Memo From the Indiana State Psychology Board

February 12, 2001

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please find enclosed the latest draft of the Indiana State Psychology Board's proposed rules regarding restricted psychology tests and instruments and pertinent sections of the Indiana Psychology Practice Act, Indiana Code 25-33.  Also enclosed is a document that provides the rationale underlying the Psychology Board's decision to include a test or instrument on the list of restricted tests and instruments, as required by IC 25-33.  Also enclosed is a document that provides the rationale underlying the Psychology Board's decision to include a test or instrument on the list of restricted tests and instruments, as reported by IC 25-33-1-3(i).

The Psychology Board is mandated by Indiana Code 25-33-1-3(g) to promulgate rules to establish, maintain, and update a list of restricted psychology tests and instruments containing those psychology tests and instruments that, because of their design or complexity, create a danger to the public by being improperly administered and interpreted by an individual other than:

(1) a psychologist licensed under IC 25-33-1-5.1;
(2) an appropriately trained mental health provider under the direct supervision of a health service provider in psychology endorsed under IC 25-33-1-5.1(c);
(3) a qualified physician licensed under IC 25-22.5;
(4) a school psychologist who holds a valid:
    (A) license issued by the professional standards board under IC 20-1-1.4-2; or
    (B) endorsement under IC 20-1-1.9;
practicing within the scope of the school psychologist's license or endorsement; or
(5) a minister, priest, rabbi, or other member of the clergy providing pastoral counseling or other assistance.

IC 25-33-1-3(j) provides that IC 25-33-1-3 may not be interpreted to prevent a licensed or certified health care professional from practicing within the scope of the health care professional's license or certification, and training or credentials.  It will be up to the other Indiana health regulatory boards and committees to determine whether their licensees may use a test or instrument appearing on the restricted test in compliance with the statutes and rules governing the practice of the profession and to enforce their own law in this regard.  The rules should provide a mechanism to prevent unlicensed or non-exempt persons from using the restricted tests and instruments.

The Psychology Board sincerely appreciates the input and assistance you have given in the past and the board continues to seek your counsel throughout the rulemaking process.  A public hearing on the proposed rules is scheduled to be held on March 16, 2001 at 10:00 a.m., in the Auditorium of the Conference Center, Indiana Government Center South, 402 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana.  The Psychology Board requests that all comments regarding the proposed rules be submitted in writing, even if the person submitting the comments plans to testify during the public hearing.  This will allow the Psychology Board the time and resources it needs to consider all comments.

Sincerely,
Barbara Seldin, Ph.D.
Chair
Indiana State Psychology Board