AB196 would let supervised psychometrists administer tests and sets a three-year complaint window for psychologists

CARSON CITY — Assembly Bill 196, which would let trained unlicensed personnel use the title “psychometrist” for psychological testing performed under a licensed psychologist’s supervision and set a three-year limitations period for complaints against psychologists, was presented to the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee on Wednesday.

Assemblywoman Shea Backus, sponsor of AB196, said the bill responds to demand for testing and assessment services and clarifies who may administer and score psychological tests. “Expanding the ability to administer psychological tests to include trained psychometrists as AB196 proposes could help make sure more people get access to the services they need,” Backus said.

Megan Cavallaro, a legislative intern who outlined the measure, said the bill directs the Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners to adopt regulations authorizing licensed psychologists to delegate test administration and scoring to trained, unlicensed personnel and to allow those personnel to use the title psychometrist in connection with that work. The bill also gives the board rulemaking authority to define qualifications and scope of practice for such personnel and would repeal a business-entity registration requirement the board now enforces.

The bill includes a separate change establishing a three-year window for filing complaints based on the event that gives rise to the complaint. Laura Arnold, executive director of the Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners, told the committee the board supports the clarification that the psychometrist title may be used for trained, supervised personnel because that term is commonly used elsewhere in the United States; she added that the supervising licensed psychologist remains responsible for diagnosis and interpretation.

Supporters that testified included the Nevada Psychological Association, which said delegating testing tasks to supervised psychometrists would expand capacity and reduce wait times. Neutral testimony from the State Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors noted a proposed amendment from another party that would remove testing authority for licensed marriage and family therapists; that board asked for a period to review that amendment before a final position is taken.

Some witnesses raised equity and training concerns during neutral testimony. Tara Raines, a licensed psychologist and deputy director of Children’s Advocacy Alliance, said standardized assessments can have disparate racial impacts and cautioned that psychometrists must be trained in psychometrics, statistics and culturally responsive practice if their use is to expand. Raines asked to participate in board rulemaking to ensure safeguards and high-quality supervision.

The committee did not take a final vote during the hearing; the sponsor said she would review an out-of-cycle proposed amendment and consult with the board.