Wis. Admin. Code Psy — Psychology Examining Board

Chapter Psy 1 AUTHORITY AND DEFINITIONS

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 1.01 Authority {#sec-psy-1.01 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 1.01}

The rules in chs. Psy 1 to 5 are adopted pursuant to authority of ss. 15.08 (5) (b), 227.11 (2), 455.045 (3), 455.065 (1), 455.065 (5), 455.09 (1) (g), and 455.50 (4) and (5), Stats.

History

• Cr. Register, September, 1991, No. 429, eff. 10-1-91; am. Register, June, 1999, No. 522, eff. 7-1-99; correction made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register May 2023 No. 809; CR 23-064: am. Register June 2024 No. 822, eff. 7-1-24; correction made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register June 2024 No. 822.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 1.02 Definitions {#sec-psy-1.02 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 1.02}

As used in chs. Psy 1 to 5:

(1) “Applicant” means any person who applies for a license from the board.

(2) “Board” means the psychology examining board.

(3) “Client” means the individual, group, business, agency, school, organization, or association for whom the licensee of the board provides professional services for which the licensee is usually and customarily compensated. The term “client” includes the term and concept of “patient.”

(3m) “Day” has the meaning given in s. 455.03 (1) (a), Stats.

(4) “Department” means the department of safety and professional services.

(5) “Disciplinary proceeding” means a proceeding against one or more licensees in which the board determines whether or not to revoke or suspend a license, to reprimand a licensee, to limit a license, or refuse to renew a license.

(5m) “Dual relationship” means a situation in which a psychologist provides professional services to a person with whom the psychologist has another relationship such as, but not limited to, relatives, close friends, employees or employers, students or other supervisees.

(5r) “E.Passport” has the meaning given in s. 455.50 (2) (g), Stats.

(5s) “EPPP” means the Examination for the Professional Practice in Psychology which is the board approved examination on the practice of psychology.

(6) “Gross negligence in the practice of psychology” means the performance of professional services that do not comply with an accepted standard of practice that has a significant relationship to the protection of the health, safety, or welfare of patient or public, and that are performed in a manner indicating that the licensee knew or should have known, but acted with indifference to or disregard of, the accepted standard of practice.

(6g) “Interim psychologist” means a person licensed under s. 455.04 (2), Stats.

(6L) “Interjurisdictional practice certificate (IPC)” has the meaning given in s. 455.50 (2) (im), Stats.

(6m) “Jurisprudence exam” means the board approved examination on the state law related to the practice of psychology.

(7) “One contact hour” means at least 50 minutes that the psychologist spends directly engaged in a continuing education activity approved by the board.

(7m) “Practice of psychology” has the meaning under s. 455.01 (5), Stats.

(8) “Private practice of school psychology” means providing psycho-educational evaluation and intervention for the prevention and treatment of educationally relevant problems. Intervention includes service to the student or consultation with persons who affect the student’s education program.

(9) “Prohibited dual relationship” means a dual relationship which may impair objectivity or effectiveness, or permit exploitation, or create an actual, apparent or potential conflict of interest.

(10) “Psychological treatment” includes hypnosis used for therapeutic purposes other than smoking cessation or weight control.

(10g) “Psychologist” means a person licensed under s. 455.04 (1) or (2), Stats.

(10m) “Psychotherapy” has the meaning under s. 455.01 (6), Stats.

(11) “Telehealth” is defined under s. 440.01 (1) (hm), Stats.

(12) “Telepsychology” has the meaning given in s. 455.50 (2) (nm), Stats.

History

• Cr. Register, September, 1991, No. 429, eff. 10-1-91; am. (5), Register, June, 1999, No. 522 eff. 7-1-99; CR 02-124: am. (3) Register July 2003 No. 571, eff. 8-1-03; CR 03-079: cr. (5m) and (9) Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; CR 04-021: am. (3), cr. (10) Register July 2004 No. 583, eff. 8-1-04; correction in (4) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 6., Stats., Register February 2012 No. 674; CR 15-102: cr. (5s), (6m) Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16; CR 21-016: cr. (11) Register May 2023 No. 809, eff. 6-1-23; EmR2127: emerg. cr. (6g), am. (6m), cr. (9m), (11), (12), eff. 11-2-21; CR 21-080: cr. (6g), am. (6m), cr. (7m), (10g), (10m) Register June 2023, No. 810; correction in numbering of (7m), (10g), (10m) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., Register June 2023 No. 810; CR23-064: cr. (3m), (5r), (6L), (12) Register June 2024 No. 822, eff. 7-1-24.

Chapter Psy 2 REQUIREMENTS FOR EXAMINATION AND LICENSURE OF PSYCHOLOGISTS

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.01 Application procedure {#sec-psy-2.01 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.01}

An applicant for licensure as a psychologist shall submit all of the following:

(1) The properly completed and signed application form.

(2) The application fee authorized by s. 440.05 (1), Stats.

(3) Evidence of one of the following:

(a) Official transcript indicating a doctoral degree in psychology from a program accredited by any of the following organizations:

1. American Psychological Association.

2. Canadian Psychological Association.

3. Any other organization approved by the examining board.

(b) Academic training that the examining board determines to be substantially equivalent to a doctoral degree in psychology on the basis of standards established in s. Psy 2.09.

(c) Documentation of academic credentials evaluated by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists or other credential evaluation organization approved by the Board.

(4) Documentation of completion of psychological work meeting the requirements in s. Psy 2.10.

(5) Evidence of passing the EPPP.

(6) Evidence of passing the jurisprudence exam.

(7) Verification of the applicant’s credentials in all states or countries in which the applicant has ever held a credential.

(8) Documentation necessary for the Board to determine, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, Stats., whether any of the following apply:

(a) The applicant has a pending charge for an exempt offense as defined in s. 111.335 (1m) (b), Stats. or a violent crime against a child, as defined in s. 111.335 (1m) (d), Stats., which is substantially related to the practice of a psychologist.

(b) The applicant has been convicted of a crime substantially related to the practice of a psychologist.

(9) Fingerprint or other biometric-based information for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s criminal history information from the federal bureau of investigation and the Wisconsin department of justice in a manner directed by the department.

History

• Cr. Register, September, 1991, No. 429, eff. 10-1-91; am. (intro.), Register, August, 1993, No. 452, eff. 9-1-93; correction in (intro.) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, May, 1995, No. 473; am. (3), Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97; am. (1), (2) and (7), Register, June, 1999, No. 522, eff. 7-1-99; CR 02-124: am. (12) Register July 2003 No. 571, eff. 8-1-03; correction in (intro.) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register July 2004 No. 583; CR 15-102: r. and recr. Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16; correction in (4) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register August 2016 No. 728; CR 21-003: r. and recr. (8) Register December 2021 No. 792, eff. 1-1-22; EmR2127: emerg. am. (3) (a), (b), (4), eff. 11-2-21; CR 21-080: r. and recr. (3) (a), am. (3) (b), (4) Register June 2023 No. 810, eff. 7-1-23; CR 23-064: cr. (9) Register June 2024 No. 822, eff. 7-1-24.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.012 Interim Psychologist {#sec-psy-2.012 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.012}

(1) Subject to s. 455.09, Stats., the examining board shall grant an interim psychologist license to an applicant who submits all of the following:

(a) A properly completed and signed application form.

(b) An application fee authorized by s. 440.05 (6), Stats.

(c) Evidence of one of the following:

1. Official transcript indicating a doctoral degree in psychology from a program accredited by any of the following organizations:

a. American Psychological Association.

b. Canadian Psychological Association.

c. Any other organization approved by the examining board.

2. Academic training that the examining board determines to be substantially equivalent to a doctoral degree in psychology based on the standards established in s. Psy 2.09.

(d) Evidence of a completed internship of at least 1,500 hours after the completion of all doctoral level coursework. Completion of all doctoral level coursework means all required courses associated with the doctoral degree are completed, unless otherwise determined by the board or its designee.

(e) Evidence of passing score on the jurisprudence exam.

(f) Documentation necessary for the Board to determine, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, Stats., whether any of the following apply:

1. The applicant has a pending charge for an exempt offense as defined in s. 111.335 (1m) (b), Stats. or a violent crime against a child, as defined in s. 111.335 (1m) (d), Stats., which is substantially related to the practice of a psychologist.

2. The applicant has been convicted of a crime substantially related to the practice of a psychologist.

(g) Fingerprint or other biometric-based information for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s criminal history information from the federal bureau of investigation and the Wisconsin department of justice in a manner directed by the department.

(2) An interim psychologist license issued under s. 455.04 (2), Stats., is valid for 2 years or until the individual obtains a psychologist license under s. 455.04 (1), Stats., whichever is earlier. An individual holding an interim psychologist license is not required to complete continuing education.

History

• EmR2127: emerg. cr., eff. 11-2-21; CR 21-080: cr. Register June 2023 No. 810, eff. 7-1-23; CR 23-064: cr. (1) (g) Register June 2024 No. 822, eff. 7-1-24.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.013 Reciprocity {#sec-psy-2.013 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.013}

An applicant who holds an active license in another state, territory, foreign country or province whose license standards are deemed by the examining board to be substantially equivalent to the standards in this state may apply for license by submitting the following:

(1) The properly completed and signed application form.

(2) The application fee authorized by s. 440.05 (1), Stats.

(4) Evidence of passing the jurisprudence exam.

(5) Documentation necessary for the board to determine, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, Stats., whether any of the following apply:

(a) The applicant has a pending charge for an exempt offense as defined in s. 111.335 (1m) (b), Stats. or a violent crime against a child, as defined in s. 111.335 (1m) (d), Stats., which is substantially related to the practice of a psychologist.

(b) The applicant has been convicted of a crime substantially related to the practice of a psychologist.

(6) Fingerprint or other biometric-based information for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s criminal history information from the federal bureau of investigation and the Wisconsin department of justice in a manner directed by the department.

History

• CR 15-102: cr. Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16; CR 21-084: r. (3) Register February 2022 No. 794, eff. 3-1-22; EmR2127: emerg. am. (intro.), cr. (5), eff., 11-2-21; CR 21-080: am. (intro), cr. (5) Register June 2023 No. 810, eff. 7-1-23; CR 23-064: cr. (6) Register June 2024 No. 822, eff. 7-1-24.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.014 Reciprocal credentials for service members, former service members, and their spouses {#sec-psy-2.014 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.014}

A reciprocal license to practice psychology shall be granted to a service member, former service member, or the spouse of a service member or former service member who the board determines meets all of the requirements under s. 440.09 (2), Stats. Pursuant to s. 440.09 (2m), Stats., the board may request verification necessary to make a determination under this section.

Note: Application forms are available from the Department of Safety and Professional Services’ website at http://dsps.wi.gov.

History

• EmR2127: emerg. cr., eff. 11-2-21; CR 21-080: cr. Register June 2023 No. 810, eff. 7-1-23.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.015 Application abandonment {#sec-psy-2.015 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.015}

An applicant who files an application but who does not comply with a request for information related to the application within one year of the date of the board’s last request shall file a new application. An applicant who files an application but who does not fully complete the application within 3 years of the date of the application shall file a new application.

History

• Cr., Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.05 Passing scores {#sec-psy-2.05 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.05}

(1) The passing score on each examination is determined by the board to represent minimum competence.

(2m) The board may adopt the recommended passing score of the examination provider for the EPPP.

(4) The board shall make the determination of the passing score of the jurisprudence exam after consultation with subject matter experts who have reviewed a representative sample of the examination questions and available candidate performance statistics.

History

• Cr. Register, September, 1991, No. 429, eff. 10-1-91; r. and recr., Register, January, 1997, No. 493, eff. 2-1-97; CR 15-102: am. (1), r. (2), (3), am. (4) Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.09 Education and experience equivalent to a doctoral degree in psychology {#sec-psy-2.09 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.09}

The equivalent to a doctorate in psychology is a doctorate degree which meets all of the following requirements:

(1) The curriculum shall contain all of the following content:

(a) Scientific psychology, including all of the following:

1. Biological aspects of behavior.

2. Cognitive and affective aspects of behavior.

3. Social aspects of behavior.

4. History and systems of psychology.

5. Psychological measurement.

6. Research methodology.

7. Techniques of data analysis.

(b) Scientific, methodical and theoretical foundations of practice in the substantive area of professional psychology in which the program has its training emphasis including all of the following:

1. Individual differences in behavior.

2. Human development.

3. Dysfunctional behavior or psychopathology.

4. Professional standards and ethics.

(c) Diagnosing or defining problems through psychological assessment and measurement and formulating and implementing intervention strategies including all of the following:

1. Theories and methods of assessment and diagnosis.

2. Effective intervention.

3. Consultation and supervision.

4. Evaluating the efficacy of interventions.

(d) Issues of cultural diversity and individual differences.

(e) Skills essential for lifelong learning, scholarly inquiry and professional problem-solving as psychologists in the context of an evolving body of scientific and professional knowledge.

(2) The doctoral degree shall include any of the following: practicum, internship, field or laboratory training. This experience shall be supervised by a person with a doctoral degree in psychology.

History

• Cr. Register, September, 1991, No. 429, eff. 10-1-91; am. (2) (a) 1., 4. and 5., Register, November, 1992, No. 443, eff. 12-1-92; cr. (4), Register, August, 1993, No. 452, eff. 9-1-93; am. (1) (a), (3) (a) 2., 10., (b), (c) and (4)., r. (1) (j) and (2), Register, June, 1999, No. 522, eff. 7-1-99; correction in (5) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, June, 1999, No. 522; CR 02-124: am. (3) (a) 1. to 3., 5., 7., (b), and (c) Register July 2003 No. 571, eff. 8-1-03; CR 04-021: am. (1) (i), r. (5) Register July 2004 No. 583, eff. 8-1-04; CR 12-055: am. (4) Register August 2013 No. 692, eff. 9-1-13; CR 15-102: r. and recr. Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.10 Supervised psychological experience {#sec-psy-2.10 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.10}

Except as provided in s. Psy 2.013, an applicant for licensure as a psychologist shall complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised graduate-level experience in the practice of psychology under conditions satisfactory to the examining board and shall include all of the following:

(1) Evidence of the following supervised hours shall be provided:

(a) A completed internship of at least 1,500 hours after the completion of all doctoral level coursework. Completion of all doctoral level coursework means all required courses associated with the doctoral degree are completed, unless otherwise determined by the board or its designee.

(b) Additional 1,500 hours accrued by any of the following or combination of any of the following:

1. Any aggregated pre-internship hours completed after the first year of a doctoral program of study leading to a doctorate in psychology or its equivalent, or completed during the first year of such doctoral program of study if the applicant has completed a master’s degree in psychology or its equivalent.

2. Any excess hours after the completion of the 1,500 hours during the internship under par. (a).

3. Hours accrued after the internship under par. (a) but accumulated before the conferral of the doctoral degree.

4. Hours acquired after the conferral of the doctoral degree.

(2) Clients shall be informed that the psychological trainee is receiving supervision and that the client’s case will be discussed in the context of required supervision. The trainee must inform potential clients in writing of his or her trainee status and lack of license.

(3) A minimum of 25% of the experience required shall consist of face-to-face client contact.

(4) A total of 65% of the experience required shall consist of the face-to-face client contact required under sub. (3) and direct service for the purpose of providing psychological service. For the purposes of this subsection, direct service means those activities a psychologist performs that are directly related to providing psychological services to a client, including note and report writing, studying test results, case consultation, and reviewing published works relating to the client’s needs.

(5) The primary supervisor shall be a licensed psychologist and shall have adequate training, knowledge, and skill to render competently any psychological service that a psychological trainee undertakes. The primary supervisor shall have post-licensure experience and shall have had training or experience in supervision of psychological work. Supervisors shall not be an immediate relative by blood or marriage.

(6) The supervisor’s responsibilities include all of the following:

(a) Permit a trainee to engage in only psychological practice the supervisor can competently perform.

(b) Have sufficient knowledge of the trainee’s clients to ensure effective service. This may include ongoing face-to-face contact with the client.

(c) Monitor the progress of the work on a regular basis.

(d) Determine the adequacy of the trainee’s preparation for the tasks to be performed.

(e) Provide a written evaluation of the supervised experience. Prepared evaluations or reports of progress, including strengths and weakness, shall be written and discussed with the trainee on at least a semi annual basis and shall be made available to the board upon request.

(f) Be available or make appropriate provision for emergency consultation and intervention.

(g) Be legally and ethically responsible for the professional activities of the trainee.

(h) Be able to interrupt or stop the trainee from practicing in given cases.

(i) To terminate the supervised relationship if necessary.

History

• CR 15-102: cr. Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16; EmR2127: r. and recr. (intro.), (1), eff. 11-2-21; CR 21-080: r. and recr. (intro.), (1) Register June 2023 No. 810, eff. 7-1-23; correction in (1) (b) 2., 3. made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register June 2023 No. 810.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.14 Temporary practice {#sec-psy-2.14 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.14}

(2) Except as provided in ss. Psy 2.15 and Psy 2.16, a psychologist who is licensed by another state or territory of the United States or a foreign country or province whose standards, in the opinion of the board, are equivalent to or higher than the requirements for licensure as a psychologist in s. 455.04 (1), Stats., may provide psychological services in this state not more than 60 days in any calendar year without holding a license issued under s. 455.04 (1), Stats.

(3) The psychologist shall report in writing to the board the nature and extent of their practice in this state if it exceeds 20 days within a calendar year.

Note: Instructions on how to report to the board are available at the Department of Safety and Professional Services’ website at http://dsps.wi.gov.

(4) A psychologist provides psychological services in this state whenever the patient or client is located in this state regardless of where the psychologist is located.

History

• Cr. Register, June, 2001, No. 546, eff. 7-1-01; CR 15-102: r. and recr. Register August 2016 No. 728, eff. 9-1-16; (1) to (4) renum. from (intro.), (1), (2), (3) under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1., Stats., and correction in (2) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register August 2016 No. 728; correction in (2) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register December 2021 No. 792; CR 21-016: cr. (2m) Register May 2023 No. 809, eff. 6-1-23; correction in (2m) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register May 2023 No. 809; EmR2127: am. (1), (2), (3), eff. 11-2-23; CR 21-080: am. (1), (2), (3) Register June 2023 No. 810, eff. 7-1-23; CR 23-064: r. (1), (2m) Register June 2024 No. 822, eff. 7-1-24; CR 25-019: am. (2), (3) Register October 2025 No. 838, eff. 11-1-25.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.15 Temporary authorization to practice {#sec-psy-2.15 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.15}

A psychologist who is intending to practice in this state under a temporary authorization to practice, as defined in s. 455.50 (2) (o), Stats., and is licensed in another compact state or territory of the United States must hold an active IPC as established in s. 455.03 (2), Stats.

History

• CR 23-064: cr. Register June 2024 No. 822, eff. 7-1-24; correction made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register June 2024 No. 822.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 2.16 Authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology {#sec-psy-2.16 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 2.16}

A psychologist who is intending to practice telepsychology in this state and is licensed in another compact state or territory of the United States must hold an active E.Passport as established in s. 455.03 (3), Stats.

History

• CR 23-064: cr. Register June 2024 No. 822, eff. 7-1-24; correction made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register June 2024 No. 822.

Chapter Psy 4 REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 4.01 Biennial renewal {#sec-psy-4.01 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 4.01}

On or before September 30 of the odd-numbered year following issuance of the license, the licensee shall apply for renewal to the department and submit the fee specified in s. 440.08 (2) (a), Stats., and shall meet the continuing education requirements specified in s. Psy 4.025.

History

• Cr. Register, September, 1991, No. 429, eff. 10-1-91; am. Register, June, 1999, No. 522, eff. 7-1-99; correction made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register December 2015 No. 720.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 4.015 Definitions {#sec-psy-4.015 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 4.015}

In this chapter:

(1) “Board” means Wisconsin Psychology Examining Board.

(2) “Continuing education hour” means continuing education consisting of not less than 50 minutes.

(3) “Ethics” means content consistent with one or more of the American Psychological Association’s ethical principles of psychologists.

(4) “Jurisprudence” means content relating to laws and regulations affecting the practice of psychology.

(5) “Professional activity” means any of the following:

(a) Serving on the American Psychological Association or its affiliated state psychological association committee or board.

(b) Serving on a state Psychology Examining Board.

(c) Serving on the National Association of School Psychologists or its affiliated state association committee or board.

(d) Serving on the American Board of Professional Psychology committee or board.

(e) Serving on the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral Internship Centers committee or board.

(f) Serving on the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards committee or board.

(6) “Risk management” means content relating to the reduction of probability of incurring legal, regulatory or malpractice actions in the practice of psychology.

(7) “Trainee” means a person who is obtaining appropriate experience in psychological work under supervision pursuant to s. 455.04 (1) (d), Stats.

History

• CR 13-103: cr. Register December 2015 No. 720, eff. 1-1-16.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 4.017 Renewal and reinstatement {#sec-psy-4.017 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 4.017}

(1) General. A person renewing an expired license may not reapply for a license using the initial application process.

(2) Renewal within 5 years. A person renewing the license within 5 years shall do all of the following:

(a) Pay the renewal fee as determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a), Stats., and any applicable late renewal fee.

(b) Certify the completion of 40 hours of continuing education during the last biennium.

(3) Renewal after 5 years. This subsection does not apply to license holders who have unmet disciplinary requirements. A person renewing the license after 5 years shall do all of the following:

(a) Pay the renewal fee as determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a), Stats., and the renewal late fee.

(b) Evidence of one of the following:

1. An active credential in good standing in another state.

2. Completion of 80 hours of approved continuing education, including 12 hours of ethics, risk management, or jurisprudence, within the preceding 2 years.

(4) Reinstatement. A person who has unmet disciplinary requirements and failed to renew the license within 5 years or whose license has been surrendered or revoked may apply to have the license reinstated in accordance with all of the following:

(a) Evidence of completion of the requirements in sub. (3) if the license has not been active within 5 years.

(b) Evidence of completion of the disciplinary requirements, if applicable.

(c) Evidence of rehabilitation or change in circumstances warranting reinstatement.

(5) Reinstatement after revocation. A revoked license may not be renewed. Except as provided in s. 440.12, Stats., an individual may, no sooner than one year after the date of revocation, apply for reinstatement of a license. The board may accept or reject an application for reinstatement.

(6) Interim psychologist license. The board may renew at its discretion an interim psychologist license upon a showing of hardship by the applicant.

(a) An applicant for a hardship renewal must demonstrate to the board that one of the following circumstances applies to the applicant:

1. The sickness of the applicant or a member of the applicant’s immediate family substantiated by a doctor’s certificate.

2. A death in the applicant’s immediate family substantiated by proof of death.

3. Temporary military service.

4. Other good reason deemed acceptable by the board.

(b) If a hardship is established under par. (a), the board may request additional documentation from the applicant for its consideration in determining whether a renewal of the interim license is appropriate, including:

1. Attestation that the applicant has a qualified supervisor as provided by s. 455.04 (2), Stats.

2. Documentation of any relevant training, education, or supervised experience the applicant has completed since obtaining the interim psychologist license.

3. Any other relevant documentation requested by the board.

(7) Private practice school psychologist. An applicant for renewal of a private practice school psychologist issued under s. 455.04 (4), 2019 Stats., prior to June 1, 2021, shall include with the renewal application proof of completion of hours of continuing education required under s. Psy 4.025.

History

• CR 19-117: cr. Register December 2020 No. 780, eff. 1-1-21; EmR2101: emerg. am. (2) (b), eff. 1-1-21; CR 21-015: am. (2) (b) Register September 2021 No. 789, eff. 10-1-21; EmR2127: emerg. am. (title), cr. (5) to (7), eff. 11-2-21; CR 21-080: am. (title), cr. (5) to (7) Register June 2023 No. 810, eff. 7-1-23.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 4.025 Continuing education {#sec-psy-4.025 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 4.025}

(1) Unless granted a postponement or waiver under s. Psy 4.04, every licensee except for those licensed under s. Psy 2.012 shall complete at least 40 board approved continuing education hours in each biennial registration period, as specified in s. 455.06, Stats.

(a) A minimum of 6 hours of the required 40 continuing education hours shall be in ethics, risk management or jurisprudence.

(b) Continuing education hours completed in the topics of supervision or suicide prevention shall be calculated as 1.5 times the numbers of continuing education hours obtained.

(2) Continuing education hours may apply only to the registration period in which the hours are acquired. If a license has been allowed to lapse, the board may grant permission to apply continuing education hours acquired after lapse of the license to a previous biennial period of licensure during which required continuing education was not acquired. In no case may continuing education hours be applied to more than one biennial period.

(3) During the time between initial Wisconsin licensure and commencement of a full 2-year licensure period, licensees shall not be required to meet continuing education requirements.

History

• CR 13-103: cr. Register December 2015 No. 720, eff. 1-1-16; CR 21-084: r. (4) Register February 2022 No. 794, eff. 3-1-22; EmR2127: emerg. am. (1) (intro.), eff. 11-2-21; CR 21-080: am. (1) (intro.) Register June 2023 No. 810, eff. 7-1-23.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 4.035 Approved continuing education {#sec-psy-4.035 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 4.035}

(1) The board shall approve all of the following programs and courses, if relevant to the professional practice of psychology:

(a) Continuing education programs and courses sponsored by an organization approved by one of the following:

1. American Psychological Association.

2. National Association of School Psychologists.

3. Canadian Psychological Association.

(b) Continuing education programs and courses sponsored by one of the following:

1. Wisconsin Psychological Association.

2. Wisconsin School Psychologists Association.

(c) Educational programs recognized as approved at the time of attendance as “category I” continuing medical education programs by the council on medical education of the American Medical Association or the American Osteopathic Association.

(d) Continuing education courses approved by the psychology licensing board in another state where the psychologist is also licensed.

(e) Graduate level courses of two semester or three quarter credits, or more, relevant to the professional practice of psychology offered by a regionally accredited college or university in which a person receives a passing grade shall be granted 20 continuing education hours.

(2) No more than eight hours of continuing education hours may be credited per day for courses and programs in sub. (1) (a) through (d).

(3) Continuing education hours shall be granted for teaching or presenting any of the programs or courses in sub. (1) but no credit will be granted for any subsequent presentations of the same program or course. A teacher or presenter shall receive 2 continuing education hours for each hour of presentation with a maximum of 20 continuing education hours per biennium.

(4) Continuing education hours shall be granted for professional activity consisting of 1 year of service with a minimum of 6 total contact hours. A licensee shall receive 6 hours of continuing education for each professional activity, with a maximum of 12 continuing education hours per biennium.

(5) Continuing education hours shall be granted for serving as a reviewer for a peer reviewed publication. A licensee shall receive 3 hours per publication, with a maximum of 12 continuing education hours per biennium.

(6) Continuing education hours shall be granted for first or second authorship of a publication relevant to psychology if the publication is contained in an academic or professional book or book chapter or peer-reviewed journal article. A licensee shall receive 10 continuing education hours per authorship, with a maximum of 20 continuing education hours per biennium.

(7) Continuing education hours shall be granted for earning board certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology. A licensee who successfully completes board certification shall receive 40 continuing education hours. The ethics, risk management, or jurisprudence requirement may not be met unless the board certification process included at least six hours on those topics.

(8) Continuing education hours shall be granted for completion of a master’s or doctoral degree in psychopharmacology from a regionally accredited college or university. Licensees who complete a master’s or doctoral degree in psychopharmacology shall receive 40 continuing education hours. The ethics, risk management or jurisprudence requirement may not be met unless the coursework included those topics.

(9) Continuing education hours shall be granted for providing supervision to one or more psychological trainees. The supervisor shall receive 1 continuing education hour for every 4 hours of supervision, with a maximum of 20 continuing education hours.

(10)

(a) Continuing education hours shall be granted for the evaluation of a community mental health program, as defined in s. 51.01 (3n), Stats., and approved by the department of health services according to rules promulgated under s. 51.42 (7) (b), Stats. Four hours of assistance, including hours in training required by the department of health services, are equal to one continuing education hour for the purposes of this section.

(b) A licensee wishing to apply for continuing education credit under this subsection shall register in advance with the board, and shall notify the board on a form provided by the board of the dates and the total number of hours in any biennium for which the applicant will be available to provide assistance. The board shall make referrals to the department of health services in the order applicants are received.

History

• CR 13-103: cr. Register December 2015 No. 720, eff. 1-1-16; correction in (2) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register December 2015 No. 720.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 4.04 Postponement, waiver, and exemptions {#sec-psy-4.04 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 4.04}

(1) A licensee may apply to the board for a postponement or waiver of the requirements of this chapter on grounds of prolonged illness or disability, or on other grounds constituting extreme hardship. The board shall consider each application individually on its merits, and the board may grant a postponement, partial waiver, or total waiver as deemed appropriate.

(2) The board may grant an exemption from the requirements of this chapter to a licensee who certifies to the board that the licensee has permanently retired from the practice of psychology or the private practice of school psychology.

(3) A licensee who has been granted an exemption from the requirements of this chapter based on retirement from the practice of psychology or the private practice of school psychology may not return to active practice without submitting evidence satisfactory to the board of having completed 40 credits of continuing education hours obtained within 2 years prior to the return to the practice of psychology.

History

• CR 13-103: cr. Register December 2015 No. 720, eff. 1-1-16.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 4.05 Record keeping and audits {#sec-psy-4.05 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 4.05}

(1) A licensee shall retain for a minimum period of 6 years and shall make available to the board or its agent upon request all the following proof of continuing education that applies to the licensee:

(a) Certificate of attendance issued by the program sponsor. The certificate shall include the name of the licensee, date of attendance, sponsor name, hours and title of course.

(b) Unofficial transcript for graduate level courses or psychopharmacology degree.

(c) Documentation of publication.

(d) Verification from the organization, on organization letterhead, documenting professional activities including the dates of service.

(e) Documentation of board certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology.

(f) Documentation verifying the dates and number of hours of voluntary, uncompensated services provided in assisting the department of health services using a form provided by the department of safety and professional services.

(g) Attestation form, provided by the department of safety and professional services, documenting supervision including the dates of supervision and total number of hours per day.

(2) The board may conduct an audit for compliance with continuing education requirements on any licensee who has a complaint made against the licensee.

History

• CR 13-103: cr. Register December 2015 No. 720, eff. 1-1-16; CR 19-117: am. (2) Register December 2020 No. 780, eff. 1-1-21.

Chapter Psy 5 CONDUCT

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 5.01 Professional conduct {#sec-psy-5.01 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 5.01}

The practice of psychology is complex and varied and, therefore, allows for a broad range of professional conduct. The following acts constitute unprofessional conduct by applicants for licensure and licensees of the board and are prohibited. Complaints regarding these acts shall be investigated and may lead to disciplinary proceedings.

(1) Engaging in false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive advertising, or maintaining a professional relationship with one engaging in such advertising.

(2) Gross negligence in the practice of psychology or private practice of school psychology.

(2m) Engaging in conduct that falls below the standard of minimal competence within the practice of psychology or school psychology.

(3) Misrepresentation of professional competency by offering to perform services that are unwarranted on the basis of education, training, or experience.

(4) Performance of professional services inconsistent with training, education, or experience.

(5) Conviction of a crime or violation of any law the circumstances of which substantially relate to the circumstances of the practice of psychology or private practice of school psychology.

(6) Undertaking or continuing professional services after having been adjudged incompetent by a court of law.

(7) Reporting distorted, erroneous, or misleading psychological information.

(8) Engaging in false, fraudulent, exploitative, misleading, or deceptive billing practices.

(9) Allowing professional judgment to be controlled by another.

(10) Aiding or furthering discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, handicap or sexual orientation by means of service given to a client.

(11) Practicing or attempting to practice while the licensee has a physical or mental impairment, including impairment related to alcohol or other drugs, which is reasonably related to the licensee’s ability to adequately undertake the practice of psychology in a manner consistent with the safety of client or public.

(12) Revealing facts, data, information, records or communication received from a client in a professional capacity except in the following circumstances:

(a) With the informed consent of the client or the client’s authorized representative.

(b) With prior notification to the client at the time the information was elicited of the use and distribution of the information.

(c) If necessary to prevent injury to the client or another person.

(d) Pursuant to the lawful order of a court of law.

(e) Use of case history material for teaching or research purpose, or in textbooks or other literature, provided that proper precautions are taken to conceal the identity of the client.

(f) Where otherwise permitted or required under ss. 51.30 and 146.82, Stats.

(g) When required by federal or state law.

(12m) Failing to have security protocols for access to facts, data, information, records, or communication received from a client in a professional capacity.

(13) Failure to obtain written, informed consent from the client or client’s legal representative prior to the use of observation or electronic taping, recording or filming procedures.

(14) Engaging in sexual contact, sexual conduct, kissing, or any other behavior which could reasonably be construed as seductive, romantic, harassing, or exploitative, with any of the following:

(a) A client.

(b) A former client within 2 years of termination of professional services.

(c) A former client beyond 2 years of termination of professional services, unless the licensee can demonstrate that there has been no exploitation of the former client, and that the former client is not vulnerable by reason of emotional or cognitive disorder to exploitive influence by the psychologist, in light of all relevant factors, including:

1. The length of time which had passed between the termination of professional services and the conduct.

2. The nature and duration of the professional services.

3. The circumstances of termination.

4. The client’s personal history.

5. The client’s mental status at the time the conduct took place.

6. The likelihood of adverse impact on the client or others.

7. Statements or actions made by the licensee during the course of professional services suggesting or inviting the possibility of a post-termination sexual or romantic relationship with the client.

(d) A person to whom the licensee is providing teaching, supervisory or other instructional services.

(14m) Accepting as a client a person with whom the licensee has engaged in sexual contact or sexual conduct.

(15) Failure to provide clients a description of what may be expected in the way of tests, consultation, reports, fees, billing, therapeutic regimen or schedule.

(16) Failure to provide clients a description of possible effects of proposed treatment.

(17) Engaging in any prohibited dual relationship or any relationship which is reasonably likely to impair the licensee’s objectivity in providing professional services.

(19) Employing or claiming to have available secret techniques or procedures that the licensee refuses to divulge.

(20) Engaging in experimental treatment or services without assuring objectivity through keeping adequate records and consulting with colleagues.

(21) In the conduct of research, failure to inform study participants of all features of the research that might reasonably be expected to influence willingness to participate; failure to ensure as soon as possible participants’ understanding of the reasons and justification for methodological requirements of concealment or deception in the study; failure to protect participants from physical or mental discomfort, harm or danger, or to notify the participant of such danger; and failure to detect and remove any undesirable consequences to the participants resulting from research procedures.

(22) Failure to inform the client of financial interests which are not obvious and which might accrue to the licensee for referral to or for any use of service, product, or publication.

(23) Refusal upon request to advise the board of the nature of the specialties included within the licensee’s practice.

(24) Failure to respond honestly and in a timely manner to a request for information by the board. Taking longer than 30 days to respond creates a rebuttable presumption that the response is not timely.

(25) Appropriation of the identity of another person holding a license issued by this or another board.

(26) Allowing another person to use one’s license.

(27) Using fraud or deception in applying for a license.

(28) Violation of ch. 455, Stats., or any rule promulgated by the board.

(29) Failure to notify the board within 30 days of any disciplinary or adverse action taken by any other jurisdiction against a license, certificate, permit or registration granted for the practice of psychology or school psychology.

(30) For licensees of the board who are employed by a public agency and who also offer their services privately:

(a) Failure to inform the client that the client is entitled to the same service from the public agency.

(b) Failure to inform the client that the licensee is an employee of that same public agency.

(c) Failure to avoid any prohibited dual relationship or any relationship which is reasonably likely to impair the licensee’s objectivity in providing professional services.

(31) Failure to notify clients when service will be interrupted or terminated.

(32) Having a credential granted by another jurisdiction to practice psychology or school psychology denied, limited, suspended, surrendered, or revoked, or otherwise disciplined or adverse action taken, whether or not accompanied by findings of negligence or unprofessional conduct.

(33) Failure to maintain adequate records relating to services provided to a client in the course of a professional relationship. Each patient record entry shall be dated, shall identify the treating psychologist, and shall be sufficiently legible to be understood and to allow interventions by other professionals. Unless records are subject to a different records retention policy by an entity with an obligation to maintain treatment records, a licensee shall retain treatment records for at least 7 years.

(34) Violating any provision of an order of any board or jurisdiction that regulates the practice of psychology or school psychology.

History

• Cr. Register, September, 1991, No. 429, eff. 10-1-91; r. and recr. (14), cr. (14m), Register, August, 1995, No. 476, eff. 9-1-95; am. (7), cr. (32), Register, June, 1999, No. 522, eff. 7-1-99; CR 02-124: am. (11), (24) and (31), cr. (12) (g) and (33) Register July 2003 No. 571, eff. 8-1-03; CR 03-079: am. (14) (intro.) and (c) (intro.), (17), (24), renum. (33) to be (33) (intro.) and am., cr. (33) (a) to (e) and (34), Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; CR 04-021: cr. (14) (d) Register July 2004 No. 583, eff. 8-1-04; CR 17-078: am. (2), cr. (2m), am. (5), (8), cr. (12m), r. and recr. (17), r. (18), am. (24), (25), (28), (29), (30) (c), r. and recr. (32), renum. (33) (intro.) to (33) and am., r. (33) (a) to (e), am. (34) Register July 2018 No. 751, eff. 8-1-18.

Wis. Admin. Code § Psy 5.02 Telehealth and telepsychology {#sec-psy-5.02 omnilex-key=us-wi-regs-official--agency-psy--Psy 5.02}

(1) The standards of practice and professional conduct under this chapter apply to a licensee regardless of whether health care service is provided in person, by telehealth, or by telepsychology.

(2) A psychologist who uses a telehealth visit to provide psychological services to a patient located in this state shall either be licensed as a psychologist by the board, or shall meet the requirements to exercise the authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology under s. 455.50 (4), Stats.

History

• CR 21-016: cr. Register May 2023 No. 809, eff. 6-1-23; correction in (2) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register May 2023 No. 809; CR 23-064: am. (title), (1) Register June 2024 No. 822, eff. 7-1-24.