Hawaiʻi is the only state in the U.S. that does not require licenses for school psychologists. This may change in the near future.
SB2281 establishes credential requirements to be administered by the Board of Psychology, and requires all school psychologists to be licensed by July 1, 2025.
Alec Marentic from the Hawaiʻi Association of School Psychologists testified in support of SB2281, saying, "A major concern without a proper credential is that parents that have ethical concerns don't currently have a board to bring complaints to."
"And that leaves our kids vulnerable to malpractice, especially since you do not have to have specific training without a licensure to operate as a school psychologist, at least not training that's outlined by the National Association of School Psych[ology]," Marentic testified.
Some testifiers questioned the Board of Psychology’s ability to provide credentials.
The board monitors psychologists with a doctoral degree. School counselors do not always require a Ph.D. because their profession requires a different skillset from therapists working in hospitals.
SB2281 passed its hearing with the Senate Committee on Health. It awaits a hearing with the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
