Ala. Admin. Code r. 750-X-2A-.06

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 750-X-2A-.06 - Limits Of Practice

A person practices as a "psychological technician" within the meaning of this chapter when he or she holds himself or herself out to be a psychological technician. A psychological technician may not use the title "psychologist" or hold himself or herself out to the public or knowingly allow himself or herself to be held out to the public as a psychologist.

(1) A psychological technician with adequate training may directly provide any of the following services without supervision:

(a) Administering and interpreting tests: A psychological technician may administer and interpret tests of intelligence, achievement, aptitudes, and interests, and testing for educational or vocational selection, guidance, or placement.

(b) Interviewing and screening: A psychological technician may conduct initial screening interviews which may lead to referrals for more extensive evaluation or treatment. A psychological technician may also administer adjective checklists, behavior rating scales, and other rating devices which may be completed by a variety of professional and non-professional observers.

(c) Psychoeducational interventions: Psychological technicians may provide didactic psychoeducational services to individuals or groups. The purpose of such groups is to disseminate information and educate clients.

(2) A psychological technician who meets the education and training requirements of this chapter shall not provide any of the following services except under the qualified supervision of a licensed psychologist:

(a) Personality appraisal. Personality appraisal as performed by the psychological technician is defined as any objective assessment or evaluative technique that leads to conclusions, inferences, and hypotheses regarding personality functioning. Included are all statements relative to personality attributes, features, traits, structure, dynamics, and pathology or assets. These activities shall allow for the process of deciding the nature of the psychological disorder or condition.

(b) Clinical intervention. Includes the use of the principles, methods, and procedures of the science and profession of psychology for the treatment of individuals, groups, and families, and behavior management and behavior modification procedures with clinical populations.

(c) Consultation services. Services provided to other agencies by psychological technicians acting in the role of consultants are subject to the same rules for supervision as services provided directly by the psychological technician in his or her place of employment.

(d) Assistance with forensic assessments and neuropsychological evaluations. A psychological technician may assist a trained neuropsychologist in the administration of neuropsychological procedures or a qualified psychologist in forensic assessment. Independent forensic assessments and neuropsychological evaluations are outside of the scope of practice for psychological technicians.

Author: Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology

Ala. Admin. Code r. 750-X-2A-.06

New rule: Filed: November 25, 1997. Amended: Filed May 14, 1998; effective June 18, 1998.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-26-1etseq.