|
Psychologists
In accordance with the Psychologists’ Licensing Act (Texas Occupations Code § 501.001 et. al.), the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychology issues licenses and regulates the practice of Psychology in the State of Texas. The Psychology Board has authority to adopt its own rules, investigate possible violations of the Psychology Licensing Act, adjudicate alleged violations, and discipline psychologists. Under Texas Occupations Code § 501.401, the most commonly pursued grounds for discipline include:
-
Entering into a dual relationship with a client, student or supervisor which may impair the psychologist’s objectivity or interfere with his or her ability to effectively and competently provide psychological services, including sexual relationships;
-
Engaging in fraud or deceit in connection with providing psychological services;
-
Using drugs or alcohol to the extent it affects professional competency;
-
Being convicted of a felony offense or a crime involving moral turpitude; and
-
Failing to provide competent quality of care to a patient in accordance with the Psychologists Licensing Act or the Psychology Board’s Rules of Practice.
 The Psychology Board may probate, suspend or revoke a psychologist’s license for any one of these violations. The disciplinary process begins with an initial investigation (Psychologists’ Licensing Act Subchapter E), followed by an informal settlement conference (Texas Occupations Code § 501.410 and 22 Texas Administrative Code § 470.8) with the possibility of a full administrative hearing (Texas Occupations Code § 501.403 and 22 Texas Administrative Code § 470.12).
|
