2913. A person other than a licensed psychologist may perform psychological functions in preparation for licensure as a psychologist only if all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The person is registered with the board as a “registered psychological associate.” This registration shall be renewed annually in accordance with regulations adopted by the board.
(b) (1) The person has completed or is any of the following:
(A) Completed a master’s degree in psychology.
(B) Completed a master’s degree in education with the field of specialization in educational psychology, counseling psychology, or school psychology.
(C) Is an admitted candidate for a doctoral degree in any of the following:
(i) Psychology with the field of specialization in clinical, counseling, school, consulting, forensic, industrial, or organizational psychology.
(ii) Education, with the field of specialization in educational psychology, counseling psychology, or school psychology.
(iii) A field of specialization designed to prepare graduates for the professional practice of psychology after having satisfactorily completed three or more years of postgraduate education in psychology and having passed preliminary doctoral examinations.
(D) Completed a doctoral degree that qualifies for licensure under Section 2914.
(2) The board shall make the final determination as to whether a degree meets the requirements of this subdivision.
(c) (1) The registered psychological associate is supervised by a licensed psychologist. Any supervision may be provided in real time, which is defined as through in-person or synchronous audiovisual means, in compliance with federal and state laws related to patient health confidentiality. The registered psychological associate’s primary supervisor shall be responsible for ensuring that the extent, kind, and quality of the psychological services performed are consistent with the registered psychological associate’s and the primary supervisor’s training and experience. The primary supervisor shall be responsible for the registered psychological associate’s compliance with this chapter and regulations. A primary supervisor may delegate supervision as prescribed by the board’s regulations.
(2) A licensed psychologist shall not supervise more than three registered psychological associates at any given time.
(d) A registered psychological associate shall not do either of the following:
(1) Provide psychological services to the public except as a trainee pursuant to this section.
(2) Receive payments, monetary or otherwise, directly from clients.
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 163, Sec. 1. (AB 2754) Effective August 22, 2022.)
Structure California Code