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History
- Recommit, enacting clause stricken
- Referred to higher education
- Referred to higher education
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Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4995
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to the practice of school psychology
Purpose or general idea
This act provides for licensure of school psychologists and defines the educational and experiential qualifications necessary for licensure and continued practice.
Summary of provisions
Section one of the bill adds a new Article 166-A to the Education Law and provides for the following:
§ 8721 authorizes use of the title school psychologist to those individuals licensed under this article or otherwise exempted.
§ 8722 provides a definition of the practice of school psychology.
§ 8723 defines the requirements for professional licensure as a school Psychologist.
§ 8724 provides for the boundaries of professional competency and the penalties for individuals who do so.
§ 8725 provides authority for the state Education Department to issue limited permits to practice as school psychologists under specific circumstances.
§ 8726 identifies persons exempted from the provisions of this article, including those involved with state and local agencies as well as students, residents and interns under certain circumstances.
Section two amends paragraph a of subdivision 3 of section 6507 of the education law, as amended by chapter 554 of the laws of 2013, by including licensed school psychologist in requirement of licensed professionals having mandatory training in the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment.
Section three amends paragraph (a) of subdivision 1 of section 413 of the social service law, as amended by section 554 of the laws of 2013, by including school psychologist as a mandatory reporter.
Section 4 amends section 7602 of the education law, as added by chapter 987 of the laws of 1971.
Section five is a severability section.
Section six provides the effective date.
Justification
School psychologists are trained and educated in the psychology of learning, motivation and human development in order to address the many factors influencing the performance of students, These factors may include school diversity, school climate and home/school/community collaboration. By addressing the needs of students through prevention services, assessments and/or counseling, school psychologists can contribute to the future success of students, it is important that school psychologists are held to specific standards and requirements that will ensure competent services for school children and their families. This bill is necessary to provide schools with a framework in which they can be assured they are employing licensed school psychologists.
Legislative history
2014: Senate/Assembly: Referred to Higher Education 2013: Senate/Assembly: Referred to Higher Education 2011-12: S.5676 Flanagan - Referred to Higher Education 2009-10: S.5358A Foley - Referred to Higher Education 2007-08: S.908E Volker - Referred to Higher Education 2005-06: S.6678 Volker Referred to Higher Education 2003-04: S.3238 Volker - Referred to Higher Education 2001-02: S.1235A Volker - Referred to Higher Education
Fiscal implications
Positive to the state as it will generate license fees.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on January 1, 2017.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.