OF

Judith Glassgold, PsyD

What is scope of practice?

Scope of practice defines the professional actions and treatments that a healthcare practitioner is permitted to perform under their professional license. The scope of practice is determined by the education, experience, and competencies associated with the profession. Each state jurisdiction has its own unique scope of practice for each profession.

Psychology’s scope of practice can be found here <https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-42-Boardof-Psychological-Examiners.pdf> and at the end of this article.

Scope of practice defines the full range of possible interventions and treatments. Not all psychologists may have expertise in these areas (i.e., forensic psychology, developmental disabilities) and psychologists should practice only in areas where they can demonstrate competence. Further, there may be some areas where psychologists, due to specialized education and training, may be competent, but these areas are outside the scope of the practice in that particular state (i.e., psychopharmacology).

Why is Scope of Practice Important?

1. Ensuring scope of practice fits current breadth and depth of psychology training

As psychology advances and new techniques have been developed, psychological education and training have evolved and grown. The scope of practice should reflect these new areas and offer opportunities to practice all the potential interventions and techniques.

2. Ensuring scope of practice is relevant to modern settings