The proposed rule amendments are intended to incorporate the APA Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Divorce Proceedings, and the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists into the Board’s rule and to set forth the website for the ...

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Board of Psychology

Rule No.: RULE TITLE
64B19-18.007: Requirements for Forensic Psychological Evaluations of Minors for the Purpose of Addressing Custody, Residence or Visitation Disputes
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The proposed rule amendments are intended to incorporate the APA Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Divorce Proceedings, and the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists into the Board’s rule and to set forth the website for the purpose of obtaining said guidelines.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendments incorporates the APA Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Divorce Proceedings, and the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists into the Board’s rule and sets forth the website for the purpose of obtaining said guidelines.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: The Board prepared a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs for the rule. The number of psychologist licensees who will be affected by the proposed rule is unknown. There appears to be no fiscal impact on licensees or small business with regard to the revised application form.
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.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 490.009(2)(s) FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN FAW.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Allen Hall, Executive Director, Board of Psychology, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C05, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3255

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

64B19-18.007 Requirements for Forensic Psychological Evaluations of Minors for the Purpose of Addressing Custody, Residence or Visitation Disputes.

(1) No change.

(2) The minimum standard of performance in court-ordered child custody evaluation and family law proceedings includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) The psychologist shall adhere to the “APA Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Divorce Proceedings,” effective July, 1994, and the “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists,” effective March 9, 1991. These guidelines are incorporated by reference and copies may be obtained from the Board office. These The “APA Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Divorce Proceedings,” and the “Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists” are adopted and incorporated by reference and can be obtained from the Board of Psychology’s website at: http://doh.state.fl.us/mqa/psychology/psy_statutes.html. are also available at: www.apa.org/practice/childcustody.html effective 3-25-02, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(b) through (e) No change.

(3) No change.

Rulemaking Specific Authority 490.004(4) FS. Law Implemented 490.009(2)(s) FS. History–New 6-14-94, Formerly 61F13-20.007, Amended 1-7-96, Formerly 59AA-18.007, Amended 9-30-04,________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Psychology
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Psychology
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: July 23, 2010
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: August 6, 2010