Maryland

Maryland counselors received licensure in 1999.  The Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Board of Professional Counselors were mandated to agree on and draft regulations within four years regarding psychological testing.  More specifically, these regulations would detail the training needed by counselors to equal the training of licensed psychologists to administer and interpret psychological tests that require specialized psychological training.  In the ensuing five years, the Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Board of Professional Counselors met many times without resolution. 

In February 2004, two different bills were introduced.  HB953 was authored and sponsored by professional counselors (LCPCM), and SB696 was authored and sponsored by the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists.  On March 4th, HB953 was presented to the Maryland House of Representatives.  Mr. Michael Nahl, a member of FACT’s Board of Directors, represented FACT and testified (view testimony) in front of the House Committee on Health and Government Operations in favor of HB953.  In addition, letters and documentation were sent by Dr. Clawson to this committee, the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, and Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich, Jr. (view letter).  Dr. J. Scott Hinkle also authored testimony that was forwarded to the above.

On March 9th, 2004, SB696 was presented to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee.  Neither HB953 nor SB676 were passed. 

In 2006, Delegate Hubbard sponsored House Bill 1098, legislation that repeals defining “appraisal” as:

1. selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting instruments designed to assess an individual’s aptitudes, attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests, and personal characteristics, and
2. Using nonstandardized methods and techniques for understanding human behavior in relation to coping with, adapting to, or changing life situations.

Additionally, this bill “decoupled” the Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists and allowed the Maryland Counseling Board to regulate appraisal activities.

HB 1098 was referred to the Health and Government Operations committee; however, it was not voted on, and therefore, the legislation died before going to the floor. FACT will continue to stay abreast of further developments in this state.