CO Psych Juris flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Practice of psychology definition

Under C.R.S. § 12-245-301, it includes diagnosing, treating, and correcting psychological disorders and using psychological methods to understand behavior, requiring a license.

Exemptions from licensure

Federal psychologists, students in supervised training, and certain supervised unlicensed persons are exempt from licensure under C.R.S. § 12-245-305, but must not imply licensure.

Title protection

Only licensed psychologists may use the title 'psychologist' or derivatives; unlicensed persons may not imply they are licensed, per the Psychology Practice Act.

Mandatory reporting child abuse

Psychologists must report suspected child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or county department under C.R.S. § 19-3-304, regardless of confidentiality.

Duty to warn/protect

Colorado follows Tarasoff; psychologists may disclose confidential information to prevent serious harm to an identifiable person under C.R.S. § 13-21-117.

Telepsychology compliance

Telepsychology is permitted if the psychologist complies with Colorado law and the law of the client's location; interstate practice may require PSYPACT authority.

Board authority

The Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners administers the Psychology Practice Act under C.R.S. § 12-245-301 et seq., including licensure and discipline.

Board rules location

Board rules are codified in 3 CCR 713-1, covering licensure requirements, supervision, continuing education, and disciplinary procedures.

Supervision hours for licensure

Applicants must complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral practice, including 750 hours of direct client contact, over at least 12 months.

Supervisor qualifications

Supervisors must be licensed psychologists for at least two years with no disciplinary actions; a supervision plan must be filed with the Board.

Record retention

Psychologists must maintain records for at least seven years after termination of services, or until the client reaches age 18 plus seven years, whichever is longer.

Informed consent requirement

Psychologists must obtain informed consent for services, including fees, confidentiality, and limits, and document it in the client record.

EPPP passing score

Colorado requires a scaled score of 500 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP); scores are valid for five years from the examination date.

Licensure by endorsement

Requires active licensure in another state for at least five years, no disciplinary actions, and verification of equivalent education and experience.

Initial licensure fee

The initial licensure fee in Colorado is $400, payable with the application for licensure by examination or endorsement.

License renewal cycle

Colorado psychology licenses expire on August 31 of odd-numbered years; renewal requires completion of continuing education and payment of a $300 fee.

Late renewal penalty

A late fee of $100 applies if renewed within 30 days after expiration; after 30 days, the license lapses and practice is prohibited.

Reactivation requirements

A lapsed license may be reactivated by application, $250 fee, and proof of 30 hours of continuing education within the past two years.

Inactive status

Licensees may request inactive status; while inactive, they may not practice and must pay a reduced fee of $150 per renewal cycle.

CE hours per cycle

Licensees must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 6 hours in ethics and 4 hours in cultural diversity.

CE provider approval

CE hours must be from APA-approved or Colorado Board-approved providers; self-study is limited to 10 hours per cycle.

Live CE requirement

At least 20 of the 40 required CE hours must be in person or live interactive formats; the remaining hours may be home study.

CE documentation retention

Licensees must retain CE certificates for at least four years and provide them upon request by the Board during audits.

New licensee CE exemption

New licensees are exempt from CE for the first renewal cycle if licensed less than 12 months before the renewal date.

Reactivation CE requirement

Reactivation requires 30 hours of CE within the two years preceding the application, including 4 hours in ethics.

CE noncompliance consequences

Failure to complete CE may result in disciplinary action, including fines or license suspension; the Board conducts random audits.

Grounds for discipline

Grounds include unprofessional conduct, incompetence, negligence, fraud, violation of confidentiality, and practicing beyond scope under C.R.S. § 12-245-320.

Board sanctions

The Board may impose reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation, or denial, and fines up to $5,000 per violation.

Complaint filing procedure

Complaints must be filed in writing with the Division of Professions and Occupations; the Board investigates and may dismiss or proceed to formal hearing.

Due process rights

Licensees are entitled to notice and an opportunity for a hearing under the Colorado Administrative Procedure Act, C.R.S. § 24-4-101 et seq.

Mandatory reporting of colleagues

Psychologists must report to the Board any unprofessional conduct or incompetence of another licensee that poses a risk to clients.

Reinstatement after revocation

A licensee may petition for reinstatement after five years; must demonstrate rehabilitation and pass a competency examination.