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Post Commission to study whether LPCs with MHSP designation can perform required psychological assessments
Summary
The commission opened a rule‑level discussion about whether Licensed Professional Counselors with a Mental Health Service Provider designation are qualified to complete psychological assessments required by POST rules and voted to commission further study and clarification.
The Post Commission on Nov. 15 opened a formal discussion of rule 1110‑0 2‑032 j to determine whether Licensed Professional Counselors with Mental Health Service Provider (MHSP) designation may complete psychological assessments used in law‑enforcement hiring and background processes. Assistant Director Rafael Bello and staff briefed the commission and commissioners raised concerns about scope and evidentiary weight.
Commissioners noted that statutory language refers to a "licensed mental health counselor or licensed mental health professional," and staff described the LPC‑MHSP as a graduate‑degree license involving supervised practice and, per board language, authority to diagnose and treat mental‑health issues. Some commissioners said they understand LPC‑MHSPs can administer tests but questioned whether master’s‑level clinicians without doctorates are qualified to perform higher‑level evaluations or to serve as expert witnesses in court.
Several commissioners pointed to regional capacity concerns and the potential for provider shortages in parts of the state, while others said they had not heard that psychological assessments are broadly unavailable. After discussion, a commissioner moved and the board seconded a motion to undertake further study to clarify the differences between LPC‑MHSPs and other licensed mental‑health professionals and to report back with recommendations. That motion passed.
The commission did not change rule language during the meeting; staff said next steps would include targeted research, possible outreach to licensing boards or practitioners, and an invitation to the inquiring individual or other stakeholders to appear if helpful. The motion to study is meant to inform whether the commission should amend rule wording or issue an interpretive policy about which licensed professionals meet POST’s assessment requirements.
The commission’s action is procedural: it directed further investigation and did not adopt new rules or expand who may perform assessments. The board said it will present findings at a future meeting and may solicit written guidance from relevant licensing boards or invite practitioners to testify.
