BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 705 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 22, 2015 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Jimmy Gomez, Chair AB 705 (Eggman) - As Amended April 8, 2015 ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Policy |Business and Professions |Vote:|14 - 0 | |Committee: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |-------------+-------------------------------+-----+-------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |-------------+-------------------------------+-----+-------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Page 2 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 Page 3