Statements of Scope

Rule No.

Section Psy 4.02.

Relating to

Continuing education.

Rule Type

Permanent. (Revision)

Finding/Nature of Emergency (Emergency Rule Only)

N/A.

Detailed Description of the Objective of the Proposed Rule

Sections 455.065 (1) and (3), Stats., state the examining board shall promulgate rules establishing the minimum number of hours of continuing education, topic areas that the continuing education must cover, the criteria for the approval of continuing education programs and courses required for renewal of a license and the criteria for the approval of the sponsors and cosponsors of those continuing education programs and courses.

Section Psy 4.02 provides that the board may require not more than 20 of the 40 continuing education hours in each biennial registration period be acquired within specified topic areas. However, the current rule does not state the topic areas. This proposed rule would specify the topic areas.

In addition this proposed rule would update s. Psy 4.02 to reflect current continuing education programs, including technological methods of delivery, and to streamline the approval process for the continuing education program and courses.

Description of the Existing Policies Relevant to the Rule, New Policies Proposed To Be Included in the Rule, and an Analysis of Policy Alternatives

Currently the topic areas are not specified in the rule and licensees are confused as to which topic areas, if any, must be addressed by their continuing education. This confusion is evidenced in the recent continuing education audits. Clarification of the topic areas will streamline the process. By reviewing and updating the continuing education requirements we are providing the licensees with more continuing education opportunities.

An alternative is not to change the rule. This would not provide the necessary clarity to the licensees as to what exactly are the required topic areas for continuing education. By not changing the rule, the rule will not be in conformity with the statutory requirement.

Detailed Explanation of Statutory Authority for the Rule (Including the Statutory Citation and Language)

Section 15.08 (5) (b), Stats. Each examining board shall promulgate rules for its own guidance and for the guidance of the trade or profession to which it pertains, and define and enforce professional conduct and unethical practices not inconsistent with the law relating to the particular trade or profession.

Section 455.065 (1), Stats. The examining board shall promulgate rules establishing the minimum number of hours of continuing education, the topic areas that the continuing education must cover, the criteria for the approval of continuing education programs and courses required for renewal of a license and the criteria for the approval of the sponsors and cosponsors of those continuing education programs and courses.

Section 455.065 (3), Stats. The examining board shall promulgate rules establishing the minimum number of hours of continuing education, the topic areas that the continuing education must cover, the criteria for the approval of continuing education programs and courses required for the exemptions from the examination requirements under s. 455.04 (1) (e) and (4) (f), Stats., and the criteria for the approval of the sponsors and cosponsors of those continuing education programs and courses.

Section 455.08, Stats. The examining board shall adopt such rules as are necessary under this chapter.

Estimate of Amount of Time that State Employees Will Spend Developing the Rule and of Other Resources Necessary To Develop the Rule

60 hours.

List with Description of All Entities that May Be Affected by the Proposed Rule

Licensed psychologists and private practice school psychologists.

Summary and Preliminary Comparison with Any Existing or Proposed Federal Regulation that Is Intended To Address the Activities To Be Regulated by the Proposed Rule

There is no federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule.

Anticipated Economic Impact of Implementing the Rule (Note If the Rule Is Likely To Have a Significant Economic Impact on Small Businesses)

No or minimal economic impact. It is not likely to have an economic impact on small business.

Contact Person

Sharon Henes, Paralegal, Division of Board Services, [phone].