BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    Ó



                                                                     AB 705


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          Date of Hearing:  April 22, 2015


                        ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS


                                 Jimmy Gomez, Chair


          AB  
          705 (Eggman) - As Amended April 8, 2015


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          Urgency:  No  State Mandated Local Program:  NoReimbursable:  No


          SUMMARY:


          This bill requires individuals performing psychology within  
          specified "exempt" settings, to work under the supervision of a  
          licensed psychologist, accumulate the supervised hours required  
          for licensure, and become licensed within five years.  








                                                                     AB 705


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          FISCAL EFFECT:


          The fiscal effect is likely negligible.  The bill does not  
          substantially change processes or the magnitude of workload at  
          the Board of Psychology (BOP).  


          BOP states it does not know how many individuals are employed to  
          practice psychology in exempt facilities, and who would be  
          required to seek licensure to continue practicing under this  
          bill.  However, if a small number of new licensees registered or  
          became licensed, any additional workload would be supported by  
          fee revenue.  BOP is supported by fees paid by licensees through  
          the Psychology Fund.


          COMMENTS:


          Purpose.  This bill, sponsored by the BOP, intends to clarify  
          the original intent of the Psychology Practice Act, which is to  
          have qualified, licensed individuals performing psychological  
          functions in both private and public settings.  BOP indicates a  
          loophole in current law allows employees in government settings  
          to continue practicing without a license indefinitely without  
          supervision by a licensed psychologist.  Persons serving in  
          non-exempt (private) settings are required to be supervised by a  
          licensed psychologist and accumulate hours towards licensure, as  
          well as gain licensure within five years. They state this bill  
          will enhance consumer protection by applying the same high  
          standards to all persons practicing psychology.


          Analysis Prepared by:Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916)  
          319-2081









                                                                     AB 705


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