CPLEE

Required coursework hours — Human Sexuality

10 hours

Required coursework hours — Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting

7 hours

required coursework hours — Spousal or Partner Abuse

15 hours

Required coursework hours — Aging and Long-Term Care

6 hours required; must include assessment, reporting, and treatment of elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect

Required coursework hours — Suicide Assessment and Intervention

6 hours required; in effect since January 1, 2020

Time limit to complete combined pre- and postdoctoral supervised experience

30 months

Time limit to complete all postdoctoral supervised experience

3,000 hours must be completed within 60 months total

how many psych associates can a licensed psychologist supervise at a time?

3 psych associates

When can a registered psychological associate receive delegated supervision?

Only when the delegated supervisor is a qualified psychologist employed by the same organization (clinic or corporation). Otherwise, supervision cannot be delegated for psychological associates.

How often must psychological associate registration be renewed?

Annually

When does a psychological associate registration become void if not renewed?

60 days

Within how many days must a psychological associate notify the BOP of a supervisor or location change?

30 days

What is the maximum total time a person can be registered as a psychological associate?

6 years (72 months)

What must be included if a psychological associate advertises services?

The ad must state that the person is supervised, include the registration number, and list the name and license number of the supervisor.

How long after expiration can a psychology license be renewed?

A license may be renewed any time within three years of its expiration.

What specific CPD topics must be included to reactivate a license?

4 hours in “Laws & Ethics” and 4 hours in “Cultural Diversity / Social Justice.

As of January 1, 2023, what are the four CPD categories recognized by the Board of Psychology?

Professional activities, academic activities, sponsored continuing education (CE) coursework, and ABPP board certification.

From how many CPD categories must the 36 hours be earned?

At least two of the four categories (except ABPP certification, which can stand alone).

What’s the maximum number of hours from sponsored CE that can count toward CPD?

27 hours

How many hours of CPD in law and ethics and cultural diversity/social justice are required for each license renewal cycle?

4 hours of each per renewal cycle.

What types of activities can fulfill CPD requirements?

Approved continuing education courses, workshops, or other professional activities such as grand rounds, association presentations, peer consultation, supervision, or self-directed learning.

Do psychologists need to submit proof of CPD with their license renewal?

No. They only need to certify completion on the renewal application.

Can the Board of Psychology audit CPD records?

Yes. The BOP may conduct random audits and request proof of CPD completion

How long must psychologists keep documentation of their CPD activities?

Four years after the renewal period.

What are the possible criminal penalties for false or misleading advertising?

It’s a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in county jail, a $2,500 fine, or both.

How are minor violations usually handled by the Board of Psychology?

Through non-disciplinary actions (e.g., education, warning letters) rather than formal discipline.

Are non-disciplinary actions public?

No. They remain confidential, except for citation and fine, which are public.

What happens with more serious violations?

They are referred for formal investigation by the Board of Psychology.

Who reviews cases that may require formal disciplinary action?

The Attorney General’s Office handles cases referred by the Board.

Are formal disciplinary actions public?

Yes. Once formal action is taken, it becomes public record.

Non-disciplinary actions include,,,

mediation, educational letter, letter of warning, educational review, and citation and fine.

Disciplinary actions include ,,,

letter of reprimand, two-step agreement, probation, suspension, surrender of license, and revocation.

What’s the main difference between non-disciplinary and disciplinary actions by the Board of Psychology?

Non-disciplinary actions address minor or no-harm issues and are usually confidential (except citation and fine). Disciplinary actions involve serious or harmful violations and are public record.

What is the purpose of mediation as a Board action?

Used when no clear violation occurred but a misunderstanding exists between consumer and provider (e.g., billing issues).

When does the Board issue an education letter?

For a minor departure from the standard of care with no harm; it summarizes the complaint and recommends behavior change.

When is a letter of warning used?

For a minor infraction that caused no harm; warns that recurrence may lead to formal action (e.g., forgetting license number in an ad).

What is an educational review, and when does the Board use it?

voluntary, non-disciplinary meeting between the licensee and BOP staff, investigator, or expert. It’s used when the Board has serious concerns or a notable violation occurred but not enough evidence exists to forward the case for formal discipline. The goal is education and correction, not punishment

What is a letter of reprimand?

A disciplinary action for a not-severe violation without patient harm; describes misconduct and may require coursework or cost recovery.

What is a two-step agreement?

Used when a mild violation occurred with no harm; may include remedial coursework or monitoring. When terms are met, the accusation is withdrawn.

What is probation in disciplinary terms?

he license is technically revoked but stayed; the psychologist can practice under set conditions. Violation of probation can lead to full revocation.

What happens during a suspension?

The psychologist cannot practice or refer to themselves as a psychologist. Automatic during incarceration for a felony or via interim suspension if public safety risk exists.

What does surrender of license mean?

The licensee voluntarily gives up the license instead of completing the hearing process.

What causes automatic license revocation?

Sexual contact with a patient or former patient within two years of termination. The revocation cannot be stayed by a judge.

When can a psychologist petition the Board of Psychology for reinstatement of a revoked, suspended, or surrendered license?

After a minimum of three years.

What is a citation and fine, and how is it classified?

A non-disciplinary public action used for less serious violations such as false or misleading advertising. The Board can issue fines from $100 to $2,500 per violation. It doesn’t count as formal discipline, but it appears on public record.

When can a psychologist petition for early termination or modification of probation lasting three years or more?

After a minimum of two years.

When can a psychologist petition for early termination of probation lasting less than three years?

After a minimum of one year.

What may the Board require before reinstating a disciplined licensee?

The BOP may require additional professional training and/or passing an examination for reinstatement.

How long must an applicant wait to reapply if their license application is denied?

At least one year before reapplying.

Who is ineligible for licensure or registration by the Board of Psychology?

Anyone required to register as a sex offender.

What is the statute of limitations for filing accusations against a licensee?

Three years from the date the BOP discovers the act, or seven years from the date it occurred, whichever comes first.

What is the statute of limitations for accusations involving psychotherapist sexual misconduct?

Ten years from the date of the alleged act.

Who asserts or invokes privilege?

The therapist asserts privilege on the client’s behalf when information is requested (e.g., subpoena or testimony).

Can a therapist receive information from a third party who calls about a client?

Yes. The therapist can listen or receive information, but cannot share any client information in return.

When may a therapist breach confidentiality in a treatment emergency?

When sharing information is necessary for the patient’s immediate medical care, such as after a suicide attempt or overdose.

What type of information can be shared during a treatment emergency?

Only information relevant to the patient’s immediate treatment, such as drug use or current medications.

When does California law allow disclosure of confidential information for treatment review purposes?

Under Civil Code §56.10, therapists may share confidential information with peer review or quality-of-care committeesthat evaluate a provider’s competence, service quality, medical necessity, or billing justification.

When must a therapist disclose confidential patient information under legal authority?

A therapist must release confidential information when ordered by a court, and may also be required to disclose when subpoenaed by an attorney or when served with a court-issued search warrant.

When does California law require disclosure of patient information to law enforcement under WIC §5328.4?

When a serious crime (such as murder or rape) has been committed by or against a hospitalized patient, the mental health professional must disclose relevant patient information to law enforcement authorities.

When can a psychologist providing employment-related services (e.g., EAP) disclose information to an employer under Civil Code §56.10?

Only with the patient’s prior written consent and when services are provided at the request and expense of the employer. Disclosure can include information relevant to a lawsuit or functional limitations affecting work performance.

What information is prohibited from disclosure under Civil Code §56.10 in employment-related services?

The psychologist may not Wdisclose the diagnosis, basis for limitations, or any other confidential communications or treatment details.

What are confidentiality rules when an employee self-refers to therapy but the EAP or company pays?

If the employee initiated treatment, confidentiality is the same as private therapy — no information (including session count or attendance) may be shared with the employer without written consent. Payment by the employer does not grant access to clinical information.

Who is the holder of privilege

The holder of privilege may be the patient, the guardian or conservator, or the personal representative of the patient

Who can claim psychotherapist–patient privilege in California?

1. the holder of privilege (the client),

   1. an authorized person designated by the holder, or

2. the psychotherapist who provided treatment at the time of the confidential communication.

Who can waive psychotherapist–patient privilege, and when is it automatically waived?

Only the holder of privilege (the client) can authorize a waiver or disclosure. Privilege is automatically waived if the client discloses confidential information to an unauthorized third party. When multiple clients share privilege (e.g., couples therapy), one client’s waiver does not affect the other’s privilege.

When must a therapist claim or refrain from claiming privilege?

A therapist must claim privilege when client communications are sought in a legal proceeding (like a subpoena).

The therapist does not claim privilege if there is no holder of privilege (for example, a deceased client with no representative) or if the client or authorized person instructs the therapist to allow disclosure.

When is there no privilege under Evidence Code §1016 (Patient-Litigant Exception)?

No privilege exists when a patient puts their mental or emotional condition at issue in a legal case (e.g., suing for emotional distress). Therapy records may be used in court. This doesn’t apply if only physical injury is claimed.

When is there no privilege under Evidence Codes §1017, §1023, §1025 (Court-Appointed or Forensic Evaluations)?

No privilege exists when the therapist is appointed by the court or examines a criminal defendant’s sanity or competence.

Exception: If the therapist was appointed by defense counsel to help the defense, communications may remain confidential.

When is there no privilege under Evidence Code §1018 (Crime or Fraud Exception)?

No privilege if therapy services were sought to commit or cover up a crime. Privilege cannot be used to hide civil or criminal wrongdoing.

When is there no privilege under Evidence Codes §1019–§1022 (Deceased Patient Property Issues)?

No privilege applies to communications relevant to disputes over a deceased patient’s property, will, or intent — those communications can be disclosed in court.

When is there no privilege under Evidence Code §1020 (Breach of Duty)?

No privilege when therapist or client accuses the other of misconduct — for example, malpractice suits or nonpayment disputes.

When is there no privilege under Evidence Code §1024 (Danger Exception)?

No privilege when disclosure is necessary to prevent danger to self, others, or property. Commonly applies when a patient under involuntary hold contests the hold.

When is there no privilege under Evidence Code §1026 (Mandatory Reports)?

No privilege exists when the therapist or patient is required to make a report, if the report is open to public inspection

When is there no privilege under Evidence Code §1027 (Child Victim Under 16)?

No privilege if the patient is under 16, the therapist believes the child was a crime victim, and disclosure is in the child’s best interest. Neither child nor parent can block disclosure.

The first step in responding to a subpoena is to

contact the patient to ascertain if they wish to waive or invoke privilege.

What should a therapist do if a patient invokes privilege after the therapist is subpoenaed?

The therapist may ask to be released from the subpoena. If not released, they must appear as ordered with any required documents and assert privilege on the patient’s behalf during the proceeding.

What happens after a therapist asserts privilege in court?

The judge decides whether the material is protected. The judge will either quash the subpoena (if privilege applies) or issue a court order (if an exception applies). The therapist must follow the court order unless an appeal is filed.

When can a minor receive outpatient mental health treatment without parental consent?

Under Health & Safety Code §124260, a minor 12 or older who is mature enough to participate may receive outpatient mental health treatment without parental consent. The therapist should involve parents unless doing so is inappropriate, and must document efforts or reasons for not involving them.

Minors of any age can consent to:

• Pregnancy-related care (contraception, abortion, prenatal, or treatment of complications)

• Medical care after sexual assault or rape

Parents cannot be informed or given records without the minor’s written consent.

Minors 12 years or older can consent to:

• Outpatient mental health treatment (if mature enough to participate)

• Residential shelter services

• Diagnosis or treatment of STDs or other communicable diseases

• Drug or alcohol counseling and related medical care

• Care for injuries due to intimate partner violence (dating/spousal abuse)

Parents should be involved if appropriate, but if the clinician thinks that would be inappropriate or harmful, they can treat without consent.

The clinician must document any contact attempts or reasons for not contacting parents.

Parental consent always required for:

• Electroconvulsive therapy

• Psychosurgery

• Psychotropic medication

• Methadone or narcotic replacement treatment

How long are treatment records required to be kept for minors and adults in CA and APA

CA: 7 years for adults - unitl age 25 for minors

APA: Adults - 7 years after the last date of service delivery, and for minors, either seven years, or three years after the minor reaches the age of majority, whichever is later.

Providers using electronic record keeping systems must ensure the safety and integrity of the records by using

1. an offsite backup storage system,

2. an image mechanism that can copy signature documents,

3. a mechanism to ensure that once input, the record is unalterable

How soon must a provider allow a patient to inspect treatment records after receiving a written request?

Within five working days of receiving the written request.

Can a patient bring someone with them when inspecting their treatment records?

Yes — the patient or their representative may be accompanied by one person of their choosing during the inspection.

How soon must a provider send copies of treatment records after receiving a written request?

Within 15 days of receiving the written request

When may a provider prepare a treatment summary instead of providing full records?

When the patient agrees, the provider may offer to prepare a treatment summary instead of releasing the full record.

How long does a provider have to complete a treatment summary after the patient agrees?

The summary must be completed within 10 working days, or up to 30 days if extenuating circumstances exist (with written notice to the patient).

How long does a provider have to release records to the Board of Psychology (BOP) after authorization or a court order?

Records must be released within 15 days of receiving written authorization or a court order.

What are the penalties for failing to release records to the BOP on time?

A $1,000 per day civil penalty after the 15th day, plus possible disciplinary action (suspension or revocation) for unprofessional conduct.

When does Section 5585 apply?

Section 5585 applies when a minor meets 5150 criteria and the parent or guardian is unavailable to authorize voluntary treatment. The facility must make every effort to notify the minor’s parent or legal guardian as soon as possible after hospitalization.

Grave disability is typically defined as

being unable to adequately provide for one’s food, clothing or shelter

When does Section 5250 apply?

after a person has been detained for 72 hours and reminas a danger to self or others or is gravely disabled they may be certified for up to 14 days of intensive treatment related to the mental disorder.

When is a person certified via 5250 entitled for a review

The person certified is entitled to a certification review hearing within four days of the date of certification to determine whether there is probable cause that there is danger to self, others, or grave disability.

When does Section 5260 apply?

a second 14-day hold a patient who continues to present an imminent threat of suicide may be confined for an additional 14 days. This hold is not renewable. Thus, if at the end of the 5260 the patient continues to present an imminent threat of suicide, the patient may not be involuntarily confined any longer.

When does Section 5270.15 apply?

at the expiration of the 14-day hold (5250), a patient who remains gravely disabled may be certified for an additional 30 days. If the patient remains gravely disabled at the end of the hold, they may not be involuntarily confined any longer, unless a petition for conservatorship has been filed during the hold.

When does Section 5300 apply?

at the expiration of the 14-day hold (5250), a patient who continues to present an imminent threat of danger to others may be confined for up to 180 additional days. The 180-day hold can be renewed.

what is reasonable suspicion in child abuse reporting 

Reasonable suspicion means that it is objectively reasonable for a person, appropriately drawing upon his or her training and experience, to suspect child abuse.

When must a report be made for sexual contact with a child under 14?

A report is mandated for any age of the other party if there is lewd or lascivious contact (Sections 288a or 288b).

When must a report be made for a 14- or 15-year-old?

A report is mandated if the other party is 10 or more years older and there is lewd or lascivious conduct (Section 288c).