1. (a) This rule acknowledges the unique difference in the delivery of school psychological services in the public schools from psychological services in the private sector. The Board recognizes the purview of the State Board of Education and the Texas Education Agency in safeguarding the rights of public school children in Texas. The mandated multidisciplinary team decision making, hierarchy of supervision, regulatory provisions, and past traditions of school psychological service delivery both nationally and in Texas, among other factors, allow for rules of practice in the public schools which reflect these occupational distinctions from the private practice of psychology.

2. (b) Scope of Practice.

   1. (1) A Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) means a person who is trained to address psychological and behavioral problems manifested in and associated with educational systems by utilizing psychological concepts and methods in programs or actions which attempt to improve the learning, adjustment and behavior of students. Such activities include, but are not limited to, addressing special education eligibility, conducting manifestation determinations, and assisting with the development and implementation of individual educational programs, conducting behavioral assessments, and designing and implementing behavioral interventions and supports.
   2. (2) The assessment of emotional or behavioral disturbance, for educational purposes, using psychological techniques and procedures is considered the practice of psychology.
3. (c) The specialist in school psychology license permits the licensee to provide school psychological services only in Texas public schools, including charter schools. A person utilizing this license may not provide psychological services in any context or capacity outside of their employment or contract with public schools.
4. (d) The correct title for an individual holding a specialist in school psychology license is Licensed Specialist in School Psychology or LSSP. Only individuals who meet the requirements of Board rule §465.6 of this title (relating to Listings, Public Statements and Advertisements, Solicitations, and Specialty Titles) may refer to themselves as School Psychologists. No individual may use the title Licensed School Psychologist. An LSSP who has achieved certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) may use this credential along with the license title of LSSP.

5. (e) Providers of Psychological Services Within the Public Schools.

   1. (1) School psychological services may be provided in Texas public schools only by individuals authorized by this Board to provide such services. Individuals who may provide such school psychological services include:

      1. (A) LSSPs;
      2. (B) Those individuals listed in Board rule §463.9(g) of this title (relating to Licensed Specialist in School Psychologists); and
      3. (C) Individuals seeking to fulfill the licensing requirements of Board rule §463.8 of this title (relating to Licensed Psychological Associate), Board rule §463.10 of this title (relating to Provisionally Licensed Psychologists), or Board rule §463.11 of this title (relating to Licensed Psychologist).
   2. (2) Licensees who do not hold the specialist in school psychology license may contract for specific types of psychological services, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology, and family therapy. Such contracting must be on a short term or part-time basis, and shall not involve the broad range of school psychological services listed in subsection (b)(1) of this rule.
   3. (3) An LSSP who contracts with a school district to provide school psychological services may not subcontract services which they have been contracted to provide.

6. (f) Compliance with Applicable Education Laws. LSSPs shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws affecting the practice of school psychology, including, but not limited to:

   1. (1) Texas Education Code;
   2. (2) Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. §1232q;
   3. (3) Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), 20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq;
   4. (4) Texas Public Information Act ("Open Records Act"), Texas Government Code, Chapter 552;
   5. (5) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
   6. (6) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 42 U.S.C. §12101.
7. (g) Informed Consent. Informed consent for a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology must be obtained in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and the U.S. Department of Education's rules governing parental consent when delivering school psychological services in the public schools, and is considered to meet the requirements for informed consent under Board rules. No additional informed consent, specific to any Board rules, is necessary. Licensees providing psychological services under subsection (e)(2) however, must obtain informed consent as otherwise required by the Board rules.

Source Note:The provisions of this §465.38 adopted to be effective April 20, 2016, 41 TexReg 2770.