HB1254

House Bill 1254 seeks to restructure the licensing and practice privileges for mental health professionals in Arkansas. It phases out the 'psychological examiner' license, prohibiting new ones from being issued after December 31, 2026, and removes independent practice privileges for that role. Simultaneously, it establishes a new 'licensed psychological practitioner' (LPP) designation. Candidates for the LPP license must meet specific educational requirements, including a 60-hour master's degree in health services psychology and 3,000 hours of post-degree clinical supervision. The bill authorizes LPPs to practice independently in various areas of mental health assessment and treatment, excluding neuropsychological, forensic, and projective personality assessments. It also provides a pathway for those currently licensed as independent psychological examiners to transition to the LPP designation. Finally, the bill codifies the right of LPPs to receive compensation for services from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance providers.