Kansas board pauses new psychology licensing exam requirements amid state pushback

On December 13, 2024, the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) convened the Marriage and Family Therapy Advisory Committee to discuss significant updates affecting the licensing landscape for psychology and marriage and family therapy professions. The meeting highlighted ongoing changes in licensing examinations and proposed statutory amendments that could impact practitioners and students alike.

A central topic of discussion was the recent developments regarding the psychology profession's licensing examination. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) had previously announced that, starting January 1, 2026, states wishing to use the existing licensing test would need to require candidates to pass both the current knowledge-based test and a new skills assessment test, known as the EPPP 2. This decision faced considerable pushback from various states concerned about the financial burden and potential barriers to entry for new professionals. In response to these concerns, ASPPB decided to pause the implementation of this requirement, allowing states more time to discuss and negotiate a more unified approach to the licensing examination.

The advisory committee expressed the importance of understanding these developments, as they reflect broader trends in the regulatory landscape that could influence the marriage and family therapy field. The committee emphasized the need for clear communication and collaboration among different professions under the BSRB to ensure that licensing standards remain accessible and equitable.

Additionally, the committee addressed statutory changes regarding the language surrounding individuals preparing for the practice of marriage and family therapy. The existing statute included vague terms that created enforcement challenges. The board agreed to propose removing this ambiguous language during the upcoming 2025 legislative session, aiming for clearer guidelines that would benefit both practitioners and regulatory bodies.

Another significant discussion revolved around supervision requirements for marriage and family therapy professionals. The committee acknowledged requests for increased flexibility in supervision, particularly in light of workforce challenges and cost concerns. While the marriage and family therapy advisory committee opted to maintain the current high standards for supervision, the professional counseling advisory committee proposed allowing up to 50% of supervision hours to be provided by qualified professionals from other disciplines. This recommendation will also be presented to the legislature for consideration.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the collaborative efforts among advisory committees and the BSRB, which have fostered productive discussions and informed decision-making. As the board prepares for legislative sessions, the focus remains on ensuring that licensing processes are both effective and supportive of the workforce needs in Kansas. The ongoing dialogue among various professions under the BSRB is crucial for navigating the complexities of regulatory changes and enhancing the overall quality of mental health services in the state.