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Senate backs tiered psychology licensing to expand access to care
Summary
Senate Substitute 1 for SB 208 passed March 26 to create a licensed psychology associate and a master's‑level psychological assistant to expand supervised behavioral‑health capacity while preserving doctoral authority over high‑stakes testing; supporters said it addresses workforce shortages.
Senate Substitute 1 for SB 208 passed the Delaware Senate on March 26 after sponsors described a tiered licensing framework intended to increase access to behavioral‑health services while protecting high‑stakes functions for doctoral psychologists.
Senator Pedersen, the sponsor, said the substitute creates two new roles: a licensed psychology associate (a master's‑level license with a defined scope and the ability to sit for the EPPP exam after supervised training) and a master's‑level psychological assistant (a registered, supervised role without independent practice authority). The substitute limits licensed associates from performing neuropsychological testing, forensic evaluations, competency or custody determinations and other specialty assessments reserved for doctoral psychologists.
The sponsor and several senators emphasized the measure was designed in consultation with the Delaware Psychological Association and the University of Delaware and is modeled on practices in other states. Cosponsors were added on the floor, and the substitute was declared passed to the Senate with a roll call of 20 yes and 1 absent.
