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Committee hears measure to allow 'psychometrist' title and set complaint time limit for psychologists
Summary
Assembly Bill 196 would let trained, unlicensed testing administrators use the title 'psychometrist' under direct supervision of a licensed psychologist and would impose a three‑year limitation period for filing complaints against psychologists. Supporters said the changes align Nevada with national practice and expand testing capacity; opponents
Assembly Member Shay Backus presented Assembly Bill 196 with an overview by Megan Cavallaro, an intern who worked on the drafting, and Laura Arnold, executive director of the Nevada State Board of Psychological Examiners.
AB 196 seeks three changes: authorize the board of psychological examiners to adopt regulations allowing licensed psychologists to delegate psychological testing to supervised, unlicensed administrators; exempt the term “psychometrist” from a statutory prohibition so that qualified test administrators may use that title; and impose a three‑year limitation period for filing complaints against psychologists based on the date of the event giving rise to the complaint.
Proponents, including the Nevada Psychological Association, said the measure would expand access to assessments and speed delivery of services while preserving supervisory responsibilities and patient protections. Laura Arnold told the committee that Nevada’s current definition of psychometrist is narrower than how the term is used elsewhere and that the bill would align state practice with national norms. Supporters said psychometrists would administer and score tests under direct supervision and that psychologists would retain responsibility for interpretation and diagnosis.
Opponents raised concerns about delegating testing to unlicensed individuals and about the proposed three‑year complaint limitation. A caller opposing the bill argued that unlicensed administrators could reduce accountability and said a time limit for complaints might prevent later discovery of harm from being addressed. The sponsor responded in closing that licensed psychologists supervising psychometrists would remain subject to board discipline and to civil liability where applicable; she also noted that psychometrist roles are already recognized in other states.
No committee vote was taken; the bill will return for further consideration and any necessary clarifying language between the board, the sponsor and interested stakeholders.
