Legal Scope of Practice, Licensure Requirements, and Titling
Domain 2: Legal scope of practice, licensure requirements, and titling
This domain tests who may practice psychology in Kansas, what counts as practice, how licensure is obtained, and when a title is protected. Questions often turn on an exemption or on the difference between a doctorate and a license.
Scope and title
- K.S.A. 74-5302 defines the practice of psychology broadly: assessment, diagnosis, treatment, psychotherapy, consultation, research, teaching, and supervision involving psychological principles and tests.
- A Kansas license is required both to practice and to use the title 'psychologist,' 'licensed psychologist,' or a misleading variation. A doctorate alone does not confer the title.
- Unlicensed practice and false title use are unlawful and can lead to cease-and-desist orders, penalties, and denial of a later application.
Licensure path
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an acceptable program; supervised experience as specified by the BSRB; passing the EPPP; Kansas jurisprudence exam; application, fees, and character/background review.
- The Board may deny licensure for specified criminal history, fraud, or conduct that would be grounds for discipline.
Limited exemptions
- Physicians, attorneys, clergy, certified school psychologists acting within school roles, supervised students, and certain federal employees may be exempt within their defined roles. Exemptions are narrow; they do not create a general private-practice right.
Worked example
A PhD in educational psychology opens a private ADHD-testing practice and calls himself 'Dr. Smith, Psychologist.' His school exemption does not cover private practice, and his doctorate does not satisfy Kansas licensure by itself. He must be licensed before testing, diagnosing, or using the title. If he supervises a master's-level employee who performs testing, the employee's work must fit the supervision rules.
Traps
- Equating an academic doctorate with licensure.
- Reading an exemption as permission for private practice.
- Using a title such as 'psychological services' to imply licensure when unlicensed.