North Dakota Administrative Code Title 66 - Psychologist Examiners, Board of
Background
NDAC Title 66 regulates:
Licensing of psychologists
Standards of practice and professional conduct
Continuing education and supervision
Disciplinary actions for violations
Examination and renewal procedures
The Board of Psychologist Examiners ensures public protection by enforcing these rules.
Case 1: Practicing Without a License
Issue
An individual provided psychological services without being licensed in North Dakota.
Facts
Conducted therapy sessions and billed clients.
Held a license in another state but had not obtained North Dakota licensure.
Advertising included “licensed psychologist” titles.
Rules Applied
NDAC 66-03-01-01 – License required to practice
NDAC 66-03-01-05 – Misrepresentation of license status prohibited
Board’s Analysis
Practicing without a license is a direct violation of ND law.
Misrepresentation exacerbates the violation.
Protecting clients from unqualified providers is the primary concern.
Outcome
Cease-and-desist order issued
Fine imposed
Individual barred from applying for North Dakota licensure for a defined period
Key Lesson
Licensure in another state does not authorize practice in North Dakota.
Case 2: Breach of Confidentiality
Issue
A licensed psychologist disclosed client information without consent.
Facts
Shared case details with colleagues outside of professional consultation context.
Did not obtain written consent from the client.
Rules Applied
NDAC 66-03-02-03 – Confidentiality requirements
NDAC 66-03-02-05 – Ethical obligations of licensees
Board’s Analysis
Confidentiality is foundational to the client-therapist relationship.
Unauthorized disclosure constitutes professional misconduct.
Outcome
Formal reprimand issued
Mandatory ethics training
Probationary monitoring of client records
Key Lesson
Client confidentiality is non-negotiable, and breaches are disciplined seriously.
Case 3: Sexual Misconduct with a Client
Issue
Psychologist engaged in sexual contact with a client.
Facts
Therapy sessions included inappropriate physical contact.
Multiple complaints were filed by clients.
Rules Applied
NDAC 66-03-02-06 – Sexual misconduct prohibited
NDAC 66-03-02-01 – General ethical standards
Board’s Analysis
Sexual relationships with current clients are strictly forbidden.
Such conduct violates trust, professional boundaries, and public safety.
Outcome
License revoked
Notification to national psychology licensure database
Permanent prohibition on practice in North Dakota
Key Lesson
Sexual misconduct results in immediate and severe disciplinary action.
Case 4: Inadequate Supervision of Interns
Issue
Licensed psychologist failed to properly supervise psychology interns.
Facts
Interns provided therapy without proper oversight.
Supervising psychologist rarely reviewed client cases.
Rules Applied
NDAC 66-03-03-02 – Supervision requirements
NDAC 66-03-03-05 – Responsibilities of licensed supervisors
Board’s Analysis
Supervisors are responsible for all work performed under their oversight.
Lack of supervision jeopardizes client safety and professional standards.
Outcome
Probation with mandatory supervision training
Required submission of supervision logs for six months
Warning regarding future violations
Key Lesson
Supervision is an active duty, not a passive label.
Case 5: Failure to Maintain Proper Records
Issue
Psychologist failed to document client sessions accurately.
Facts
Client files were incomplete or missing.
Inconsistent record-keeping led to difficulty verifying services provided.
Rules Applied
NDAC 66-03-02-07 – Record-keeping standards
NDAC 66-03-02-01 – Ethical standards and accountability
Board’s Analysis
Accurate records are required for accountability and continuity of care.
Poor documentation can result in unsafe practice and liability issues.
Outcome
Reprimand issued
Mandatory training in record-keeping
Follow-up audit scheduled
Key Lesson
Proper documentation is essential for ethical and legal practice.
Case 6: Misrepresentation of Credentials
Issue
Psychologist exaggerated qualifications on resumes and marketing materials.
Facts
Claimed doctoral degrees from non-accredited programs.
Listed certifications not earned.
Rules Applied
NDAC 66-03-02-04 – Misrepresentation prohibited
NDAC 66-03-02-01 – Ethical obligations
Board’s Analysis
Public relies on accurate credential information.
Misrepresentation undermines trust and violates professional ethics.
Outcome
Fine imposed
Correction of all public materials
Ethics course mandated
Key Lesson
Accuracy in advertising and credentials is mandatory.
Case 7: Boundary Violations with Colleagues
Issue
Psychologist harassed or coerced staff or interns.
Facts
Created hostile work environment in clinic
Used professional authority to intimidate subordinates
Rules Applied
NDAC 66-03-02-01 – Ethical obligations and professional conduct
NDAC 66-03-03-03 – Supervisor responsibilities
Board’s Analysis
Board emphasizes both client and colleague safety.
Abuse of professional authority is a violation even outside client care.
Outcome
Formal reprimand
Probation with monitoring of workplace conduct
Required professional development on ethics and workplace behavior
Key Lesson
Professional ethics extend beyond client interactions to colleagues and trainees.
Overall Themes from NDAC Title 66 Cases
Licensure is mandatory for practice in North Dakota.
Ethical behavior (confidentiality, boundaries, honesty) is non-negotiable.
Supervision and record-keeping are critical responsibilities.
Violations can range from fines and reprimands to license revocation, depending on severity.
Public protection is the Board’s top priority, and disciplinary measures reflect risk to clients and trust.
RELATED Blog
comments