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Psychology board’s proposal to access therapy records draws lawmakers’ scrutiny and professional opposition
Summary
The California Board of Psychology told legislators it may seek a statutory exception to psychotherapist–patient privilege for board investigations; committee members and professional groups voiced deep concerns about patient confidentiality and judicial safeguards.
Dr. Leah Tate, president of the California Board of Psychology, told the joint sunset review committees the board is considering a statutory change to allow access to psychotherapist records for some board investigations and urged legislators to weigh the costs and investigatory delays created by civil subpoenas.
The proposal prompted immediate concern from committee members and professional associations, who argued existing judicial subpoena processes protect patient privacy and provide necessary oversight.
Why it matters: Psychotherapist–patient privilege is central to client trust in therapy. Any statutory change that allows investigators broader access to records provoked questions about patient autonomy, the threshold for disclosure, and legal safeguards.
What board officials said Dr. Leah Tate and board staff…
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