Under what circumstance may the Board deny licensure to an applicant?

The Board may deny licensure to an applicant if there is a record questioning their competency. This is a crucial aspect of the licensure process, as it ensures that only those individuals who are deemed competent and capable of providing safe and effective psychological services are granted licenses. A record questioning the competency can include prior disciplinary actions, criminal records, mental health issues that could impair professional responsibilities, or any relevant concerns raised during the application review process.

This emphasis on competency is in place to uphold the standards of the profession and protect the public from potential harm. The board's duty is not only to assess the qualifications of applicants but also to safeguard the integrity of the practice by ensuring that all licensed professionals meet certain criteria regarding their ability to perform their duties responsibly and ethically.

In contrast, an incomplete application, lack of clinical experience, or having professional references from other states do not automatically disqualify an applicant. An incomplete application can often be remedied by providing the needed information, while clinical experience can be required but does not preclude an individual from being assessed based on their qualifications. Similarly, professional references, even from other states, can provide insight into an applicant's professional conduct and abilities and would generally be considered positively rather than negatively in the review process