A PRIMER ON RA 10029: THE PHILIPPINE PSYCHOLOGY ACT OF 2009

Aurora Corpuz-Mendoza, Ph.D. Department of Psychology, UP-Diliman Psychological Association of the Philippines 17 August 2011 Iloilo Grand Hotel

Philippine Psychology Act of 2009

AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF PSYCHOLOGY, CREATING FOR THIS PURPOSE A PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Approved March 16, 2010

DEFINITION OF TERMS
BOARD refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology COMMISSION refers to the Prrofessional Regulation Commission PSYCHOLOGY refers to The scientific study of human behavior

EFFECTIVITY OF THE PSYCH LAW

The Board must first be constituted The IRR will be promulgated by the Board WITHIN 90 DAYS after the Board is constituted, subject to approval of the Commission The Psych Law shall take effect 15 days ff its complete publication in 2 newspapers of general circulation

Definition of Terms
PRACTICE OF PSYCHOLOGY refers to the Delivery of psychological services. Under the Psych Law, these services belong, but are not limited, to 3 types: *Psychological Interventions *Psychological Assessment *Psychological Programs

1. What are PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS?

Psychological Counseling Psychotherapy Psychosocial Support Coaching Psychological Debriefing Group Processes All other interventions with applications of psychology

2. What does PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT include?

Gathering and integration of psychologyrelated data To assess psychological functions, e.g. cognitive abilities, aptitudes, personality, attitudes, values, interests, emotions, motivations (psychological evaluation) Using various tools, e.g. individual tests, projective tests, clinical interviews, others In support of psychological interventions

3. What are PSYCHOLOGICAL PROGRAMS?

Programs of Development Planning Planning Implementation Implementation Monitoring Monitoring Evaluation Evaluation

Psychological Treatment for: Individuals Groups

Is teaching psychology Psychological practice?

Under RA 10029, TEACHING OF PSYCHOLOGY is NOT SPECIFIED as Professional Practice But there is a Commission rule that those teaching subjects required in the licensure exam should be licensed professionals

Does teaching these psychology courses require a license?

Regulation of the teaching of psychology under the terms of the Psych Law will still have to be clarified by the IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR) that will be approved by the Board

Who needs to get licensed?

All those who want to provide psychological services that fall under the 3 types of practice of psychology will be required to be licensed when the law is implemented Licensing constitutes the regulation of psychological practice to ensure the quality of these services

Who issues the license to practice?

License/ID is issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology and the Professional Regulation Commission

Are there dif. types of licenses for the practice of dif. psychological services?
There are 2 types of licenses, depending on the services you want to practice. 1. License for Psychologist allows for the practice of all 3 types of services: a. Psychological interventions b. Psychological assessment c. Psychological programs

Types of License
2. License for Psychometrician allows for limited practice only, and under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist:
a. Administer & score objective personality tests,

structured personality tests, pen and paper intelligence, achievement & interest tests, BUT NOT projective tests & similar others b. Interpret results of same & prepare reports on same c. Conduct preparatory intake interviews of clients for psychological interventions

What are the requirements to practice as licensed Psychologist or

Psychometrician
Valid Certificate of Registration (CR) Valid Professional ID as Psychologist/Psychometrician

How does one register and get a valid ID or license to practice as psychologist or psychometrician?
1. Must take licensure exam for psychologist or licensure exam for psychometrician BUT 2. During a 3-year transition period from the Boards creation, if they apply, those qualified to register without taking the licensure exam can be issued a CR & a professional ID This is the Grandfathers Clause

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO TAKE THE LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS?

Filipino Citizens With at least Masters degree in Psychology With Minimum 200 hours practicum/internship or clinical experience With Good moral character and No conviction on offenses of moral turpitude With credits for (graduate) subjects covered in the exam

WHAT ARE THE SUBJECTS YOU SHOULD HAVE CREDITS FOR, SO THAT YOU CAN TAKE THE LICENSE EXAM FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS? Advanced Theories of Personality Advanced Abnormal Psychology Advanced Psychological Assessment Psychological Counseling & Psychotherapy

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO TAKE LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR PSYCHOMETRICIANS?

Filipino Citizens With at least BA/BS Psychology Degree With Good Moral Character and No conviction on offenses of Moral Turpitude With credits for (undergraduate) subjects covered in exam

WHAT ARE THE SUBJECTS YOU SHOULD HAVE CREDITS FOR, SO THAT YOU CAN TAKE THE LICENSE EXAM FOR PSYCHOMETRICIANS?

Theories of Personality Abnormal Psychology Industrial Psychology Psychological Assessment

RATINGS REQUIRED TO PASS EXAM

FOR BOTH PSYCHOLOGISTS AND PSYCHOMETRICIANS A. WEIGHTED GENERAL AVERAGE of at least 75% for all subjects, and B. NO GRADE LOWER than 60% in any subject IF B NOT SATISFIED, examinee can retake such subject or subjects within the next 2 years and will pass the exam when both A and B are satisfied during the retake

Can one practice as Psychologist and REGISTER WITHOUT EXAMINATION?

Must apply for registration, CR, and Professional ID, within 3 years after creation of the Board

QUALIFICATIONS to register w/o exam:

PhD Psychology & 3 years ACCUMULATED practice of Psychology, OR M/MA/MS Psychology & 5 years ACCUMULATED practice, OR BA/BS Psychology, presently employed & minimum 10 years practice AND updated professional education in psych-related functions

Can one practice asPSYCHOMETRICIAN and REGISTER WITHOUT EXAM? *Must apply for registration, certificate of registration (CR), and Professional ID, within 3 years after creation of the Board Qualifications to register w/o exam: BA/BS Psychology DEGREE, AND ACCUMULATED Minimum 2 years full time work experience in the practice of psychometrics

How does one register as a Psychologist or Psychometrician?

FOR ALL PASSING EXAMINEES & QUALIFIED APPLICANTS W/O TAKING THE EXAM

Must take Oath of Psychologists, or Psychometricians, to uphold the profession before any Board Member or Commission Officer, before practicing CR shall be issued & remain in full force & effect until suspended or revoked Professional ID Card is valid for 3 years & renewable upon compliance with continuing education requirements

NON-ISSUANCE OF CR & ID CARD

Board shall not register or issue CR or ID to any person:

Convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude, Found guilty by a judicial or duly constituted tribunal of immoral or dishonorable conduct, Medically diagnosed to be of unsound mind

REASONS FOR SUSPENSION/REVOCATION OF CR AND ID CARD BY THE BOARD Procurement of CR and/or ID card or special temporary permit by FRAUD or DECEIT Allowing the use of ones CR and/or ID card by another to advertise or practice the profession Violation of provisions of the Psych Law and code of ethics or code of professional standards set by the Board

Other reasons for SUSPENSION/REVOCATION OF CR AND ID CARD BY THE BOARD Manifest physical or mental incompetence to render psychological services Professional misconduct or negligence in the performance of duties as psychologist/psychometrician Engaging in practice while suspended

REINSTATEMENT AFTER REVOCATION

Need to apply, in writing and in conformity with requirements prescribed by Board, for reinstatement any time after 2 years from date of revocation Board will decide on the merits of the application Issuance of lost, destroyed, mutilated CRs or IDs are subject to rules prescribed by the Commission

All laws, decrees, rules inconsistent with the Psych Law are hereby repealed or modified.

MARAMING SALAMAT! PAP 2011

ACMendoza 2011 August