The Board proposes to promulgate a new rule to implement new legislation regarding the qualifications of licensed psychologists to complete risk assessments and prepare safety plans pursuant to Chapter 947, F.S.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Board of Psychology

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:

64B19-18.001 Qualifications to Evaluate and Treat Sex Offenders Under “Qualified Practitioner” Status

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Board proposes to promulgate a new rule to implement new legislation regarding the qualifications of licensed psychologists to complete risk assessments and prepare safety plans pursuant to Chapter 947, F.S.

SUMMARY: The new rule specifies the qualifications of licensed psychologists to complete risk assessments and prepared safety plans pursuant to Chapter 947, F.S.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 490.004(4) FS., 947.005(9) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 947.005(9) FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAW.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Susan Love, Executive Director, Board of Psychology, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C05, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3255

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

64B19-18.001 Qualifications to Evaluate and Treat Sex Offenders Under “Qualified Practitioner” Status.

Prior to holding oneself out as a “Qualified Practitioner,” eligible to evaluate and treat sex offenders, complete a “risk assessment” or prepare a “safety plan,” as defined in Sections 947.005(9), (10), and (11), Florida Statutes, a Florida licensed psychologist must:

(1) Possess 55 hours of doctoral (based on the formula: one doctoral hour equals 10 continuing education hours) or continuing education in the following core areas:

(a) Etiology of sexual deviance;

(b) Evaluation/risk assessment and treatment of adult and adolescent sexual offenders that have established scientific basis;

(c) Evaluation/risk assessment and treatment of specialized populations of sexual offenders (i.e., the female and developmentally delayed);

(d) Use of plethysmography, visual reaction time, and polygraphy in the evaluation, treatment, and monitoring of sexual offenders;

(e) Sex offenders and relevant DSM-IV diagnosis;

(f) Safety planning/Family safety planning;

(g) Report writing;

(h) Legal and ethical issues in the evaluation and treatment of sexual offenders; and

(i) Relapse prevention treatment model.

(2) Have documented 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the evaluation and treatment of sexual offenders under the supervision of a “Qualified Practitioner” or Board-approved equivalent or be a clinical member of the Association for Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA).

Specific Authority 947.005(9), 490.004(4) FS.  Law Implemented 947.005(9) FS. History–New_________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Psychology

NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Psychology

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: October 7, 2005

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: September 30, 2005