Courtney Cook

The regular meeting focused on several administrative and operational matters. The Department of Professional Licensing reported on new supervisor hires and identified the new Board Specialist for psychology board needs. The Financial Report from December 2025 was reviewed, with Budget Manager Jason Fedderson explaining budget development and trends. The Board reviewed the licensure status report as of January 5, 2025. The Attorney provided an update on the ongoing effort to address the backlog of complaints and noted that the Board is currently under audit. Discussions involved the duty to report information to PSYPACT and the possibility of fee increases being considered by the General Assembly's subcommittee. In new business, new officers were elected; Lisa Bond was elected Chair, effective February, succeeding Harwell Smith. The Supervision Report noted the review of paper supervision forms and online renewals. The Credentials Review Committee reviewed 26 applications, resulting in 8 approvals, 16 deferrals, and 2 denials, along with approvals for examination re-takes. Discussion also occurred regarding an upcoming training visit from ASPPB concerning EPPP updates and PSYPACT-related inquiries. Public comment included KPA expressing encouragement regarding the transition to online applications and requesting an anticipated public launch date.

The regular meeting included a discussion regarding the amendment of the previous month's minutes to include an ad hoc committee appointment related to the PLUS Committee and online training for applications. The financial report highlighted that honoraria expenses were over budget, leading to a motion to temporarily transfer funds from the litigation fund to cover outstanding honoraria obligations. The Board reviewed the licensure status report. In the attorney update, the complaints meeting was set for January 14, 2026, and a previously scheduled public hearing for December 22 was canceled due to received comments. A final order of default was recommended for a 2020 complaint, proposing license revocation and an $8,000 fine. The RFP Committee recommended discontinuing the pursuit of a Board consultant for now. The Board acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and discussed the importance of documenting work times for accurate accounting. Review also covered a comment on new fee regulation and clarification on preceptorship jurisdiction. Monthly reports detailed supervision form reviews, examination committee plans to revise vignettes, and updates on ASPPB/PSYPACT participation, including a significant fee increase for 2026 and discussions about Kentucky's previous sunsetting from PSYPACT.

The regular board meeting included a review of the September 2025 financial report and the November 3, 2025, licensure status report. The Attorney provided updates on universal licensing concepts, projected changes to the EPPP moving towards practical skills, and regulatory updates, including participation in a public hearing on fees. In matters concerning complaints, the Board accepted the committee's recommendations, resulting in signed settlements, private admonishments, and dismissals for various cases. Old Business involved an update on the Board Consultant RFP, expressing concerns over vendor effectiveness and cost. New Business focused on bringing online psychology applications live, assigning renewal application review, and discussing concerns regarding differences in examiner grading practices and the need for clearer feedback to applicants, which was referred to the Examination Committee. The Finance Committee was directed to meet with staff regarding budget projections. The Board also approved the 2026 meeting schedule and discussed the revised EPPP scheduled for release in late 2027. An ad hoc committee was created to study issues related to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in psychological services, and guidance for licensees on AI use in practice will be drafted by legal counsel.

The meeting involved the review and subsequent approval of the minutes from the previous Special Complaints Committee Meeting held in January 2025. Key action items determined during this session will be presented as recommendations to the main Board during their next scheduled meeting.

The Special Meeting of the Complaints Screening Committee focused on reviewing several complaint cases to make recommendations to the full Board. The committee recommended dismissal for seven cases (2025PSY00006, 2025PSY00014, 2025PSY00019, 5025PSY00018, 2025PSY00016, 2025PSY00014), recommended a private admonishment for case 2024PSY00010, and recommended 'NOAH' (No Action On Hearing) for cases 2021PSY00031, 2023PSY00019, and 2025PSY00015.