BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
To practice school psychology in Texas school districts, school psychologists receive a license from the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP). A person who receives such a license is a "licensed specialist in school psychology" or LSSP. The LSSP license issued by TSBEP constitutes the appropriate state credential for a person who provides psychological services as required by Section 21.003(b) (relating to certification required for employment), Education Code. The rules of practice for an LSSP must comply with nationally recognized standards for the practice of school psychology, as required by Section 501.260(c) (relating to rules of practice), Occupations Code.
S.B. 709 clarifies that a person who earns and receives the national credential called the "nationally certified school psychologist," or NCSP, may use this national credential along with the state credential, LSSP. As many as 31 other states recognize the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and its certificate (NCSP) as part of its certification/credentialing of practitioners of school psychology.
As proposed, S.B. 709 amends current law relating to the use of certain professional titles by licensed specialists in school psychology.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 501.260, Occupations Code, by adding Subsection (d), to authorize a person who is licensed under this section and who holds a Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential to use the title "nationally certified school psychologist."
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2011.