Indiana Administrative Code Title 868 - STATE PSYCHOLOGY BOARD

Indiana Administrative Code – Title 868: State Psychology Board

This Title creates and governs the Indiana State Psychology Board, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the practice of psychology in the state. It establishes rules for licensing, professional standards, continuing education, ethical conduct, and disciplinary procedures.

1. Purpose of the Board

The State Psychology Board exists to:

Protect the public by ensuring only qualified individuals practice psychology.

Establish and enforce standards of competency and ethics.

Regulate the profession through licensing, monitoring, and discipline.

Support continuing development and professional responsibility in psychology.

2. Organization of the Board

The Board consists of appointed members including:

Licensed psychologists.

Possibly a consumer (public) member to represent citizens’ interests.

Officers (chair, vice-chair, secretary) are elected among members.

The Board conducts meetings, holds hearings, and issues official rules and decisions.

3. Powers & Duties

The Board has authority to:

Adopt and enforce rules related to psychology practice.

Examine and license psychologists and other related professionals (if covered under this title).

Approve continuing education programs.

Investigate complaints against license holders.

Discipline practitioners for violations of professional standards.

Interpret professional scope of practice for psychologists in Indiana.

4. Licensing Requirements

Eligibility: Applicants must hold the required academic degree (doctoral level in psychology or related field).

Examinations: Candidates must pass national and/or state-administered psychology exams.

Application Process: Includes submission of transcripts, references, proof of supervised experience, and fees.

Supervised Experience: Post-graduate supervised professional practice may be required.

Licensure Renewal: Periodic renewal is required with proof of continuing education.

5. Professional Conduct Standards

Licensees are expected to follow rules of ethical practice, which include:

Practicing only within their scope of competence.

Maintaining confidentiality of client information.

Avoiding dual relationships or conflicts of interest.

Providing services that are evidence-based and professionally recognized.

Keeping accurate client records.

Refraining from fraud, misrepresentation, or negligence in professional work.

6. Continuing Education

Psychologists must complete a set number of continuing education hours during each renewal cycle.

Courses must be approved by the Board.

CE ensures practitioners remain updated on professional methods, ethics, and clinical skills.

7. Disciplinary Actions

Grounds for discipline include:

Professional incompetence or negligence.

Fraud in obtaining a license.

Breach of confidentiality.

Substance abuse affecting professional performance.

Engaging in unethical or exploitative behavior with clients.

Possible disciplinary measures include:

Formal reprimand or censure.

Fines or probation with conditions.

Suspension or revocation of license.

Requirement for remedial education or supervision.

8. Complaints & Hearings

Anyone may file a complaint with the Board.

The Board investigates allegations of misconduct.

Licensees have the right to notice, representation, and hearing.

The Board issues formal findings and decides penalties if warranted.

9. Recordkeeping & Reporting

Psychologists must maintain proper client records and retain them for a set time period.

Records must be accessible in case of complaints or investigations.

The Board may require reporting of criminal convictions, malpractice findings, or disciplinary actions in other states.

10. Miscellaneous Rules

Rules on the use of professional titles (e.g., only licensed individuals may call themselves “psychologist” in Indiana).

Clarification of what constitutes unlicensed practice of psychology.

Provisions for temporary permits or guest licensure (e.g., out-of-state professionals offering short-term services).

In summary:
Indiana Administrative Code Title 868 – State Psychology Board establishes the framework for regulating psychology in Indiana. It sets rules for licensing, ethics, continuing education, complaint handling, and discipline. Its central role is to protect clients, uphold professional standards, and ensure psychologists practice competently and ethically.

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