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HB 677

Psychologists - As introduced, requires that test materials and test data from psychological or neuropsychological testing be kept secure to avoid compromising the validity of the testing; makes other changes related to security of psychological or neuropsychological test materials and test data. - Amends TCA Title 63, Chapter 11.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tommy Stinnett

Tennessee bill requiring psychologists to keep psychological test materials and data secure to maintain testing validity and prevent compromise of assessment integrity.

Assigned to s/c Health Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 677

Legislative bill overview

HB 677 establishes security requirements for psychological and neuropsychological test materials and data in Tennessee, mandating they be kept secure to prevent compromising test validity. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 63, Chapter 11, which governs the licensing and practice of psychologists.

Why is this important

Psychological tests are standardized instruments with specific designs and answer keys. If test materials become publicly known or compromised, their validity—the ability to accurately measure what they're designed to measure—is undermined, potentially leading to inaccurate diagnoses, treatment plans, or legal determinations. This bill aims to protect both test integrity and the reliability of assessments used in clinical, educational, and forensic contexts.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient access rights: Tension may arise between protecting test security and patients' right to obtain copies of their own test materials for second opinions or legal proceedings
  • Defining "secure": The bill's effectiveness depends on clear definitions of what constitutes adequate security measures, which may not yet be specified in the introduced language
  • Digital storage concerns: Modern practices increasingly involve electronic storage and transmission of sensitive data, raising cybersecurity and data privacy questions beyond traditional physical security

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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