Advisory committee refines public descriptions for master’s-level psychology licenses, discusses supervision and testing barriers

Members of the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board master's-level psychology advisory committee reviewed draft, plain‑language descriptions of the two master's‑level licenses (LMLP and LCP) intended for the BSRB website and discussed how to present differences for a public audience.

The committee focused on clarity and consumer expectations. Iris Pauley and Kari Wold had drafted candidate text; Pauley read her draft aloud and committee members suggested edits to reduce jargon, explain what “practice independently” means for the public, and avoid acronyms (for example, spelling out “community mental health centers” rather than using CCBHC). Members recommended adding clarifying language that some consultations with other professionals occur only with client consent and that “diagnostic evaluations” more clearly refer either to intake/diagnostic practice or to psychological testing, depending on context.

Supervision, licensure sequence and testing Committee members pressed for clearer language explaining that LCP is the independent/clinical level for the master's‑level psychology profession and that an LMLP practices under supervision. Several members asked staff to describe supervision status more plainly (for example: “practices under supervision” versus “practices independently”) because the public may not understand licensing levels. Members discussed that some practitioners remain at the LMLP level for years because their employment does not require the LCP or because of testing barriers such as reluctance to take the EPPP. Several committee members endorsed exploring an alternate pathway to clinical licensure that would recognize long periods of supervised practice as one option for experienced LMLPs.

Next steps Committee members asked staff to incorporate edits, remove or explain acronyms, add brief education‑level language ("master's degree or higher"), add a statement about client consent for professional consultations, and have staff member Leslie review revised copy before the next meeting. The committee planned to revisit the drafts at a future meeting and then forward recommended language to the board for posting.

Quotes "I think it's really good. Just small things…with client consent if we're gonna say that, just so people know that LMLPs just aren't talking to all your professionals in your life," committee member Jennifer Schreiner said while suggesting an explicit consent reference.

Ending Staff will refine the drafts and return revised language at a subsequent meeting; committee members said the clearer descriptions are intended to help consumers and licensees understand scope and supervision expectations.