Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.

Amends the supervision provisions under the Psychology Practice Act (GS 90-270.139) as follows. Allows a licensed psychological associate to be supervised by a qualified licensed psychological associate, in addition to licensed psychologist (currently statute authorizes supervision by psychologist or other qualified professional). Clarifies that a licensed psychological associate needs supervision when they engage in psychology in accordance with the NC Psychology Board’s (Board) rules. Modifies the requirements for exemption under new GS 90-270.139(e1), (exempting certain licensed psychological associates from supervision) as follows: (1) increases the hours of postgraduate degree experience in the delivery of psychological services under the supervision of one or more qualified licensed psychologists from 3,000 to 4,000 within the specified time period and (2) now requires documentation that all performance ratings for the 4,000 hours of post-licensure experience have been average or above average. Removes provisions requiring the Board to approve a licensed psychological associate to engage in independent practice if the licensed psychological associate meets those requirements.

Expands the requirements for licensure as a psychological associate in the practice of neuropsychology (defined) or forensic pathology (defined) under GS 90-270.145 by requiring those applicants to demonstrate to the Board specialized education and training to practice in those areas including graduate level course work, continuing education, supervised training experience, or any other factors the Board deems appropriate.

Further amends GS 90-270.153 (pertaining to certification as a health services provider under the Psychology Practice Act) as follows. Now allows a licensed psychological associate who possesses a certification as a health services provider psychological associate to provide health services without supervision upon meeting the requirements in GS 90-270.139(e1) (was, allowed for all licensed psychological associates who do not need supervision under the requirements set forth above to be granted certification as a health services provider psychological associate upon submission of an application fee). Notwithstanding that limitation, permits a licensed psychological associate who was licensed before June 30, 2013, who can demonstrate, in accordance with Board rules, that he or she has been engaged in the provision of health services psychology under supervision for 4,000 hours within a time period of at least 24 consecutive months and less than 60 consecutive months is deemed to meet the requirements for certification as a health services provider psychological associate. Makes conforming changes.

Removes provisions in GS 90-270.140 (Board terms) allowing the Governor to appoint a new member to the Board within 60 days of any vacancy. Deletes provisions requiring the NC Psychological Association, in consultation with chairs of graduate departments of psychology in the State, to submit names of three candidates to the Governor for selection. Removes provisions requiring Board to solicit applications for membership from all licensees of the Board and requiring the Board must submit the names of the applicants qualified to all licensees for a vote. Removes provisions specifying that from that vote, the Board will submit a list of the three highest vote getters to the Governor for selection. Instead, as the term of a psychologist member expires, or as a vacancy of a psychologist member occurs for any other reason, instructs the Board, the North Carolina Psychological Association, or its successor, and the North Carolina Association of Professional Psychologists, or its successor, to form a nominating committee and, having sought nominees from licensees for each vacancy, to submit to the Governor a list of the names of three eligible persons.

Makes technical changes, including to effective date. Makes organizational changes.