An Act establishing senior psychologist licensure

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joan Lovely

Establishes a MA senior psychologist license for experienced out-of-state psychologists with incomplete training records; Board sets eligibility by regulation by 7/1/2026.

House concurred

Overview

Bill SD 1425, titled “An Act establishing senior psychologist licensure,” proposes creating a new licensure category within the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists. The goal is to facilitate licensure for psychologists who hold a doctoral degree in psychology and have substantial practice in other states, but for whom older training records may no longer be available. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025, referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and the House has concurred with the Senate version.

What the bill would do

Establish a new licensure category: “senior psychologist.”

Target recipients: psychologists who hold a doctoral degree in psychology, have been licensed and practicing in another state for an extended period, and no longer have full paper records of training and education available.

Create a regulatory pathway: The Board must establish by regulation the eligibility requirements and process for licensure as a senior psychologist, by no later than July 1, 2026.

Key provisions

Regulatory framework: The Board of Registration of Psychologists would define:

The regionally accredited institution that granted the doctoral degree.
The number of years the applicant has been licensed in one or more states or provincial psychology boards that are members of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
The number of years the applicant has practiced psychology immediately prior to applying.
The number of years prior to application during which the applicant has been free from disciplinary sanctions.

Optional requirements: The board may require standard elements applicable to other psychologists, such as the state jurisprudence exam, so long as these do not create an undue or unreasonable burden on senior psychologist applicants.

Who would be affected

Potential beneficiaries: Experienced out-of-state psychologists seeking licensure in Massachusetts who cannot provide complete paper records of training/education.

Regulatory impact: The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists would implement and administer the new licensure category through regulations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Deadline for establishment: By July 1, 2026, the Board must establish the senior psychologist licensure category and related requirements by regulation.

Legislative history:

Introduced: February 27, 2025.
Referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (2025-02-27).
House concurrence: The House has concurred with the Senate version (status noted as House concurred).

Notes

There is a precedent in prior sessions (similar matter filed as Senate No. 186 in 2023-2024), indicating ongoing interest in creating a senior psychologist licensure pathway.

The bill would supplement, not replace, existing licensure standards, and emphasizes a balanced approach by permitting reasonable regulatory requirements while avoiding undue burden on applicants.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar licensure approaches in other states or outline potential implementation steps for the Board.

Bill