CO-CHAIR BUNDE announced the next order of business was CSSB 165. CSSB 165(L&C) - PSYCHOLOGISTS & PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES  CO-CHAIR BUNDE announced there had been adequate public testimony at previous hearings and closed public testimony at this time. He asked Representative Rokeberg to present the amendments. Number 1860 REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG said the original HESS committee had appointed a subcommittee on CSSB 165(HES). The subcommittee came up with an amendment which addresses some of the questions raised in the committee hearing. He moved to adopt Amendment 1 for discussion purposes. REPRESENTATIVE BRICE objected for discussion purposes. CO-CHAIR BUNDE asked Representative Rokeberg to speak to the amendment. REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG said, "In the interest of moving this bill along, we did expedite the process and that's why I have permission of the subcommittee members, because of the further referral and I had some conversations with the various people involved in the bill and came up with what I would call consensus changes to the legislation before us, which is the Version G. The first part of the amendment relates to page 3, line 10, and this particular section of the amendment speaks to a concern that was raised about the definition of psychological services. Previously, in statute, the psychological associate license would specify areas or areas of activities of competency and that would be specified on the license. There was testimony that the scope of psychological services was found in statute, but a review of the statute showed that the definition was for -- to practice psychology, which was all encompassing, and the only statutory definition, which is all encompassing and really related particularly back to a psychologist which is different, as we know from the testimony, than a psychological associate." It was pointed out that existing regulations 12 AAC 60.185, subsection (b) states, "The standards to be adhered to a licensed psychologist and licensed psychological associates rendering psychological services in the state are `general guidelines for the providers of psychological services' 1987 edition of the American Psychological Association. General guidelines for providers of psychological services is incorporated by reference in this section." He explained that by adding the words, "as defined in regulation" adopts the reference in regulations which define the differential between a licensed psychologist and a licensed psychological associate. Therefore, the scope of work is more readily defined. REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG said the second part of the amendment is more substantive in form. CO-CHAIR TOOHEY asked if there would be any reason to add "and billed as such" following the insertion of "as defined in regulation." She said the amendment defines the difference between a psychologist and a psychological associate and it all comes down to the fee for service. REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG said he wasn't sure this section spoke to that. TAPE 96-40, SIDE A Number 001 REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG said he appreciated Co-Chair Toohey's position, but the scope of the work done by the subcommittee in the time frame, really didn't speak to that particular issue and it wasn't the intent of this amendment. The second part of the amendment page 3, line 13, which deletes "and (2)." and inserts ",(2) and (4)." has a major substantive affect on this bill. He referred to page 3, lines 1 and 2, which states, "(4) takes and passes the objective examination developed or approved by the board for psychological associates." He explained that by inserting (4) into Section 6, it mandates that a person would have take and pass an examination in order to receive a temporary license, which is substantially different than the version of the bill that came before the committee. The rationale is that, particularly given the shortening of the period of supervision to a two year period, a person has to pass an examination after graduating from an accredited university, but before going into the public sector as a psychological associate. Also, depending on what university attended, a person may not have the proper academic background to meet the requirements, so taking an examination is he feels the responsibility of the state in determining the educational background of the individual with a state license. It was his understanding that the people who support this legislation, also support this amendment. Number 198 REPRESENTATIVE BRICE withdrew his objection. CO-CHAIR BUNDE asked if there was further objection to Amendment 1. Hearing none, Amendment 1 was adopted. He asked for the wishes of the committee. Number 228 REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG moved CSSB 165(L&C), Version G, as amended with attached fiscal notes and individual recommendations. Hearing no objection, it was so ordered.