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Training programs urge board to clarify AB2703 implementation for psychological associates and APA internships
Summary
Training programs and the California Psychological Association urged the board to clarify whether trainees in APA-accredited internships can also earn supervised professional experience (SPE) hours as psychological associates under AB2703; the licensing unit is preparing FAQs for publication by August 2026.
Several training program leaders and the California Psychological Association told the Board of Psychology May 15 that implementation guidance is needed to operationalize AB2703, a 2025 law that allows psychological associates to bill in certain community health settings and expands training opportunities in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.
Dr. Elizabeth Wkelman of the California Psychological Association asked the board to defer her comment to the licensing item (item 10) so staff could discuss procedures during the licensing report. Commenters described confusion when trainees simultaneously participate in APA-accredited internships and are registered as psychological associates for reimbursement; they requested clear documentation rules to ensure SPE hours count toward licensure while avoiding double-counting. Michael Chengeras and Gilbert Newman, training-program leaders, said the uncertainty hinders program operations and reimbursement and could limit training capacity in underserved communities.
Licensing staff told the board they were preparing an FAQ to post on the board website by August 2026 to explain procedures and documentation needed for psychological associates and APA internships. The staff presentation reiterated that the psychological associate registration is a time-limited pathway (72 months currently) to accrue supervised hours and that extensions can be requested and reviewed by staff or the licensing committee.
Why it matters: AB2703 is intended to expand training and access to care by permitting psychological associates to provide reimbursable services in community clinics. For training programs and trainees, clarity about whether APA internship hours may count as SPE, and how to document joint training arrangements, determines whether trainees and clinics can rely on AB2703 for workforce capacity and billing.
The board did not take formal regulatory action at the meeting but staff committed to an FAQ and asked stakeholders to provide input so implementation materials address recurring operational questions.
