MD Psych Juris cheat sheet

Practice of psychology is defined in the Maryland Psychology Act (Health-General Article, Title 18) and administered by the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists in the Department of Health.

Unlicensed practice is prohibited; the Act lists exempt persons, including certain school personnel, employees of exempt agencies, students in supervised training, and professionals in other licensed fields who do not hold out as psychologists.

Title protection: only licensed psychologists may use the title "psychologist" or any abbreviation implying licensure, and may not represent themselves as licensed when not.

Scope includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, research, teaching, and consultation applying psychological principles to individuals or groups.

The Board may issue cease-and-desist orders and pursue injunctive or criminal penalties against unlicensed practice; practicing without a license is a misdemeanor.

The Act does not authorize psychologists to prescribe medication; prescribing is outside scope and limited to licensed prescribers.

The Board adopts regulations in COMAR Title 10, Subtitle 22, which carry the force of law alongside the statute.

Licensure is required for independent practice; unlicensed persons may practice only under supervision as permitted by the Act and regulations.

Doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent program meeting Board content requirements is required for licensure.

Applicants must complete a specified number of supervised postdoctoral or predoctoral experience hours as set out in COMAR; the Board verifies hours through supervisor attestation forms.

Supervision must be by a licensed psychologist; the required ratio and frequency of supervision are fixed by regulation, and supervisors must document the applicant's performance.

The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPP) is the national written examination; Maryland also requires the jurisprudence examination covering Maryland law and regulations.

Application requires official transcripts, verification of supervised experience, examination scores, and fee; incomplete applications are not processed until all documents are received.

The Board conducts background checks and may require additional information for applicants with disciplinary history or criminal records.

Reciprocity and endorsement pathways allow licensure based on a license in good standing from another jurisdiction, subject to Board review of education and experience equivalency.

Licenses are renewed on a biennial cycle; renewal requires evidence of continuing education and a fee, and lapsed licenses require reinstatement procedures.

The Board is composed of psychologist members and public members appointed by the Governor, with public members representing consumer interests.

Board authority includes licensing, renewal, investigation of complaints, issuance of reprimands, suspension, revocation, and imposition of civil penalties.

Disciplinary proceedings follow the Maryland Administrative Procedure Act and COMAR hearing procedures; respondents receive notice and an opportunity to be heard.

Grounds for discipline include incompetence, gross negligence, fraud, unprofessional conduct, sexual misconduct, impairment, and violation of the Act or regulations.

The Board may impose emergency suspension when there is an imminent risk to public health or safety, with a hearing to follow.

Hearing panels may include public members, and the Board may appoint hearing examiners to conduct contested case proceedings.

The Board may require remedial education, supervision, or evaluation as conditions of probation or reinstatement.

The Board publishes disciplinary actions and reports certain actions to national databases and other state licensing authorities.

Psychologists must maintain confidentiality of client information and may disclose only with valid written authorization, unless a statutory exception applies.

Exceptions include duty to warn or protect, suspected child abuse or neglect, court order, emergency medical situations, and certain Board or peer review proceedings.

Maryland law requires retention of clinical records for a defined period; records must be kept securely and released only in compliance with the Act and HIPAA.

Minors' records: parental access may be limited when disclosure would be detrimental to the minor's treatment, with documentation of the rationale.

A valid authorization must identify the information to be released, the recipient, the purpose, and the expiration date or event.

Psychologists must provide clients access to their records upon request, subject to limited exceptions such as therapeutic privilege.

Records may be used for research only with de-identification or IRB approval and compliance with informed consent requirements.

When records are subpoenaed, the psychologist must assert confidentiality and seek client authorization or a protective order before disclosure.

Informed consent must be obtained at the outset of services and includes the nature of services, fees, confidentiality limits, and the client's right to withdraw.

Maryland recognizes a duty to protect or warn when a client presents a serious threat of violence to an identifiable victim; the psychologist must take reasonable steps, such as warning the victim or notifying law enforcement.

Informed consent for treatment of minors requires parental or guardian consent, with assent from the minor when appropriate.

Clients have the right to be informed of the psychologist's credentials, treatment alternatives, and the right to file complaints with the Board.

Informed consent for research must disclose risks, benefits, procedures, and the right to withdraw without penalty.

Emergency treatment may proceed without consent when necessary to prevent serious harm, with documentation of the basis.

Psychologists must disclose limits of confidentiality, including mandatory reporting obligations, in the initial consent process.

Duty to protect is a statutory and regulatory obligation; failure may result in Board discipline and civil liability.

Maryland law requires psychologists to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the local Department of Social Services or law enforcement.

Reports must be made promptly, and the reporter is immune from civil and criminal liability when acting in good faith.

Failure to report is a criminal offense and may also result in Board discipline.

Suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults must be reported to the appropriate adult protective services agency.

Certain communicable diseases and injuries may require reporting under Maryland public health law, as specified by statute.

Reporting obligations override confidentiality; the psychologist must inform clients of these limits at the outset of treatment.

Psychologists must cooperate with investigations by child protective services and may be required to provide records or testimony.

Good-faith reporting is protected; retaliation against a reporter is prohibited.

Sexual contact with a current client is prohibited and constitutes grounds for discipline; the prohibition extends for a defined period after termination of therapy.

Multiple relationships are prohibited when they could impair objectivity or exploit the client; psychologists must avoid, and if unavoidable, document and manage them.

Business relationships with clients are discouraged and must be carefully evaluated for potential exploitation.

Providing therapy to family members, friends, or employees creates a conflict of interest and is generally prohibited.

Boundary violations include inappropriate self-disclosure, gifts, and social contact that may harm the therapeutic relationship.

Psychologists must not accept gifts of substantial value from clients or engage in bartering unless culturally appropriate and documented.

Supervisors must avoid multiple relationships with supervisees that could impair evaluation or create exploitation.

Board regulations define sexual misconduct broadly, including harassment and exploitation, and require reporting of violations.

Psychologists must practice only within the boundaries of their competence, based on education, training, and experience.

Continuing education requirements are set by the Board; failure to complete required hours may result in license renewal denial or disciplinary action.

Impairment from substance abuse, mental illness, or other conditions must be addressed; psychologists must seek assistance and may be required to report impaired colleagues.

The Board may require evaluation and treatment as a condition of continued practice or reinstatement.

Psychologists must keep current with scientific and professional developments through ongoing education and supervision.

Supervisors have a duty to ensure supervisees are competent and to intervene when performance is inadequate.

Competence includes cultural competence and awareness of diversity factors affecting assessment and treatment.

Peer assistance programs may provide confidential support for impaired psychologists.

Fee arrangements must be disclosed to clients in advance and must be consistent with informed consent requirements.

Advertising must be accurate and not misleading; psychologists may not use testimonials or claims that create false expectations.

Psychologists may not pay for referrals or engage in fee-splitting that is prohibited by law.

Billing must accurately reflect services rendered; fraudulent billing is grounds for discipline.

Psychologists must not exploit clients financially or engage in business practices that create conflicts of interest.

Use of titles and credentials in advertising must accurately reflect licensure status.

Advertising through electronic media is subject to the same accuracy and truthfulness standards as other forms of advertising.

Psychologists must comply with HIPAA and Maryland consumer protection laws in billing and business practices.

Telepsychology is the delivery of psychological services through electronic means; it is subject to the same standards as in-person practice.

Psychologists must be licensed in Maryland to provide telepsychology services to clients located in Maryland, unless an interstate compact or exception applies.

Informed consent for telepsychology must address technology risks, privacy, emergency procedures, and alternatives.

Psychologists must ensure the security and confidentiality of electronic communications, including encryption and secure platforms.

Interstate practice may be authorized through PSYPACT or other compacts; psychologists must verify participating states and comply with each state's requirements.

Emergency protocols must be established for clients in remote locations, including local emergency contacts.

Psychologists must maintain competence in the use of technology and be aware of jurisdictional legal requirements.

Documentation of telepsychology sessions must meet the same record-keeping standards as in-person services.

The APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct is adopted by reference in Maryland regulations and applies to all licensed psychologists.

Ethical standards include beneficence, nonmaleficence, fidelity, integrity, and respect for people's rights and dignity.

Psychologists must avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts that may impair objectivity.

Ethical complaints may be filed with the Board and are subject to investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

Psychologists must report ethical violations by colleagues when they raise substantial concerns about competence or harm.

Informed consent, confidentiality, and competence requirements in the APA Code are mirrored in Maryland statute and regulations.

Ethical decision-making requires consultation with colleagues and documentation of the reasoning process.

The Board may impose sanctions for violations of the APA Code even when the conduct is not specifically listed in Maryland statute.

Practice of psychology is defined in the Maryland Psychology Act (Health-General Article, Title 18) and administered by the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists in the Department of Health.

Unlicensed practice is prohibited; the Act lists exempt persons, including certain school personnel, employees of exempt agencies, students in supervised training, and professionals in other licensed fields who do not hold out as psychologists.

Title protection: only licensed psychologists may use the title "psychologist" or any abbreviation implying licensure, and may not represent themselves as licensed when not.

Scope includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, research, teaching, and consultation applying psychological principles to individuals or groups.

The Board may issue cease-and-desist orders and pursue injunctive or criminal penalties against unlicensed practice; practicing without a license is a misdemeanor.

The Act does not authorize psychologists to prescribe medication; prescribing is outside scope and limited to licensed prescribers.

The Board adopts regulations in COMAR Title 10, Subtitle 22, which carry the force of law alongside the statute.

Licensure is required for independent practice; unlicensed persons may practice only under supervision as permitted by the Act and regulations.

Doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent program meeting Board content requirements is required for licensure.

Applicants must complete a specified number of supervised postdoctoral or predoctoral experience hours as set out in COMAR; the Board verifies hours through supervisor attestation forms.

Supervision must be by a licensed psychologist; the required ratio and frequency of supervision are fixed by regulation, and supervisors must document the applicant's performance.

The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPP) is the national written examination; Maryland also requires the jurisprudence examination covering Maryland law and regulations.

Application requires official transcripts, verification of supervised experience, examination scores, and fee; incomplete applications are not processed until all documents are received.

The Board conducts background checks and may require additional information for applicants with disciplinary history or criminal records.

Reciprocity and endorsement pathways allow licensure based on a license in good standing from another jurisdiction, subject to Board review of education and experience equivalency.

Licenses are renewed on a biennial cycle; renewal requires evidence of continuing education and a fee, and lapsed licenses require reinstatement procedures.

The Board is composed of psychologist members and public members appointed by the Governor, with public members representing consumer interests.

Board authority includes licensing, renewal, investigation of complaints, issuance of reprimands, suspension, revocation, and imposition of civil penalties.

Disciplinary proceedings follow the Maryland Administrative Procedure Act and COMAR hearing procedures; respondents receive notice and an opportunity to be heard.

Grounds for discipline include incompetence, gross negligence, fraud, unprofessional conduct, sexual misconduct, impairment, and violation of the Act or regulations.

The Board may impose emergency suspension when there is an imminent risk to public health or safety, with a hearing to follow.

Hearing panels may include public members, and the Board may appoint hearing examiners to conduct contested case proceedings.

The Board may require remedial education, supervision, or evaluation as conditions of probation or reinstatement.

The Board publishes disciplinary actions and reports certain actions to national databases and other state licensing authorities.

Psychologists must maintain confidentiality of client information and may disclose only with valid written authorization, unless a statutory exception applies.

Exceptions include duty to warn or protect, suspected child abuse or neglect, court order, emergency medical situations, and certain Board or peer review proceedings.

Maryland law requires retention of clinical records for a defined period; records must be kept securely and released only in compliance with the Act and HIPAA.

Minors' records: parental access may be limited when disclosure would be detrimental to the minor's treatment, with documentation of the rationale.

A valid authorization must identify the information to be released, the recipient, the purpose, and the expiration date or event.

Psychologists must provide clients access to their records upon request, subject to limited exceptions such as therapeutic privilege.

Records may be used for research only with de-identification or IRB approval and compliance with informed consent requirements.

When records are subpoenaed, the psychologist must assert confidentiality and seek client authorization or a protective order before disclosure.

Informed consent must be obtained at the outset of services and includes the nature of services, fees, confidentiality limits, and the client's right to withdraw.

Maryland recognizes a duty to protect or warn when a client presents a serious threat of violence to an identifiable victim; the psychologist must take reasonable steps, such as warning the victim or notifying law enforcement.

Informed consent for treatment of minors requires parental or guardian consent, with assent from the minor when appropriate.

Clients have the right to be informed of the psychologist's credentials, treatment alternatives, and the right to file complaints with the Board.

Informed consent for research must disclose risks, benefits, procedures, and the right to withdraw without penalty.

Emergency treatment may proceed without consent when necessary to prevent serious harm, with documentation of the basis.

Psychologists must disclose limits of confidentiality, including mandatory reporting obligations, in the initial consent process.

Duty to protect is a statutory and regulatory obligation; failure may result in Board discipline and civil liability.

Maryland law requires psychologists to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the local Department of Social Services or law enforcement.

Reports must be made promptly, and the reporter is immune from civil and criminal liability when acting in good faith.

Failure to report is a criminal offense and may also result in Board discipline.

Suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults must be reported to the appropriate adult protective services agency.

Certain communicable diseases and injuries may require reporting under Maryland public health law, as specified by statute.

Reporting obligations override confidentiality; the psychologist must inform clients of these limits at the outset of treatment.

Psychologists must cooperate with investigations by child protective services and may be required to provide records or testimony.

Good-faith reporting is protected; retaliation against a reporter is prohibited.

Sexual contact with a current client is prohibited and constitutes grounds for discipline; the prohibition extends for a defined period after termination of therapy.

Multiple relationships are prohibited when they could impair objectivity or exploit the client; psychologists must avoid, and if unavoidable, document and manage them.

Business relationships with clients are discouraged and must be carefully evaluated for potential exploitation.

Providing therapy to family members, friends, or employees creates a conflict of interest and is generally prohibited.

Boundary violations include inappropriate self-disclosure, gifts, and social contact that may harm the therapeutic relationship.

Psychologists must not accept gifts of substantial value from clients or engage in bartering unless culturally appropriate and documented.

Supervisors must avoid multiple relationships with supervisees that could impair evaluation or create exploitation.

Board regulations define sexual misconduct broadly, including harassment and exploitation, and require reporting of violations.

Psychologists must practice only within the boundaries of their competence, based on education, training, and experience.

Continuing education requirements are set by the Board; failure to complete required hours may result in license renewal denial or disciplinary action.

Impairment from substance abuse, mental illness, or other conditions must be addressed; psychologists must seek assistance and may be required to report impaired colleagues.

The Board may require evaluation and treatment as a condition of continued practice or reinstatement.

Psychologists must keep current with scientific and professional developments through ongoing education and supervision.

Supervisors have a duty to ensure supervisees are competent and to intervene when performance is inadequate.

Competence includes cultural competence and awareness of diversity factors affecting assessment and treatment.

Peer assistance programs may provide confidential support for impaired psychologists.

Fee arrangements must be disclosed to clients in advance and must be consistent with informed consent requirements.

Advertising must be accurate and not misleading; psychologists may not use testimonials or claims that create false expectations.

Psychologists may not pay for referrals or engage in fee-splitting that is prohibited by law.

Billing must accurately reflect services rendered; fraudulent billing is grounds for discipline.

Psychologists must not exploit clients financially or engage in business practices that create conflicts of interest.

Use of titles and credentials in advertising must accurately reflect licensure status.

Advertising through electronic media is subject to the same accuracy and truthfulness standards as other forms of advertising.

Psychologists must comply with HIPAA and Maryland consumer protection laws in billing and business practices.

Telepsychology is the delivery of psychological services through electronic means; it is subject to the same standards as in-person practice.

Psychologists must be licensed in Maryland to provide telepsychology services to clients located in Maryland, unless an interstate compact or exception applies.

Informed consent for telepsychology must address technology risks, privacy, emergency procedures, and alternatives.

Psychologists must ensure the security and confidentiality of electronic communications, including encryption and secure platforms.

Interstate practice may be authorized through PSYPACT or other compacts; psychologists must verify participating states and comply with each state's requirements.

Emergency protocols must be established for clients in remote locations, including local emergency contacts.

Psychologists must maintain competence in the use of technology and be aware of jurisdictional legal requirements.

Documentation of telepsychology sessions must meet the same record-keeping standards as in-person services.

The APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct is adopted by reference in Maryland regulations and applies to all licensed psychologists.

Ethical standards include beneficence, nonmaleficence, fidelity, integrity, and respect for people's rights and dignity.

Psychologists must avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts that may impair objectivity.

Ethical complaints may be filed with the Board and are subject to investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

Psychologists must report ethical violations by colleagues when they raise substantial concerns about competence or harm.

Informed consent, confidentiality, and competence requirements in the APA Code are mirrored in Maryland statute and regulations.

Ethical decision-making requires consultation with colleagues and documentation of the reasoning process.

The Board may impose sanctions for violations of the APA Code even when the conduct is not specifically listed in Maryland statute.