Psychological and multidisciplinary corporations.

After noting the benefits and disadvantages of professional incorporation for psychologists, the professional incorporation statutes in the 50 states and the District of Columbia were reviewed to determine the extent to which they permitted psychologists to form such corporations. Only 8 states (Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia) appeared to preclude psychologists from such corporate benefits. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychologists in state special education legislation.

Reviewed the special education statutes in 50 states to determine the recognition accorded to psychology and psychologists. Nine major points in the procedure were identified in which psychologists, because of their education, training, and experience, could play a vital role. Although the majority of state statutes do not grant specific recognition to psychologists, none specifically discriminated against psychologists in favor of some other professional group. Where psychologists are specifically recognized, the result has been an increase in statutory precision and direction and a greater uniformity in the utilization of psychological expertise. It is urged that psychology as a profession become much more active in making its skills known to legislatures and responsible administrative bodies. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Elevating the status of psychologists: A simple solution is neither simple nor a solution.

Discusses the article by B. D. Forman and S. A. Shackar (1981) in which they discuss how psychologists can improve their status so as to be viewed as "real doctors." The current authors point out that a major difficulty with achieving this status lies in state legislative processes. An example is used of how state laws regulate who can receive cadavers for experimental use and how the cadavers can be used. Some states refuse to recognize psychologists as permissible recipients of cadavers and prohibit the inclusion of psychological techniques as permissible procedures that can be performed on cadavers. (1 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Worker's compensation law and the compensability of mental injuries.

This article critically reviews the development and current status of worker's compensation law with reference to the recognition of mental as opposed to physical causation and injury. It is argued that psychology and psychologists must address the problems inherent in proving injury and work-related causation if the law is to sensibly develop. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Challenging licensure and certification.

Reviews the various legal theories that have been or might be used to challenge licensure and certification statutes in the courts to clarify the legal context in which the regulation of professional psychology is embedded. It is argued that many of the common regulatory concerns of psychologists (e.g., the validity and the possible discriminatory effects of the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology) are probably not legally vulnerable, whereas other requirements (e.g., residency requirements, oral examinations) are potential sources of major legal problems. (141 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Applying antitrust laws to the professions: Implications for psychology.

Reviews recent legal developments applying antitrust principles to selected professional practices such as accreditation, licensing, specialty certification, restrictions on advertising, and fee setting. A series of questions about these practices are presented. It is suggested that psychologists should assess their professional policies and procedures to see if they could withstand antitrust scrutiny. (15 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recognition of psychologists in workers' compensation law.

Reviews the workers' compensation laws with reference to the recognition of psychologists as diagnosticians of mental injuries and treatment providers for workers with work-related mental injuries. It is shown that with the exception of California, Florida, Hawaii, and the federal system, psychological services are not explicitly recognized as available to, nor are psychologists explicitly recognized as diagnosticians or treatment providers for, the mentally injured worker. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)