text:
(a) On or after July 1, 2023, an applicant for licensure as an educational psychologist shall show, as part of the application, that they have completed a minimum of three hours of training or coursework in the provision of mental health services via telehealth, which shall include law and ethics related to telehealth. This requirement shall be met in one of the following ways:

(1) Obtained as part of their qualifying graduate degree program. To satisfy this requirement, the applicant shall submit to the board a written certification from the registrar or training director of the educational institution or program from which the applicant graduated stating that the coursework required by this section is included within the institution’s curriculum required for graduation at the time the applicant graduated, or within the coursework that was completed by the applicant.

(2) Obtained by completing a continuing education course that meets the requirements of Section 4989.34. To satisfy this requirement, the applicant shall submit to the board a certification of completion.

(b) As a one-time requirement, a licensee before the time of their first renewal after July 1, 2023, or an applicant for reactivation or reinstatement to an active license status on or after July 1, 2023, shall have completed a minimum of three hours of training or coursework in the provision of mental health services via telehealth, which shall include law and ethics related to telehealth, using one of the methods specified in subdivision (a).

(c) Proof of compliance with subdivision (b) shall be certified under penalty of perjury that they are in compliance with this section and shall be retained for submission to the board upon request.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 520, Sec. 6. (AB 1759) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 2. Licensure


kind: section

code: BPC

text:
(a) The board shall not issue a license to a person who has been convicted of a crime in this or any other state or in a territory of the United States that involves sexual abuse of children or who is required to register pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code or the equivalent in another state or territory.

(b) A denial issued pursuant to this section shall comply with the conditions for denial specified in Section 480.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 35. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

division: 2. HEALING ARTS

article: 2. Licensure

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 13.5. Licensed Educational Psychologists > 2. Licensure


text: The board may refuse to issue a license to an applicant if it appears he or she may be unable to practice safely due to mental illness or chemical dependency. The procedures set forth in Article 12.5 (commencing with Section 820) of Chapter 1 shall apply to a denial of a license pursuant to this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 659, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 2007.)

chapter: 13.5. Licensed Educational Psychologists

article: 2. Licensure


text: The board may deny an application for licensure if the applicant is or has been guilty of unprofessional conduct as described in Section 4989.54.

article: 2. Licensure


text: A license issued under this chapter shall expire no later than 24 months after its date of issue. The expiration date of the original license shall be set by the board.

article: 3. Renewal and Continuing Education

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 13.5. Licensed Educational Psychologists > 3. Renewal and Continuing Education


text:
To renew an unexpired license, the licensee shall, on or before the expiration date of the license, take all of the following actions:

(a) Apply for renewal on a form prescribed by the board.

(b) Pay a two-year renewal fee prescribed by the board.

(c) Inform the board of whether the licensee has been convicted, as defined in Section 490, of any misdemeanor or felony and whether any disciplinary action has been taken by a regulatory or licensing board in this or any other state after the prior issuance or renewal of a license.

(d) Complete the continuing education requirements described in Section 4989.34.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 36. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Renewal and Continuing Education


text:
(a) To renew a license, a licensee shall certify to the board, on a form prescribed by the board, completion in the preceding two years of not less than 36 hours of approved continuing education in, or relevant to, educational psychology.

(b) (1) The continuing education shall be obtained from either an accredited university or a continuing education provider as specified by the board by regulation.

(2) The board shall establish, by regulation, a procedure identifying acceptable providers of continuing education courses, and all providers of continuing education shall comply with procedures established by the board. The board may revoke or deny the right of a provider to offer continuing education coursework pursuant to this section for failure to comply with this section or any regulation adopted pursuant to this section.

(c) (1) In determining its continuing education requirements, the board shall consider including a course in menopausal mental health.

(2) In determining its continuing education requirements, the board shall consider including a course in maternal mental health.

(d) Training, education, and coursework by approved providers shall incorporate one or more of the following:

(1) Aspects of the discipline that are fundamental to the understanding or the practice of educational psychology.

(2) Aspects of the discipline of educational psychology in which significant recent developments have occurred.

(3) Aspects of other disciplines that enhance the understanding or the practice of educational psychology.

(e) The board may audit the records of a licensee to verify completion of the continuing education requirement. A licensee shall maintain records of the completion of required continuing education coursework for a minimum of two years and shall make these records available to the board for auditing purposes upon its request.

(f) The board may establish exceptions from the continuing education requirements of this section for good cause, as determined by the board.

(g) The continuing education requirements of this section shall comply fully with the guidelines for mandatory continuing education established by the Department of Consumer Affairs pursuant to Section 166.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 836, Sec. 5.5. (AB 2581) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 3. Renewal and Continuing Education


text: A licensee may renew a license that has expired at any time within three years after its expiration date by taking all of the actions described in Section 4989.32 and by paying the delinquency fee.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 38. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Renewal and Continuing Education


text: A suspended license is subject to expiration and shall be renewed as provided in this article, but such renewal does not entitle the licensee, while it remains suspended and until it is reinstated, to engage in the activity to which the license relates, or in any other activity or conduct in violation of the order or judgment by which it was suspended.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 39. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Renewal and Continuing Education


text: A revoked license is subject to expiration as provided in this article and shall not be renewed. The applicant may apply to the board for reinstatement of their license. If it is reinstated after its expiration, the licensee shall, as a condition precedent to its reinstatement, pay a reinstatement fee in an amount equal to the renewal fee in effect on the last regular renewal date before the date on which it is reinstated, plus the delinquency fee, if any, accrued at the time of its revocation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 40. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Renewal and Continuing Education


text:
A license that is not renewed within three years after its expiration may not be renewed, restored, reinstated, or reissued thereafter. A former licensee may apply for a new license if he or she satisfies all of the following requirements:

(a) No fact, circumstance, or condition exists that, if the license were issued, would constitute grounds for its revocation or suspension.

(b) Payment of the fees that would be required if he or she were applying for a license for the first time.

(c) Passage of the current licensure examination.

(d) He or she complies with the fingerprint requirements established by board regulation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 799, Sec. 46. (SB 1575) Effective January 1, 2013.)

article: 3. Renewal and Continuing Education


text:
(a) A licensee may apply to the board to request that his or her license be placed on inactive status.

(b) A licensee on inactive status shall be subject to this chapter and shall not engage in the practice of educational psychology in this state.

(c) A licensee who holds an inactive license shall pay a biennial fee of one-half of the amount of the standard renewal fee.

(d) A licensee on inactive status who has not committed an act or crime constituting grounds for denial of licensure may, upon request, restore his or her license to practice educational psychology to active status. A licensee requesting that his or her license be placed on active status between renewal cycles shall pay the remaining one-half of his or her renewal fee. A licensee requesting to restore his or her license to active status, whose license will expire less than one year from the date of the request, shall complete 18 hours of continuing education as specified in Section 4989.34. A licensee requesting to restore his or her license to active status, whose license will expire more than one year from the date of the request, shall complete 36 hours of continuing education as specified in Section 4989.34.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 586, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 3. Renewal and Continuing Education


text:
(a) (1) The board shall issue, upon submission of a completed application as prescribed by this section and payment of the fee fixed by this chapter, a retired license to a licensed educational psychologist who holds a license that is current and active or a license that is inactive, and whose license is not suspended, revoked, or otherwise punitively restricted by the board or subject to disciplinary action under this chapter.

(2) A licensed educational psychologist license that has expired shall be issued a retired license by the board upon submission of a completed application as prescribed by this section and payment of the fee fixed by this chapter if all of the following requirements are met:

(A) The license expired within three years from the date of the board’s receipt of a completed application.

(B) Immediately preceding the license expiration, and after the license expiration, the license was not suspended, revoked, or otherwise punitively restricted by the board or subject to disciplinary action under this chapter.

(3) For purposes of this section, “subject to disciplinary action” shall mean that the licensee had an unsatisfied cost recovery, fine or restitution order, an accusation or petition to revoke probation that has been served on the licensee alleging violations of their probation or the chapter, or an unresolved complaint or investigation pending with the board.

(b) To apply for a retired license, the applicant shall submit a completed application to the board providing all of the following information:

(1) Full name as filed with the board.

(2) Board license type, license number, and expiration date.

(3) Date of birth.

(4) Social security number or individual taxpayer identification number.

(5) A statement signed under penalty of perjury that the information provided on the application is true and correct, that the applicant understands that the holder of a retired license may not engage in any activity for which the active license was issued, and that the applicant hereby requests their license to be changed to retired status.

(c) The holder of a retired license issued pursuant to this section shall not engage in any activity for which an active educational psychologist license is required.

(d) The holder of a retired license shall utilize their professional title only with the unabbreviated word “retired” directly preceding or directly following the professional title.

(e) The holder of a retired license shall not be required to renew that license.

(f) The holder of a retired license may apply to restore to active status their license to practice educational psychology if that retired license was issued less than three years prior to the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board. A retired license may be restored to active status one time only. To restore a retired license to active status, the applicant shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Submit a completed application to the board containing all of the following information:

(A) Full name as filed with the board.

(B) Original board license type and original license number and expiration date.

(C) Date of birth.

(D) Social security number or individual taxpayer identification number.

(E) Whether they have been convicted, as defined in Section 490, of a misdemeanor or felony, or whether any disciplinary action has been taken by any regulatory or licensing board in this or any other state subsequent to the issuance of the retired license.

(F) A statement signed under penalty of perjury that the information provided on the application is true and correct, that the applicant did not engage in any activity for which an active license is required while the license was in retired status, and that the applicant hereby requests their license to be changed to “active” status.

(2) Has not committed an act or crime constituting grounds for denial of licensure.

(3) Pays the renewal fee required by this chapter.

(4) Completes the required continuing education as specified in Section 4989.34.

(5) Complies with the fingerprint submission requirements established in Section 144.

(g) An applicant requesting to restore their license pursuant to subdivision (f) whose retired license was issued in accordance with this section less than one year from the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board shall complete 18 hours of continuing education taken within the two years prior to the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board. This coursework shall include a minimum of six hours in the subject of California law and ethics.

(h) An applicant requesting to restore their license pursuant to subdivision (f) whose retired license was issued in accordance with this section one or more years from the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board shall complete 36 hours of continuing education taken within the two years prior to the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board. This coursework shall include a minimum of six hours in the subject of California law and ethics.

(i) A retired license that was issued three or more years prior shall not be restored. The holder of the retired license may apply for and obtain a new license if all of the following criteria are satisfied:

(1) Has not committed an act or crime constituting grounds for denial of licensure.

(2) Applies for licensure and pays the required fee.

(3) Passes the examinations required for licensure.

(4) Complies with the fingerprint submission requirements established in Section 144.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 70. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 3. Renewal and Continuing Education


text:
A licensee shall give written notice to the board of a name change, providing both the old and new names. The written notice shall be submitted to the board within 30 days of the issuance of a new government-issued photographic identification. The licensee shall certify the information is correct by signing a statement under penalty of perjury. A copy of both of the following documents evidencing the change shall be submitted with the notice:

(a) A current government-issued photographic identification.

(b) The legal document authorizing the name change, such as a court order or a marriage certificate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 573, Sec. 10. (SB 800) Effective January 1, 2018.)

article: 4. Regulation

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 13.5. Licensed Educational Psychologists > 4. Regulation


text: Any licensed educational psychologist who conducts a private practice under a fictitious business name shall not use any name that is false, misleading, or deceptive, and shall inform the patient, prior to the commencement of treatment, of the name and license designation of the owner or owners of the practice.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 41. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 4. Regulation


text: A licensee shall display their license in a conspicuous place in the licensee’s primary place of practice when rendering professional clinical services in person.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 160, Sec. 7. (SB 1024) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Regulation


text: “Advertising,” as used in this chapter, includes, but is not limited to, any public communication as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 651, the issuance of any card, sign, or device to any person, or the causing, permitting, or allowing of any sign or marking on, or in, any building or structure, or in any newspaper, magazine, or directory, or any printed matter whatsoever, with or without any limiting qualification. Signs within religious buildings or notices in bulletins from a religious organization mailed to a congregation are not advertising within the meaning of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 71. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 4. Regulation


text: Except as authorized by this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to practice educational psychology or use any title or letters that imply that he or she is a licensed educational psychologist unless, at the time of so doing, he or she holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked license issued under this chapter.

article: 4. Regulation


text:
(a) A licensed educational psychologist shall retain a client’s health service records for a minimum of seven years from the date therapy is terminated. If the client is a minor, the client’s health service records shall be retained for a minimum of seven years from the date the client reaches 18 years of age. Health service records may be retained in either a written or an electronic format.

(b) This section shall apply only to the records of a client whose therapy is terminated on or after January 1, 2015.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 312, Sec. 2. (SB 578) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 4. Regulation


text: All consideration, compensation, or remuneration received by the licensee shall be in relation to professional counseling services actually provided by the licensee. Nothing in this section shall prevent collaboration among two or more licensees in a case. However, no fee shall be charged for that collaboration, except when disclosure of the fee has been made to the client.

article: 4. Regulation


text:
The board may deny a license or may suspend or revoke the license of a licensee if the person has been guilty of unprofessional conduct. Unprofessional conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) Conviction of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of an educational psychologist.

(1) The record of conviction shall be conclusive evidence only of the fact that the conviction occurred.

(2) The board may inquire into the circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime in order to fix the degree of discipline or to determine if the conviction is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee under this chapter.

(3) A conviction has the same meaning as defined in Section 7.5.

(4) The board may order a license suspended or revoked, or may decline to issue a license when the time for appeal has elapsed, or the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal, or when an order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of sentence. All actions pursuant to this subdivision shall be taken pursuant to Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475).

(b) Securing a license by fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation on an application for licensure submitted to the board, whether engaged in by an applicant for a license or by a licensee in support of an application for licensure.

(c) Administering to themselves a controlled substance or using any of the dangerous drugs specified in Section 4022 or an alcoholic beverage to the extent, or in a manner, as to be dangerous or injurious to themselves or to any other person or to the public or to the extent that the use impairs their ability to safely perform the functions authorized by the license. The board shall deny an application for a license or revoke the license of any person, other than one who is licensed as a physician and surgeon, who uses or offers to use drugs in the course of performing educational psychology.

(d) Failure to comply with the procedures set forth in Section 2290.5 when delivering health care via telehealth.

(e) Advertising in a manner that is false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive, as defined in Section 651.

(f) Violating, attempting to violate, or conspiring to violate any of the provisions of this chapter or any regulation adopted by the board.

(g) Commission of any dishonest, corrupt, or fraudulent act substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee.

(h) Denial of licensure, revocation, suspension, restriction, or any other disciplinary action imposed by another state or territory or possession of the United States or by any other governmental agency, on a license, certificate, or registration to practice educational psychology or any other healing art. A certified copy of the disciplinary action, decision, or judgment shall be conclusive evidence of that action.

(i) Revocation, suspension, or restriction by the board of a license, certificate, or registration to practice as an educational psychologist, a clinical social worker, professional clinical counselor, or marriage and family therapist.

(j) Failure to keep records consistent with sound clinical judgment, the standards of the profession, and the nature of the services being rendered.

(k) Gross negligence or incompetence in the practice of educational psychology.

(l) Misrepresentation as to the type or status of a license held by the licensee or otherwise misrepresenting or permitting misrepresentation of the licensee’s education, professional qualifications, or professional affiliations to any person or entity.

(m) Intentionally or recklessly causing physical or emotional harm to any client.

(n) Engaging in sexual relations with a client or a former client within two years following termination of professional services, soliciting sexual relations with a client, or committing an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct with a client or committing an act punishable as a sexually related crime, if that act or solicitation is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensed educational psychologist.

(o) Before the commencement of treatment, failing to disclose to the client or prospective client the fee to be charged for the professional services or the basis upon which that fee will be computed.

(p) Paying, accepting, or soliciting any consideration, compensation, or remuneration, whether monetary or otherwise, for the referral of professional clients.

(q) Failing to maintain confidentiality, except as otherwise required or permitted by law, of all information that has been received from a client in confidence during the course of treatment and all information about the client that is obtained from tests or other means.

(r) Performing, holding oneself out as being able to perform, offering to perform, or permitting any unlicensed person under supervision to perform, any professional services beyond the scope of the license authorized by this chapter or beyond the person’s field or fields of competence as established by the person’s education, training, or experience. For purposes of this subdivision, “unlicensed person” includes, but is not limited to, an applicant for licensure, an associate, an intern, or a trainee under the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Practice Act (Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 4980)), the Clinical Social Worker Practice Act (Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 4991)), or the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Act (Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 4999.10)).

(s) Reproducing or describing in public, or in any publication subject to general public distribution, any psychological test or other assessment device the value of which depends in whole or in part on the naivete of the subject in ways that might invalidate the test or device. An educational psychologist shall limit access to the test or device to persons with professional interests who can be expected to safeguard its use.

(t) Aiding or abetting an unlicensed person to engage in conduct requiring a license under this chapter.

(u) When employed by another person or agency, encouraging, either orally or in writing, the employer’s or agency’s clientele to utilize the person’s private practice for further counseling without the approval of the employing agency or administration.

(v) Failing to comply with the child abuse reporting requirements of Section 11166 of the Penal Code.

(w) Failing to comply with the elder and adult dependent abuse reporting requirements of Section 15630 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(x) Willful violation of Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 123100) of Part 1 of Division 106 of the Health and Safety Code.

(y) (1) Engaging in an act described in Section 261, 286, 287, or 289 of, or former Section 288a of, the Penal Code with a minor or an act described in Section 288 or 288.5 of the Penal Code regardless of whether the act occurred prior to or after the time the registration or license was issued by the board. An act described in this subdivision occurring prior to the effective date of this subdivision shall constitute unprofessional conduct and shall subject the licensee to refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license under this section.

(2) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that protection of the public, and in particular minors, from sexual misconduct by a licensee is a compelling governmental interest, and that the ability to suspend or revoke a license for sexual conduct with a minor occurring prior to the effective date of this section is equally important to protecting the public as is the ability to refuse a license for sexual conduct with a minor occurring prior to the effective date of this section.

(z) Engaging in any conduct that subverts or attempts to subvert any licensing examination or the administration of the examination as described in Section 123.

(aa) Impersonation of another by any licensee or applicant for a license, or, in the case of a licensee, allowing any other person to use the person’s license.

(ab) Permitting an unlicensed person under the licensee’s supervision or control to perform, or permitting that person to hold themselves out as competent to perform, mental health services beyond the unlicensed person’s level of education, training, or experience. For purposes of this subdivision, “unlicensed person” is defined in subdivision (r).

(ac) The violation of any statute or regulation governing the gaining and supervision of experience of an unlicensed person, including an unlicensed person identified in subdivision (ab), by a licensee that violates this chapter, the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Practice Act (Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 4980)), the Clinical Social Worker Practice Act (Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 4991)), the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Act (Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 4999.10)), or any rules or regulations adopted by the board pursuant to those provisions. For purposes of this subdivision, “unlicensed person” is defined in subdivision (r).

(ad) The violation of any statute or regulation governing the gaining and supervision of experience of an unlicensed person required by the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Practice Act (Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 4980)), the Clinical Social Worker Practice Act (Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 4991)), or the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Act (Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 4999.10)).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 72. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 5. Enforcement

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 13.5. Licensed Educational Psychologists > 5. Enforcement


text:
(a) The Board of Behavioral Sciences shall require an applicant for licensure as an educational psychologist, as defined in Sections 4989.14 and 4989.20, to undergo a fingerprint-based state and national criminal history background check, pursuant to Section 144.

(b) The board shall submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information for individuals specified in subdivision (a) who are subject to a state and national criminal history background check, pursuant to subdivision (u) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code. The Department of Justice shall provide a state- and federal-level response pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 113, Sec. 16. (SB 160) Effective September 17, 2025.)

article: 5. Enforcement


text: The board shall revoke the license of a licensee, other than one who is also licensed as a physician and surgeon, who uses or offers to use drugs in the course of his or her practice as an educational psychologist.

article: 5. Enforcement


text: The board shall revoke the license of a licensee upon a decision that contains a finding of fact that the licensee engaged in an act of sexual contact, as defined in Section 729, when that act is with a client, or with a former client and the relationship was terminated primarily for the purpose of engaging in that act. The revocation shall not be stayed by the administrative law judge or the board.

article: 5. Enforcement


text: A person whose license has been suspended or revoked shall not, until the reinstatement of his or her license, engage in any activity to which the license relates or any other activity or conduct in violation of the order or judgment by which the license was suspended.

article: 5. Enforcement


text: All proceedings by the board to suspend, revoke, or to take other disciplinary action against a licensee shall be conducted pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

article: 5. Enforcement


text: In addition to other proceedings provided for in this chapter, whenever a person has engaged, or is about to engage, in an act or practice that constitutes, or will constitute, an offense against this chapter, the superior court in and for the county where the act or practice takes place, or is about to take place, may issue an injunction, or other appropriate order, restraining that conduct on application of the board, the Attorney General, or the district attorney of the county. The proceedings under this section shall be governed by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

article: 5. Enforcement


text: A person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor.

article: 5. Enforcement


text:
(a) The board shall assess the following fees relating to the licensure of educational psychologists:

(1) The application fee for licensure shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500).

(2) The fee for issuance of the initial license shall be two hundred dollars ($200). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of four hundred dollars ($400).

(3) The fee for the two-year license renewal shall be two hundred dollars ($200). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of four hundred dollars ($400).

(4) The delinquency fee shall be one-half of the fee for license renewal. A person who permits their license to expire shall be subject to the delinquency fee.

(5) The written examination fee shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500). An applicant who fails to appear for an examination, once having been scheduled, shall forfeit any examination fees they paid.

(6) The fee for rescoring a written examination shall be twenty dollars ($20).

(7) The fee for issuance of a replacement registration, license, or certificate shall be twenty dollars ($20).

(8) The fee for issuance of a certificate or letter of good standing shall be twenty-five dollars ($25).

(9) The fee for issuance of a retired license shall be forty dollars ($40).

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2021.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 43. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 6. Revenue

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 13.5. Licensed Educational Psychologists > 6. Revenue


text: The board shall report each month to the Controller the amount and source of all revenue received pursuant to this chapter and at the same time pay the entire amount thereof into the State Treasury for credit to the Behavioral Sciences Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 130, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 6. Revenue


citation: BPC § 4990

text:
(a) There is in the Department of Consumer Affairs, a Board of Behavioral Sciences that consists of the following members:

(1) Two state licensed clinical social workers.

(2) One state licensed educational psychologist.

(3) Two state licensed marriage and family therapists.

(4) One state licensed professional clinical counselor.

(5) Seven public members.

(b) Each member, except the seven public members, shall have at least two years of experience in their profession.

(c) Each member shall reside in the State of California.

(d) The Governor shall appoint five of the public members and the six licensed members with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of the Assembly shall each appoint a public member.

(e) Each member of the board shall be appointed for a term of four years. A member appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules or the Speaker of the Assembly shall hold office until the appointment and qualification of their successor or until one year from the expiration date of the term for which they were appointed, whichever first occurs. Pursuant to Section 1774 of the Government Code, a member appointed by the Governor shall hold office until the appointment and qualification of their successor or until 60 days from the expiration date of the term for which they were appointed, whichever first occurs.

(f) A vacancy on the board shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term by the authority who appointed the member whose membership was vacated.

(g) Not later than the first of June of each calendar year, the board shall elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson from its membership.

(h) Each member of the board shall receive a per diem and reimbursement of expenses as provided in Section 103.

(i) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 73. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.)

chapter: 13.7. Board of Behavioral Sciences

article: 1. Administration

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 13.7. Board of Behavioral Sciences > 1. Administration


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the repeal of Section 4990 renders the board subject to review by the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 74. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1. Administration


text: “Board,” as used in this chapter, Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 4980), Chapter 13.5 (commencing with Section 4989.10), Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 4991), and Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 4999.10) means the Board of Behavioral Sciences.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 653, Sec. 45. (SB 1489) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) The board shall appoint an executive officer. This position is designated as a confidential position and is exempt from civil service under subdivision (e) of Section 4 of Article VII of the California Constitution.

(b) The executive officer serves at the pleasure of the board.

(c) The executive officer shall exercise the powers and perform the duties delegated by the board and vested in them by this chapter.

(d) With the approval of the director, the board shall fix the salary of the executive officer.

(e) The chairperson and executive officer may call meetings of the board and any duly appointed committee at a specified time and place. For purposes of this section, “call meetings” means setting the agenda, time, date, or place for any meeting of the board or any committee.

(f) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 75. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.)

article: 1. Administration


text: Subject to the State Civil Service Act (Part 2 (commencing with Section 18500) of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code) and except as provided by Sections 155, 156, and 159.5, the board may employ any clerical, technical, and other personnel as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and the other chapters it administers and enforces, within budget limitations.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 659, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) An applicant, registrant, or licensee who has an electronic mail address shall provide the board with that electronic mail address no later than July 1, 2022. The electronic mail address shall be considered confidential and not subject to public disclosure.

(b) An applicant, registrant, and licensee shall provide to the board any and all changes to their electronic mail address no later than 30 calendar days after the changes have occurred.

(c) The board shall, with each renewal application, remind licensees and registrants of their obligation to report and keep current their electronic mail address with the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 46. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The board shall keep an accurate record of all of its proceedings and a record of all applicants for licensure and all individuals to whom it has issued a license.

article: 1. Administration


text: The board shall not publish on the Internet the final determination of a citation and fine of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) or less issued against a licensee or registrant pursuant to Section 125.9 for a period of time in excess of five years from the date of issuance of the citation.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 308, Sec. 65. (SB 819) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The board may conduct research in, and make studies of problems involved in, the maintaining of professional standards among those engaged in the professions it licenses and may publish its recommendations thereon.

article: 1. Administration


text: The duty of administering and enforcing this chapter, Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 4980), Chapter 13.5 (commencing with Section 4989.10), Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 4991), and Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 4999.10) is vested in the board and the executive officer subject to, and under the direction of, the board. In the performance of this duty, the board and the executive officer have all the powers and are subject to all the responsibilities vested in, and imposed upon, the head of a department by Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11150) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 653, Sec. 46. (SB 1489) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 1. Administration


text: For purposes of license and registration verification, a person may rely upon the licensing and registration information as it is displayed on the board’s internet website that includes the issuance and expiration dates of any license or registration issued by the board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 510, Sec. 60. (SB 887) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The board shall have and use a seal bearing the words “The Board of Behavioral Sciences,” and shall otherwise conform to Section 107.5.

article: 1. Administration


text: Protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the board in exercising its licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions. Whenever the protection of the public is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the protection of the public shall be paramount.

article: 1. Administration


text:
It is the intent of the Legislature that the board employ its resources for each and all of the following functions:

(a) The licensure of marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, professional clinical counselors, and educational psychologists.

(b) The development and administration of licensure examinations and examination procedures consistent with prevailing standards for the validation and use of licensing and certification tests. Examinations shall measure knowledge and abilities demonstrably important to the safe, effective practice of the profession.

(c) Enforcement of laws designed to protect the public from incompetent, unethical, or unprofessional practitioners.

(d) Consumer education.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 653, Sec. 47. (SB 1489) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) The board may adopt rules and regulations as necessary to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and the other chapters it administers and enforces. The adoption, amendment, or repeal of those rules and regulations shall be made in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) The board may formulate and enforce rules and regulations requiring the following:

(1) That the articles of incorporation or bylaws of a marriage and family therapist corporation, a licensed clinical social worker corporation, or a professional clinical counselor corporation include a provision whereby the capital stock of that corporation owned by a disqualified person, as defined in the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (Part 4 (commencing with Section 13400) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code), or a deceased person shall be sold to the corporation or to the remaining shareholders of that corporation within the time that the rules and regulations may provide.

(2) That a marriage and family therapist corporation, a licensed clinical social worker corporation, or a professional clinical counselor corporation shall provide adequate security by insurance or otherwise for claims against it by its patients arising out of the rendering of professional services.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 381, Sec. 11. (SB 146) Effective January 1, 2012.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) The Behavioral Sciences Fund shall be used for the purposes of carrying out and enforcing the provisions of this chapter and the chapters listed in Section 4990.12. All moneys in the fund shall be expended, upon appropriation of the Legislature, by the board for the purposes of the programs under its jurisdiction.

(b) The board shall keep records that reasonably ensure that funds expended in the administration of each licensure or registration category shall bear a reasonable relation to the revenue derived from each category and report to the department no later than May 31 of each year on those expenditures.

(c) Surpluses, if any, may be used by the board in a manner that bears a reasonable relation to the revenue derived from each licensure or registration category and may include, but not be limited to, expenditures for education and research related to each of the licensing or registration categories.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 458, Sec. 3. (AB 2191) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The powers and duties of the board, as set forth in this chapter, shall be subject to the review required by Division 1.2 (commencing with Section 473).

article: 1. Administration


text: Wherever “Board of Behavioral Science Examiners,” “Board of Social Work Examiners of the State of California,” or “Social Worker and Marriage Counselor Qualifications Board of the State of California” is used in any law or regulations of this state, it shall mean the Board of Behavioral Sciences.

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) Any person applying for a license or registration as a marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, or professional clinical counselor shall, in addition to any other requirements, show by evidence satisfactory to the board that they have completed training in human sexuality as a condition of licensure.

(b) “Human sexuality” as used in this section means the study of a human being as a sexual being and how a human being functions with respect thereto.

(c) The content and length of the training shall be determined by the board.

(d) If the board proposes to establish a training program in human sexuality, the board shall first consult with other licensing boards or agencies that have established or propose to establish a training program in human sexuality to ensure that the programs are compatible in scope and content.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 76. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) The Legislature finds that there is a need to ensure that professionals of the healing arts who have demonstrable contact with victims and potential victims of child, elder, and dependent adult abuse, and abusers and potential abusers of children, elders, and dependent adults are provided with adequate and appropriate training regarding the assessment and reporting of child, elder, and dependent adult abuse that will ameliorate, reduce, and eliminate the trauma of abuse and neglect and ensure the reporting of abuse in a timely manner to prevent additional occurrences.

(b) The board shall establish required training in the area of child abuse assessment and reporting for all persons applying for initial licensure and renewal of licensure as a clinical social worker, professional clinical counselor, or marriage and family therapist. This training shall be required one time only for all persons applying for initial licensure or for licensure renewal.

(c) All persons applying for initial licensure or renewal of a license as a clinical social worker, professional clinical counselor, or marriage and family therapist shall, in addition to all other requirements for licensure or renewal, have completed coursework or training in child abuse assessment and reporting that meets the requirements of this section, including detailed knowledge of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code). The training shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) Be obtained from one of the following sources:

(A) An accredited or approved educational institution, as defined in Sections 4980.36, 4980.37, 4996.18, and 4999.12, including extension courses offered by those institutions.

(B) A continuing education provider, as specified by the board by regulation.

(C) A course sponsored or offered by a professional association or a local, county, or state department of health or mental health for continuing education and approved or accepted by the board.

(2) Have a minimum of seven contact hours.

(3) Include the study of the assessment and method of reporting of sexual assault, neglect, severe neglect, general neglect, willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment, corporal punishment or injury, and abuse in out-of-home care. The training shall also include physical and behavioral indicators of abuse, crisis counseling techniques, community resources, rights and responsibilities of reporting, consequences of failure to report, caring for a child’s needs after a report is made, sensitivity to previously abused children and adults, and implications and methods of treatment for children and adults.

(4) An applicant shall provide the board with documentation of completion of the required child abuse training.

(d) The board shall exempt an applicant who applies for an exemption from this section and who shows to the satisfaction of the board that there would be no need for the training in the applicant’s practice because of the nature of that practice.

(e) It is the intent of the Legislature that a person licensed as a clinical social worker, professional clinical counselor, or marriage and family therapist have minimal but appropriate training in the areas of child, elder, and dependent adult abuse assessment and reporting. It is not intended that, by solely complying with this section, a practitioner is fully trained in the subject of treatment of child, elder, and dependent adult abuse victims and abusers.

(f) The board is encouraged to include coursework regarding the assessment and reporting of elder and dependent adult abuse in the required training on aging and long-term care issues prior to licensure or license renewal.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 77. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1. Administration


text:
(a) The board shall consider adoption of continuing education requirements including training in the area of recognizing chemical dependency and early intervention for all persons applying for renewal of a license as a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or professional clinical counselor.

(b) Prior to the adoption of any regulations imposing continuing education relating to alcohol and other chemical dependency, the board is urged to consider coursework to include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following topics:

(1) Historical and contemporary perspectives on alcohol and other drug abuse.

(2) Extent of the alcohol and drug abuse epidemic and its effects on the individual, family, and community.

(3) Recognizing the symptoms of alcoholism and drug addiction.

(4) Making appropriate interpretations, interventions, and referrals.

(5) Recognizing and intervening with affected family members.

(6) Learning about current programs of recovery, such as 12-step programs, and how therapists can effectively utilize these programs.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 78. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1. Administration


text: The board may refuse to issue a registration or license under the chapters it administers and enforces whenever it appears that the applicant may be unable to practice his or her profession safely due to mental illness or chemical dependency. The procedures set forth in Article 12.5 (commencing with Section 820) of Chapter 1 shall apply to denial of a license or registration pursuant to this section.

article: 2. Disciplinary Actions

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 13.7. Board of Behavioral Sciences > 2. Disciplinary Actions


text:
(a) A licensed marriage and family therapist, associate marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, associate clinical social worker, licensed professional clinical counselor, associate professional clinical counselor, or licensed educational psychologist whose license or registration has been revoked, suspended, or placed on probation, may petition the board for reinstatement or modification of the penalty, including modification or termination of probation. The petition shall be on a form provided by the board and shall state any facts and information as may be required by the board including, but not limited to, proof of compliance with the terms and conditions of the underlying disciplinary order. The petition shall be verified by the petitioner who shall file an original and sufficient copies of the petition, together with any supporting documents, for the members of the board, the administrative law judge, and the Attorney General.

(b) The licensee or registrant may file the petition on or after the expiration of the following timeframes, each of which excludes any periods during which the probation was tolled, and commences on the effective date of the decision ordering the disciplinary action or, if the order of the board, or any portion of it, is stayed by the board itself or by the superior court, from the date the disciplinary action is actually implemented in its entirety:

(1) Three years for reinstatement of a license or registration that was revoked for unprofessional conduct, except that the board may, in its sole discretion, specify in its revocation order that a petition for reinstatement may be filed after two years. A registrant who is ineligible for reinstatement pursuant to Section 4984.01, 4996.28, or 4999.100 may apply for a subsequent registration number.

(2) Two years for early termination of any probation period of three years or more.

(3) One year for modification of a condition, reinstatement of a license or registration revoked for mental or physical illness, or termination of probation of less than three years. A registrant who is ineligible for reinstatement pursuant to Section 4984.01, 4996.28, or 4999.100 may apply for a subsequent registration number.

(c) The petition may be heard by the board itself or the board may assign the petition to an administrative law judge pursuant to Section 11512 of the Government Code.

(d) If the petition is to be heard by the board, the petitioner may request that the board schedule the hearing on the petition for a board meeting at a specific city where the board regularly meets.

(e) The petitioner and the Attorney General shall be given timely notice by letter of the time and place of the hearing on the petition and an opportunity to present both oral and documentary evidence and argument to the board or the administrative law judge.

(f) The petitioner shall at all times have the burden of production and proof to establish by clear and convincing evidence that they are entitled to the relief sought in the petition.

(g) The board, when it is hearing the petition itself, or an administrative law judge sitting for the board, may consider all activities of the petitioner since the disciplinary action was taken, the offense for which the petitioner was disciplined, the petitioner’s activities during the time their license or registration was in good standing, and the petitioner’s rehabilitative efforts, general reputation for truth, and professional ability.

(h) The hearing may be continued from time to time as the board or the administrative law judge deems appropriate but in no case may the hearing on the petition be delayed more than 180 days from its filing without the consent of the petitioner.

(i) The board itself, or the administrative law judge if one is designated by the board, shall hear the petition and shall prepare a written decision setting forth the reasons supporting the decision. In a decision granting a petition reinstating a license or modifying a penalty, the board itself, or the administrative law judge, may impose any terms and conditions that the agency deems reasonably appropriate, including those set forth in Sections 823 and 4990.40. If a petition is heard by an administrative law judge sitting alone, the administrative law judge shall prepare a proposed decision and submit it to the board. The board may take action with respect to the proposed decision and petition as it deems appropriate.

(j) The petitioner shall pay a fingerprinting fee and provide a current set of their fingerprints to the board. The petitioner shall execute a form authorizing release to the board or its designee, of all information concerning the petitioner’s current physical and mental condition. Information provided to the board pursuant to the release shall be confidential and shall not be subject to discovery or subpoena in any other proceeding, and shall not be admissible in any action, other than before the board, to determine the petitioner’s fitness to practice as required by Section 822.

(k) The board may delegate to its executive officer authority to order investigation of the contents of the petition.

(l) No petition shall be considered while the petitioner is under sentence for any criminal offense, including any period during which the petitioner is on court-imposed probation or parole or the petitioner is required to register pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code. No petition shall be considered while there is an accusation or petition to revoke probation pending against the petitioner.

(m) Except in those cases where the petitioner has been disciplined for violation of Section 822, the board may in its discretion deny without hearing or argument any petition that is filed pursuant to this section within a period of two years from the effective date of a prior decision following a hearing under this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 47. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 2. Disciplinary Actions


text:
The board may deny without a hearing a request to petition for termination of probation or modification of penalty for any of the following reasons:

(a) The petitioner has failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the disciplinary order.

(b) The board is conducting an investigation of the petitioner while he or she is on probation.

(c) The petitioner has a subsequent arrest that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the licensee or registrant and this arrest occurred while on probation.

(d) The petitioner’s probation with the board is currently tolled.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 261, Sec. 1. (SB 531) Effective January 1, 2016.)

article: 2. Disciplinary Actions


text:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an accusation filed pursuant to Section 11503 of the Government Code against a licensee or registrant under the chapters the board administers and enforces shall be filed within three years from the date the board discovers the alleged act or omission that is the basis for disciplinary action or within seven years from the date the alleged act or omission that is the basis for disciplinary action occurred, whichever occurs first.

(b) An accusation filed against a licensee alleging the procurement of a license by fraud or misrepresentation is not subject to the limitations set forth in subdivision (a).

(c) The limitations period provided by subdivision (a) shall be tolled for the length of time required to obtain compliance when a report required to be filed by the licensee or registrant with the board pursuant to Article 11 (commencing with Section 800) of Chapter 1 is not filed in a timely fashion.

(d) An accusation alleging sexual misconduct shall be filed within three years after the board discovers the act or omission alleged as the grounds for disciplinary action or within 10 years after the act or omission alleged as the grounds for disciplinary action occurred, whichever occurs first. This subdivision shall apply to a complaint alleging sexual misconduct received by the board on and after January 1, 2002.

(e) If an alleged act or omission involves a minor, the seven-year limitations period provided for by subdivision (a) and the 10-year limitations period provided for by subdivision (d) shall be tolled until the minor reaches the age of majority. However, if the board discovers an alleged act of sexual contact with a minor under Section 261, 286, 287, 288, 288.5, or 289 of, or former Section 288a of, the Penal Code after the limitations periods described in this subdivision have otherwise expired, and there is independent evidence that corroborates the allegation, an accusation shall be filed within three years from the date the board discovers that alleged act.

(f) The limitations period provided by subdivision (a) shall be tolled during any period if material evidence necessary for prosecuting or determining whether a disciplinary action would be appropriate is unavailable to the board due to an ongoing criminal investigation.

(g) For purposes of this section, “discovers” means the latest of the occurrence of any of the following with respect to each act or omission alleged as the basis for disciplinary action:

(1) The date the board received a complaint or report describing the act or omission.

(2) The date, subsequent to the original complaint or report, on which the board became aware of any additional acts or omissions alleged as the basis for disciplinary action against the same individual.

(3) The date the board receives from the complainant a written release of information pertaining to the complainant’s diagnosis and treatment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 423, Sec. 3. (SB 1494) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 2. Disciplinary Actions


text: Notwithstanding any other law, except as provided in Section 4990.32, the expiration, cancellation, forfeiture, or suspension of a license, registration, or other authority to practice by operation of law or by order or decision of the board or a court of law, the placement of a license on a retired status, or the voluntary surrender of a license or registration by a licensee or registrant, of any license or registration within the authority of the board, shall not deprive the board of jurisdiction to commence or proceed with any investigation of, or action or disciplinary proceeding against, the licensee or registrant or to render a decision suspending or revoking the license or registration.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 261, Sec. 2. (SB 531) Effective January 1, 2016.)

article: 2. Disciplinary Actions


text:
(a) The board may place a license or registration issued under the chapters it administers and enforces on probation under the following circumstances:

(1) In lieu of, or in addition to, any order of the board suspending or revoking the license or registration.

(2) Upon the issuance of a license or registration to an individual who has been guilty of unprofessional conduct but who otherwise completed all education, training, and experience required for licensure or registration.

(3) As a condition upon the reissuance or reinstatement of a license or registration that has been suspended or revoked by the board.

(b) The board may adopt regulations establishing a monitoring program to ensure compliance with any terms or conditions of probation imposed by the board pursuant to subdivision (a). The cost of probation or monitoring may be ordered to be paid by the licensee or registrant.

article: 2. Disciplinary Actions


text: The board, in its discretion, may require a licensee or registrant whose license or registration has been placed on probation or whose license or registration has been suspended, to obtain additional professional training and to pass an examination upon completion of that training and to pay any necessary examination fee. The examination may be written, oral, or a practical or clinical examination.

article: 2. Disciplinary Actions


text: The board may deny an application or may suspend or revoke a license or registration issued under the chapters it administers and enforces for any disciplinary action imposed by this state or another state or territory or possession of the United States, or by a governmental agency on a license, certificate or registration to practice marriage and family therapy, clinical social work, educational psychology, professional clinical counseling, or any other healing art. The disciplinary action, which may include denial of licensure or revocation or suspension of the license or imposition of restrictions on it, constitutes unprofessional conduct. A certified copy of the disciplinary action decision or judgment shall be conclusive evidence of that action.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 350, Sec. 33. (SB 943) Effective January 1, 2012.)

article: 2. Disciplinary Actions


text: The board shall revoke a license or registration issued under the chapters it administers and enforces upon a decision made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, that contains a finding of fact that the licensee or registrant engaged in an act of sexual contact, as defined in Section 729, when that act is with a patient or with a former patient when the relationship was terminated primarily for the purpose of engaging in that act. The revocation shall not be stayed by the administrative law judge or the board.

article: 2. Disciplinary Actions


text: The proceedings under this article shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

article: 2. Disciplinary Actions


citation: BPC § 4991

text: This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the Clinical Social Worker Practice Act. It shall be liberally construed to effect its objectives.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 659, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 2007.)

chapter: 14. Social Workers

article: 1. General Provisions

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 14. Social Workers > 1. General Provisions


text: A person engages in the practice of clinical social work when he or she performs or offers to perform or holds himself or herself out as able to perform this service for remuneration in any form, including donations.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 148, Sec. 3. (SB 274) Effective August 1, 2011.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
For purposes of this chapter:

(a) “Accredited school of social work” means a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education.

(b) “Board” means the Board of Behavioral Sciences.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 640, Sec. 5. (AB 232) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 4992

text:
(a) Every applicant for a license under this chapter shall file an application with the board accompanied by the application fee prescribed by this chapter. Every application shall also be accompanied by the applicable examination fee prescribed by this chapter.

(b) The application shall contain information showing that the applicant has all the qualifications required by the board for admission to an examination.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 703, Sec. 36. (SB 1491) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 14. Social Workers > 2. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) Only individuals who have the qualifications prescribed by the board under this chapter are eligible to take an examination under this chapter.

(b) Every applicant who is issued a clinical social worker license shall be examined by the board.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board may destroy all examination materials two years following the date of an examination.

(d) The board shall not deny any applicant, whose application for licensure is complete, admission to the clinical examination, nor shall the board postpone or delay any applicant’s clinical examination, solely upon the receipt by the board of a complaint alleging acts or conduct that would constitute grounds to deny licensure.

(e) If an applicant for examination who has passed the California law and ethics examination is the subject of a complaint or is under board investigation for acts or conduct that, if proven to be true, would constitute grounds for the board to deny licensure, the board shall permit the applicant to take the clinical examination for licensure, but may notify the applicant that licensure will not be granted pending completion of the investigation.

(f) Notwithstanding Section 135, the board may deny any applicant who has previously failed either the California law and ethics examination or the clinical examination permission to retake either examination pending completion of the investigation of any complaint against the applicant. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the board from denying an applicant admission to any examination, or refusing to issue a license to any applicant when an accusation or statement of issues has been filed against the applicant pursuant to Section 11503 or 11504 of the Government Code, or the applicant has been denied in accordance with subdivision (b) of Section 485.

(g) An applicant shall not be eligible to participate in the clinical examination if the applicant fails to obtain a passing score on the clinical examination within seven years from their initial attempt, unless the applicant takes and obtains a passing score on the current version of the California law and ethics examination.

(h) A passing score on the clinical examination shall be accepted by the board for a period of seven years from the date the examination was taken.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 456, Sec. 71. (SB 786) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text: “Advertising,” as used in this chapter, includes, but is not limited to, any public communication as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 651, the issuance of any card, sign, or device to any person, or the causing, permitting, or allowing of any sign or marking on, or in, any building or structure, or in any newspaper, magazine, or directory, or any printed matter whatsoever, with or without any limiting qualification. Signs within religious buildings or notices in bulletins from a religious organization mailed to a congregation are not advertising within the meaning of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 79. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text:
The board may deny a license or a registration, or may suspend or revoke the license or registration of a licensee or registrant if the licensee or registrant has been guilty of unprofessional conduct. Unprofessional conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) The conviction of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee or registrant under this chapter. The record of conviction shall be conclusive evidence only of the fact that the conviction occurred. The board may inquire into the circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime in order to fix the degree of discipline or to determine if the conviction is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee or registrant under this chapter. A conviction has the same meaning as defined in Section 7.5. The board may order any license or registration suspended or revoked, or may decline to issue a license or registration when the time for appeal has elapsed, or the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal, or, when an order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of sentence. All actions pursuant to this subdivision shall be taken pursuant to Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475).

(b) Securing a license or registration by fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation on any application for licensure or registration submitted to the board, whether engaged in by an applicant for a license or registration, or by a licensee in support of any application for licensure or registration.

(c) Administering to themselves any controlled substance or using any of the dangerous drugs specified in Section 4022 or any alcoholic beverage to the extent, or in a manner, as to be dangerous or injurious to the person applying for a registration or license or holding a registration or license under this chapter, or to any other person, or to the public, or, to the extent that the use impairs the ability of the person applying for or holding a registration or license to conduct with safety to the public the practice authorized by the registration or license. The board shall deny an application for a registration or license or revoke the license or registration of any person who uses or offers to use drugs in the course of performing clinical social work. This provision does not apply to any person also licensed as a physician and surgeon under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) or the Osteopathic Act who lawfully prescribes drugs to a patient under the person’s care.

(d) Incompetence in the performance of clinical social work.

(e) An act or omission that falls sufficiently below the standard of conduct of the profession as to constitute an act of gross negligence.

(f) Violating, attempting to violate, or conspiring to violate this chapter or any regulation adopted by the board.

(g) Misrepresentation as to the type or status of a license or registration held by the licensee or registrant or otherwise misrepresenting or permitting misrepresentation of the licensee’s or registrant’s education, professional qualifications, or professional affiliations to any person or entity. For purposes of this subdivision, this misrepresentation includes, but is not limited to, misrepresentation of the person’s qualifications as an adoption service provider pursuant to Section 8502 of the Family Code.

(h) Impersonation of another by any licensee, registrant, or applicant for a license or registration, or, in the case of a licensee or registrant, allowing any other person to use the licensee’s or registrant’s license or registration.

(i) Aiding or abetting, or employing, directly or indirectly, any unlicensed or unregistered person to engage in conduct for which a license or registration is required under this chapter.

(j) Intentionally or recklessly causing physical or emotional harm to any client.

(k) The commission of any dishonest, corrupt, or fraudulent act substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee or registrant.

(l) Engaging in sexual relations with a client or with a former client within two years from the termination date of therapy with the client, soliciting sexual relations with a client, or committing an act of sexual abuse, or sexual misconduct with a client, or committing an act punishable as a sexually related crime, if that act or solicitation is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a clinical social worker.

(m) Performing, or holding oneself out as being able to perform, or offering to perform or permitting, any registered associate, trainee, or applicant for licensure under supervision to perform any professional services beyond the scope of the license authorized by this chapter.

(n) Failure to maintain confidentiality, except as otherwise required or permitted by law, of all information that has been received from a client in confidence during the course of treatment and all information about the client that is obtained from tests or other means.

(o) Prior to the commencement of treatment, failing to disclose to the client or prospective client the fee to be charged for the professional services, or the basis upon which that fee will be computed.

(p) Paying, accepting, or soliciting any consideration, compensation, or remuneration, whether monetary or otherwise, for the referral of professional clients. All consideration, compensation, or remuneration shall be in relation to professional counseling services actually provided by the licensee. This subdivision does not prevent collaboration among two or more licensees in a case or cases. However, no fee shall be charged for that collaboration, except when disclosure of the fee has been made in compliance with subdivision (o).

(q) Advertising in a manner that is false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive, as defined in Section 651.

(r) Reproduction or description in public, or in any publication subject to general public distribution, of any psychological test or other assessment device, the value of which depends in whole or in part on the naivete of the subject, in ways that might invalidate the test or device. A licensee shall limit access to that test or device to persons with professional interest who are expected to safeguard its use.

(s) Any conduct in the supervision of any registered associate, trainee, or applicant for licensure by any licensee that violates this chapter or any rules or regulations adopted by the board.

(t) Performing or holding oneself out as being able to perform mental health services beyond the scope of one’s competence, as established by one’s education, training, or experience. This subdivision shall not be construed to expand the scope of the license authorized by this chapter.

(u) Permitting an applicant for licensure, trainee, or registrant under one’s supervision or control to perform, or permitting the supervisee to hold themselves out as competent to perform, mental health services beyond the supervisee’s level of education, training, or experience.

(v) The violation of any law governing the gaining or supervision of experience required by this chapter.

(w) Failure to keep records consistent with sound clinical judgment, the standards of the profession, and the nature of the services being rendered.

(x) Failure to comply with the child abuse reporting requirements of Section 11166 of the Penal Code.

(y) Failure to comply with the elder and dependent adult abuse reporting requirements of Section 15630 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(z) Willful violation of Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 123100) of Part 1 of Division 106 of the Health and Safety Code.

(aa) Failure to comply with the procedures set forth in Section 2290.5 when delivering health care via telehealth.

(ab) (1) Engaging in an act described in Section 261, 286, 287, or 289 of, or former Section 288a of, the Penal Code with a minor or an act described in Section 288 or 288.5 of the Penal Code regardless of whether the act occurred prior to or after the time the registration or license was issued by the board. An act described in this subdivision occurring prior to the effective date of this subdivision shall constitute unprofessional conduct and shall subject the licensee to refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license under this section.

(2) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that protection of the public, and in particular minors, from sexual misconduct by a licensee is a compelling governmental interest, and that the ability to suspend or revoke a license for sexual conduct with a minor occurring prior to the effective date of this section is equally important to protecting the public as is the ability to refuse a license for sexual conduct with a minor occurring prior to the effective date of this section.

(ac) Engaging in any conduct that subverts or attempts to subvert any licensing examination or the administration of the examination as described in Section 123.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 80. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text: The proceedings for the suspension or revocation of licenses under this chapter shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the board shall have all the powers granted therein.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 820, Sec. 1.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) A registrant or an applicant for licensure as a clinical social worker shall pass the following two examinations as prescribed by the board:

(1) A California law and ethics examination.

(2) A clinical examination.

(b) Upon registration with the board, an associate clinical social worker registrant, within the first year of registration, shall take an examination on California law and ethics.

(c) A registrant or an applicant for licensure may take the clinical examination only upon meeting all of the following requirements:

(1) Completion of all education requirements.

(2) Passage of the California law and ethics examination.

(3) Completion of all required supervised work experience.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 743, Sec. 24. (AB 93) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text:
Examinations may be held at those times and places as the board may determine. However, one examination shall be held during each calendar year.

The board may make arrangements with organizations furnishing examination materials as it may deem desirable.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1987, Ch. 826, Sec. 4.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) An applicant who had previously taken and passed the standard written examination but had not passed the clinical vignette examination shall also obtain a passing score on the clinical examination in order to be eligible for licensure.

(b) An applicant who had previously failed to obtain a passing score on the standard written examination shall obtain a passing score on the California law and ethics examination and the clinical examination.

(c) An applicant who had obtained eligibility for the standard written examination shall take the California law and ethics examination and the clinical examination.

(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 38. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2014. Section initially operative January 1, 2016, by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text: Every person who willfully makes any false statement or who impersonates any other person or permits or aids any other person to impersonate him or her in connection with any application or examination is guilty of a misdemeanor.

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text:
A licensee or registrant shall give written notice to the board of a name change, giving both the old and new names. The written notice shall be submitted to the board within 30 days of the issuance of a new government-issued photographic identification. The licensee or registrant shall certify the information is correct by signing a statement under penalty of perjury. A copy of both of the following documents evidencing the change shall be submitted with the notice:

(a) A current government-issued photographic identification.

(b) The legal document authorizing the name change, such as a court order or a marriage certificate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 573, Sec. 11. (SB 800) Effective January 1, 2018.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 4992.07, an applicant and registrant shall obtain a passing score on a board-administered California law and ethics examination in order to qualify for licensure.

(b) A registrant shall participate in a board-administered California law and ethics examination before their registration renewal.

(c) If an applicant fails the California law and ethics examination, they may retake the examination, upon payment of the required fees, without further application.

(d) The board shall not issue a subsequent registration number unless the applicant has passed the California law and ethics examination.

(e) A registrant shall complete a minimum of three hours of continuing education in the subject of California law and ethics during each renewal period to be eligible to renew their registration, regardless of whether they have passed the California law and ethics examination. The coursework shall be obtained from a board-accepted provider of continuing education, as specified in Section 4996.22.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 520, Sec. 7. (AB 1759) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text: A licensed clinical social worker who owns a business using a fictitious business name shall not use a name that is false, misleading, or deceptive, and shall inform the patient, prior to the commencement of treatment, of the name and license designation of the owner or owners of the practice.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 747, Sec. 9. (AB 690) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text:
(a) The Board of Behavioral Sciences shall require an applicant for clinical social work licensure or registration as an associate clinical social worker, as defined in Sections 4996, 4996.9, and 4996.18, to undergo a fingerprint-based state and national criminal history background check, pursuant to Section 144.

(b) The board shall submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information for individuals specified in subdivision (a) who are subject to a state and national criminal history background check, pursuant to subdivision (u) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code. The Department of Justice shall provide a state- and federal-level response pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 113, Sec. 17. (SB 160) Effective September 17, 2025.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text: The board shall revoke any license issued under this chapter upon a decision made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, that contains any finding of fact that the licensee or registrant engaged in any act of sexual contact, as defined in Section 729, when that act is with a patient, or with a former patient when the relationship was terminated primarily for the purpose of engaging in that act. The revocation shall not be stayed by the administrative law judge or the board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 658, Sec. 25. Effective January 1, 2006.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text: The board may refuse to issue any registration or license whenever it appears that an applicant may be unable to practice his or her profession safely due to mental illness or chemical dependency. The procedures set forth in Article 12.5 (commencing with Section 820) of Chapter 1 shall apply to any denial of a license or registration pursuant to this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 384, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1993.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


text:
The board may deny an application, or may suspend or revoke a license or registration issued under this chapter, for any of the following:

(a) Denial of licensure, revocation, suspension, restriction, or any other disciplinary action imposed by another state or territory of the United States, or by any other governmental agency, on a license, certificate, or registration to practice clinical social work or any other healing art shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct. A certified copy of the disciplinary action decision or judgment shall be conclusive evidence of that action.

(b) Revocation, suspension, or restriction by the board of a license, certificate, or registration to practice clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, professional clinical counseling, or educational psychology against a licensee or registrant shall also constitute grounds for disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct under this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 350, Sec. 35. (SB 943) Effective January 1, 2012.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


citation: BPC § 4993

text:
(a) A licensed clinical social worker shall retain a client’s or patient’s health service records for a minimum of seven years from the date therapy is terminated. If the client or patient is a minor, the client’s or patient’s health service records shall be retained for a minimum of seven years from the date the client or patient reaches 18 years of age. Health service records may be retained in either a written or an electronic format.

(b) This section shall apply only to the records of a client or patient whose therapy is terminated on or after January 1, 2015.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 312, Sec. 3. (SB 578) Effective January 1, 2015.)

article: 2. Application of Chapter


citation: BPC § 4996

text:
(a) Only individuals who have received a license under this article may style themselves as “Licensed Clinical Social Workers.” Every individual who styles himself or herself or who holds himself or herself out to be a licensed clinical social worker, or who uses any words or symbols indicating or tending to indicate that he or she is a licensed clinical social worker, without holding his or her license in good standing under this article, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) It is unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of clinical social work unless at the time of so doing such person holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked license under this article.

(c) A clinical social worker licensed under this chapter is a licentiate for purposes of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 805, and thus is a health care practitioner subject to the provisions of Section 2290.5 pursuant to subdivision (b) of that section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 20, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 4. Licensure

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 14. Social Workers > 4. Licensure


text:
(a) Effective January 1, 2016, the board shall issue a clinical social worker license to each applicant who qualifies pursuant to this article and who successfully passes a California law and ethics examination and a clinical examination. An applicant who has successfully passed a previously administered written examination may be subsequently required to take and pass another written examination.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 799, Sec. 53) by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 43. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2014. Section operative January 1, 2016, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Licensure


text:
Each applicant for a license shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant complies with all of the following requirements:

(a) Is at least 21 years of age.

(b) Has received a master’s degree from an accredited school of social work.

(c) Has had two years of supervised post-master’s degree experience, as specified in Section 4996.23.

(d) Not be subject to denial of licensure pursuant to Section 480. The board shall not issue a registration or license to any person who has been convicted of any crime in this or another state or in a territory of the United States that involves sexual abuse of children or who is required to register pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code or the equivalent in another state or territory, in accordance with Section 480.

(e) Has completed adequate instruction and training in the subject of alcoholism and other chemical substance dependency. This requirement applies only to applicants who matriculate on or after January 1, 1986.

(f) Has completed instruction and training in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention. This requirement applies to an applicant who began graduate training during the period commencing on January 1, 1995, and ending on December 31, 2003. An applicant who began graduate training on or after January 1, 2004, shall complete a minimum of 15 contact hours of coursework in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention strategies, including knowledge of community resources, cultural factors, and same gender abuse dynamics. Coursework required under this subdivision may be satisfactory if taken either in fulfillment of other educational requirements for licensure or in a separate course.

(g) Has completed a minimum of 10 contact hours of training or coursework in human sexuality as specified in Section 1807 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations. This training or coursework may be satisfactory if taken either in fulfillment of other educational requirements for licensure or in a separate course.

(h) Has completed a minimum of seven contact hours of training or coursework in child abuse assessment and reporting as specified in Section 1807.2 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations. This training or coursework may be satisfactory if taken either in fulfillment of other educational requirements for licensure or in a separate course.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 49. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 4. Licensure


text:
(a) The board shall assess the following fees relating to the licensure of clinical social workers:

(1) The application fee for registration as an associate clinical social worker shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of three hundred dollars ($300).

(2) The fee for annual renewal of an associate clinical social worker registration shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of three hundred dollars ($300).

(3) The fee for application for licensure shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500).

(4) (A) (i) The fee for the board-administered clinical examination, if the board chooses to adopt this examination in regulations, shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500).

(ii) The fee for the California law and ethics examination shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of three hundred dollars ($300).

(B) An applicant who fails to appear for an examination, after having been scheduled to take the examination, shall forfeit the examination fees.

(C) The amount of the examination fees shall be based on the actual cost to the board of developing, purchasing, and grading each examination and the actual cost to the board of administering each examination. The written examination fees shall be adjusted periodically by regulation to reflect the actual costs incurred by the board.

(5) The fee for rescoring an examination shall be twenty dollars ($20).

(6) The fee for issuance of an initial license shall be two hundred dollars ($200). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of four hundred dollars ($400).

(7) The fee for the two-year license renewal shall be two hundred dollars ($200). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of four hundred dollars ($400).

(8) The renewal delinquency fee shall be one-half of the fee for license renewal. A person who permits their license to expire shall be subject to the delinquency fee.

(9) The fee for issuance of a replacement registration, license, or certificate shall be twenty dollars ($20).

(10) The fee for issuance of a certificate or letter of good standing shall be twenty-five dollars ($25).

(11) The fee for issuance of a retired license shall be forty dollars ($40).

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2021.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 50. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 4. Licensure


text:
(a) Effective January 1, 2016, an applicant who fails the clinical examination may, within one year from the notification date of failure, retake that examination as regularly scheduled, without further application, upon payment of the required examination fees. Thereafter, the applicant shall not be eligible for further examination until he or she files a new application, meets all current requirements, and pays all required fees.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 799, Sec. 57) by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 47. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2014. Section operative January 1, 2016, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Licensure


text: The board shall issue a license to each applicant meeting the requirements of this article, which license, so long as the renewal fees have been paid, licenses the holder to engage in the practice of clinical social work as defined in Section 4996.9, entitles the holder to use the title of licensed clinical social worker, and authorizes the holder to hold himself or herself out as qualified to perform any of the functions delineated by this chapter. The form and content of the license shall be determined by the director in accordance with Section 164.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 307, Sec. 62. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2010.)

article: 4. Licensure