Psychologists Act Amendments Introduced

Government introduced amendments to the Psychologists Act today, Feb. 27, to modernize elements of the current legislation.

These changes will strengthen the public protection mandate of the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology – the regulatory body for psychologists – and ensure all psychologists in the province have an opportunity to participate in selecting the members of its board.

“Psychologists are an important part of delivering mental health and addictions services to Nova Scotians,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey. “These amendments give psychologists a stronger voice in our health-care system, while regulating and improving the practice of psychology for all Nova Scotians.”

The proposed amendments will:

• update the board’s mandate, or purpose clause, to better reflect its role in protecting the public interest
• update the licensing process and the registration appeals process to align with government’s Self-regulated Professions Policy
• update the process board appointments and the composition of the board to be in line with other health regulatory bodies.

The board has been consulting with psychologists and other key stakeholders since January on the proposed amendments.

“We are pleased to see these changes to the act,” said Matthew Wagner, assistant registrar, Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology. “These amendments will strengthen our mandate for public protection and refine our processes, and we look forward to having them in place.”

These amendments bring psychologists in line with other self-regulated healthcare professions.