the individual unless legal ownership of such records is controlled by applicable state or federal law or legal agreement.

(c)

Access to Records and Test Data.

(1)

Records shall be entered, organized and maintained in a manner that facilitates their use by all authorized persons.

(2)

Records may be maintained in any media that ensure confidentiality and durability.

(3)

A licensee shall release information about a patient or client only upon written authorization by the patient, client or appropriate legal guardian pursuant to a proper court order or as required by applicable state or federal law.

(4)

A licensee may impose a reasonable fee for review and/or reproduction of records provided that the licensee shall not withhold records because of an outstanding balance owed by a client, patient or other recipient of services.

(5)

Test data are not part of a patient's or client's record. Test data are not subject to subpoena. Test data shall be made available only to another qualified mental health professional and only upon receipt of written release from the patient or client for purposes of continuity of care or pursuant to a court order.

(6)

Licensees cooperate in the continuity of care of patients and clients by providing appropriate information to succeeding qualified service providers as permitted by applicable Board rule and state and federal law.

(7)

Licensees who are temporarily or permanently unable to practice psychology shall implement a system that enables their records to be accessed in compliance with applicable Board rules and state and federal law.

(d)

Retention of Records and Test Data.

(1)

Licensees shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations concerning record retention.

(2)

In the absence of applicable state and federal rules, records and test data shall be maintained for a minimum of ten years after the last contact with the client. If the client is a minor, the record period is extended until ten years after the age of majority.

(3)

All records shall be maintained in a manner which permits timely retrieval and production.

(e)

Outdated Records.

(1)

Licensees take reasonable steps when disclosing records to note information that is of an outdated nature.

(2)

Disposal of records shall be done in an appropriate manner that ensures confidentiality of the record in compliance with applicable Board rule and state and federal law.

§465.25. Testing.

Conducting or administering testing that requires the use of education, training, knowledge or skills in psychology constitutes the practice of psychology.

§465.26. Biofeedback.

The provision of biofeedback constitutes the practice of psychology. A technician who operates biofeedback equipment and does not provide services that involve the use of education, training, skill or knowledge in psychology is not engaged in the practice of psychology.

§465.29. Hypnosis for Health Care Purposes and Hypnotherapy.

The practice of hypnosis and hypnotherapy for health care purposes constitute the practice of psychology.

§465.32. Disposition & Assumption of the Practice of a Mental Health Professional.

(a)

In General.

(1)

A licensee has the right to sell or otherwise dispose of his or her practice to another licensed psychologist.

(2)

A licensee has the right to assume the practice of a licensee.

(3)

Arrangements regarding accounts receivable and other financial and tangible assets and liabilities of the practice being transferred must be resolved by the selling and assuming licensees prior to the transfer of any patient or client records.

(4)

A licensee shall arrange for the transfer of his or her practice in compliance with this section upon the death or disability of the licensee and with all other applicable Board rules and state and federal law.

(5)

A non-licensee administrator or executor of a licensee's estate should be encouraged to dispose of the licensee's practice in accordance with this section.

(b)

Notice and Referral of Patients and Clients.

(1)

A licensee who intends to sell, retire, or otherwise dispose of a practice must make reasonable effort to notify current and former patients or clients that on a given date the practice is being sold and that patient or client records will be transferred to the referent unless the patient or client provides the name of an alternative mental health care provider to receive the records. This notice must provide a reasonable time to the patients and clients to make suitable responses and arrangements.

(2)

A licensee who assumes the practice of another mental health service provider may state his or her willingness to provide services to all patients or clients the licensee is competent to treat.

(3)

A licensee who assumes a practice must provide an appropriate referral to a qualified mental health services provider to any patient or client who notifies the licensee that they do not want to receive services from the licensee or to a patient or client to whom the licensee declines to offer services.

(4)

If the patient or client accepts a referral, the referring licensee must forward the patient or client's records on to that mental health professional.

§465.33. Improper Sexual Conduct.

(a)

"Sexual Harassment" includes solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct consisting of a single intense or severe act or of multiple persistent or pervasive acts by a licensee toward another individual that are sexual in nature and occur in connection with licensee's professional activities and that are unwelcome, offensive, or create a hostile workplace environment for that individual.

(b)

"Sexual Impropriety" is deliberate or repeated comments, gestures, or physical acts of a sexual nature that include, but are not limited to:

(1)

Behavior, gestures, or expressions which may reasonably be interpreted as inappropriately seductive or sexually demeaning;

(2)

Making inappropriate comments about an individual's body;

(3)

Making sexually demeaning comments to an individual;

(4)

Making comments about an individual's potential sexual performance, except when the examination or consultation is pertinent to the issue of sexual function or dysfunction in therapy/counseling;

(5)

Requesting details of a patient or client's sexual history when not clinically indicated for the type of consultation;

(6)

Requesting a date;

(7)

Initiating conversation regarding the sexual problems, preferences, or fantasies of either party; or

(8)

Kissing of a sexual nature.

(c)

A sexual relationship is the engaging in any conduct that is sexual or may be reasonably interpreted as sexual in nature including, but not limited to:

(1)

Sexual intercourse;

(2)

Genital contact;

(3)

Oral to genital contact;

(4)

Genital to anal contact;

(5)

Oral to anal contact;

(6)

Touching breasts or genitals;

(7)

Encouraging another to masturbate in one's presence.

(8)

Masturbation in another's presence; or

(9)

Exposure of sexual organs, breast or buttocks for sexual gratification of either party.

(d)

A licensee may not engage in sexual harassment, sexual impropriety, or a sexual relationship with a current patient or client, a former patient or client over whom the licensee has influence due to a therapeutic relationship, a student or a supervisee over whom the licensee has administrative or clinical responsibility.

§465.34. Providing Mental Health Services to Those Served by Others.

Licensees do not knowingly provide psychological services to clients receiving mental health services elsewhere without first discussing consequent treatment issues with the clients. Licensees shall consult with the other service providers after appropriate consent has been obtained.

§465.35. Resolution of Allegations of Board Rule Violations.

(a)

When a licensee believes that there may have been an ethical or Board rule violation by another licensee that does not involve harm or potential harm to any member of the public, the licensee may attempt to resolve the issue by bringing it to the attention of that individual if informal resolution would not violate any confidentiality rights that may be involved. Licensees shall report any unresolved rule violations to the Board.

(b)

A licensee must report a violation of the rules by a licensee that appears to involve harm or the potential for harm to any individual or a violation of a state or federal law.

(c)

A licensee must cooperate with any investigation conducted by the Board.

§465.36. Ethics Code.

(a)

Preamble. Licensees work to develop a valid and reliable body of scientific knowledge based on research. They may apply that knowledge to human behavior in a variety of contexts. In doing so, they perform many roles, such as researcher, educator, diagnostician, therapist, supervisor, consultant, administrator, social interventionist, and expert witness. Their goal is to broaden knowledge of behavior and, where appropriate, to apply it pragmatically to improve the condition of both the individual and society. Licensees respect the central importance of freedom of inquiry and expression in research, teaching, and publication. They also strive to help the public in developing informed judgments and choices concerning human behavior. This Ethics Code provides a common set of values upon which licensees build their professional and scientific work.

(b)

Purpose. This Code is intended to provide both the general principles and the decision rules to cover most situations encountered by licensees. It has as its primary goal the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom licensees work. It is the individual responsibility of each psychologist to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct. Licensees respect and protect human and civil rights and do not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.

(c)

Responsibility. The development of a dynamic set of ethical standards for a licensee's work-related conduct requires a personal commitment to a lifelong effort to act ethically; to encourage ethical behavior by students, supervisees, employees and colleagues, as appropriate; and to consult with others, as needed, concerning ethical problems. Each licensee supplements, but does not violate, the Board's rules on the basis of guidance drawn from personal values, culture and experience.

(d)

General Principles.

(1)

Competence. Licensees strive to maintain high standards of competence in their work. They recognize the boundaries of their particular competencies and the limitations of their expertise. They provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified by education, training or experience. Licensees are cognizant of the fact that the competencies required in serving, teaching and/or studying groups of people vary with the distinctive characteristics of those groups. In those areas in which recognized professional standards do not yet exist, licensees exercise careful judgment and take appropriate precautions to protect the welfare of those with whom they work. They maintain knowledge of relevant scientific and professional information related to the services they render, and they recognize the need for ongoing education. Licensees make appropriate use of scientific, professional, technical, and administrative resources.

(2)

Integrity. Licensees seek to promote integrity in the science, teaching and practice of psychology. In these activities licensees are hones, fair and respectful of others. In describing or reporting their qualifications, services, products, fees, research or teaching, they do not make statements that are false, misleading or deceptive. Licensees strive to be aware of their own belief systems, values, needs and limitations and the effect of these on their work. To the extent feasible, they attempt to clarify for relevant parties the roles they are performing and to function appropriately in accordance with those roles. Licensees avoid improper and potentially harmful dual relationships.

(3)

Professional and Scientific Responsibility. Licensees uphold professional standards of conduct clarify their professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior, and adapt their methods to the needs of different populations. Licensees consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interests of their patients, clients, or other recipients of their services. Licensees' moral standards and conduct are personal matters to the same degree as is true for any other person, except as licensees' conduct may compromise their professional responsibilities or reduce the public's trust in psychology and licensees. Licensees are concerned about the ethical compliance of their colleagues' scientific and professional conduct. When appropriate, they consult with colleagues in order to prevent or avoid unethical conduct.

(4)

Respect for People's Rights and Dignity. Licensees accord appropriate respect to the fundamental rights, dignity, and worth of all people. They respect the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, self-determination, and autonomy, mindful that legal and other obligations may lead to inconsistency and conflict with the exercise of these rights. Licensees are aware of cultural, individual, and role differences, including those due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, language and socioeconomic status. Licensees try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.

(5)

Concern for Others' Welfare. Licensees seek to contribute to the welfare of those with whom they interact professionally. In their professional actions, licensees weigh the welfare and rights of their patients or clients, students, supervisees, human research participants, and other affected persons, and the welfare of animal subjects of research. When conflicts occur among licensees' obligations or concerns, they attempt to resolve these conflicts and to perform their roles in a responsible fashion that avoid or minimizes harm. Licensees are sensitive to real and ascribed differences in power between themselves and others, and they do not exploit or mislead other people during or after professional relationships.

(6)

Social Responsibility. Licensees are aware of their professional and scientific responsibility to the community and the society in which they work and live. They apply and make public their knowledge of psychology in order to contribute to human welfare. Licensees are concerned about and work to mitigate the causes of human suffering. When undertaking research, they strive to advance human welfare and the science of psychology. Licensees try to avoid misuse of their work. Licensees comply with the law and encourage the development of law and social policy that serve the interests of their patients and clients and the public. They are encouraged to contribute a portion of their professional time for little or no personal advantage.

§465.37. Compliance With All Applicable Laws.

Licensees comply with all applicable state and federal laws affecting the Practice of psychology including, but not limited to:

(1)

Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 611, Mental Health Record;

(2)

Texas Family Code

(A)

Chapter 32, Consent to Medical, Dental, Psychological & Surgical Treatment,

(B)

Chapter 153, Rights to Parents & Other Conservators to Consent to Treatment & Access to Child's Records, and

(C)

Chapter 261, Duty to Report Child Abuse & Neglect;

(3)

Texas Human Resource Code, Chapter 48, Duty to Report Elder Abuse & Neglect;

(4)

Texas Civil Practice & Remedy Code, Chapter 81, Duty to Report Sexual Exploitation of a Patient by a Mental Health Services Provider; and

(5)

Texas Insurance Code as it relates to submission of billing and third-party payments for mental health services provided by a licensee.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 6, 1999.

TRD-9900046

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


22 TAC §§465.3, 465.27, 465.30

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes amendments to §§465.3, 465.27, and 465.30, concerning Rules of Practice. The amendments are being proposed in order to reorganize and clarify the rules of the Board.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be to make the rules easier for licensees and the general public to follow and understand. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments on the proposals may be submitted by March 8, 1999, to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512c, which provide the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed amendments do not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§465.3. Providers of Psychological Services.

(a)

Psychologists shall employ or utilize an individual to provide psychological services, in any setting not specifically exempt under §22(a) of the Psychologists' Licensing Act (the Act) , only if:

(1)

The individual is licensed by this Board; or

(2)

The individual is specifically exempted from licensure requirements by §22(b) of the Act, relating to provision of services as part of a supervised course of study by students, residents or interns pursuing a course of study in a recognized training institution or facility; or,

(3)

The individual is engaged in post-doctoral supervision for purposes of satisfying §21(a)(2) of the Act; or

(4)

The individual is completing supervised experience for purposes of satisfying §26(b)(3) of the Act, relating to Licensed Specialist in School Psychology.

(b)

Unlicensed individuals providing psychological services pursuant to §22(b), §21(a)(2), or §26(b)(3) of the Act must be under the direct supervision of an authorized supervising licensee [ a licensed psychologist ] at all times. All patients or clients who receive psychological services from an unlicensed individual under such [ the ] supervision [ of a licensed psychologist ] must be clearly informed of the supervisory status of the individual and how the patient or client may contact the supervising licensee [ licensed psychologist ] directly.

(c)

An individual may not provide psychological services under a license from this Board and services or activities under another professional license simultaneously. Patients and clients who receive services and activities provided by an individual who holds more than one professional license must be informed of the license under which the services and activities are being provided.

§465.27. Projective Techniques.

Projective techniques are the practice of psychology. These techniques include, but are not limited to, Rorschach, Thematic Apperception Test [Text] , Roberts Apperception Test, Sentence Completion tests and Holtzman Ink Blot.

§465.30. Marriage & Family Counseling and Therapy.

The practice of psychology includes, but is not limited to, marriage and family counseling and therapy.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 6, 1999.

TRD-9900047

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7701


Chapter 473. Fees.

22 TAC §473.4

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes an amendment to §473.4, concerning Late Fees for Renewals. The amendment is being proposed in order attain consistency with the Psychologists' Licensing Act, which sets the basis for determining late fee amounts.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to ensure consistency with the Psychologists' Licensing Act. There will be no effect on small businesses. The anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed will be in direct proportion to the number of days individuals may be late in payment of their renewal fees.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, TX 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512c, which provide the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed amendment does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§473.4. Late Fees for Renewals. (Not refundable).

(a)

Licensed Psychological Associates, Provisionally Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Psychologists

(1)

One day to 90 days $175 [ $125 ]

(2)

Ninety-one days to less than one year $350 [ $250 ]

(b)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 6, 1999.

TRD-9900048

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 21, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7701