Committee releases bill to create tiered psychology roles to expand access to care

The House Sunset Committee voted to release Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 208 after a presentation and expert testimony about a new, tiered framework for psychology practice in Delaware. The bill would create two distinct roles: a licensed psychology associate (a master’s-level, licensed provider with a limited independent scope) and a master’s-level psychological assistant (a registered, supervised role with no independent authority). Representative Collins moved to release the bill and the motion carried.

Supporters said the legislation aims to expand access to mental and behavioral health services amid workforce shortages. “This legislation is about strengthening Delaware's behavioral health system in a way that's both practical and responsible and expanding access to care while maintaining clear professional standards and protections for patients,” the presenter said. The presenter emphasized that “the title psychologist remains fully protected under Delaware law and is reserved exclusively for doctoral level licensed psychologists.”

Douglas Tynan, director of professional affairs for the Delaware Psychological Association, described how Delaware already regulates doctoral-level psychology assistants and said the proposed master's-level roles would mirror supervision structures that exist for other trainees. “Licensed psychology associates are able to provide psychological services within a clearly defined scope,” Tynan said, adding the board will set detailed supervision requirements.

Francie Sabla, director of the master's program in clinical psychological science at the University of Delaware, told the committee that graduate students at both master's and doctoral levels currently see patients under licensed supervision and bill under supervising providers. “We are providing active supervision and oversight of their services to clients, and they are able to bill under our licenses,” Sabla said.

Committee members asked whether master's-level assistants could be confused for licensed providers and whether insurance would cover services; experts said supervision rules and licensing language are intended to prevent misrepresentation and that billing practices generally use the supervising provider's license. No public commenters spoke on SB 208. After questions, Representative Collins moved to release the bill to the floor; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote.

The committee released SB 208 to the full House for further consideration; the bill’s text requires the Board of Examiners of Psychologists to adopt implementing regulations and sets limits on high-stakes and specialty evaluations remaining within doctoral scope.