§ 74-5302 — Definitions

As used in the licensure of psychologists act of the state of Kansas:
(a) "Board" means the behavioral sciences regulatory board created by K.S.A. 74-7501, and amendments thereto.
(b) "Extenuating circumstances" means any condition or situation caused by events beyond an individual's control that is sufficiently extreme in nature to result in the:
(1) Individual's inability to comply with requirements; or
(2) inadvisability of requiring the individual to comply with requirements.
(c) "License" means a license as a psychologist issued by the board.
(d) "Licensed psychologist" means a person licensed by the board under the provisions of the licensure of psychologists act of the state of Kansas.
(e) "Merits the public trust" means that an applicant or licensee possesses the high standard of good moral character and fitness that is required to practice psychology as demonstrated by the following personal qualities:
(1) Good judgment;
(2) integrity;
(3) honesty;
(4) fairness;
(5) credibility;
(6) reliability;
(7) respect for others;
(8) respect for the laws of this state and the nation;
(9) self-discipline;
(10) self-evaluation;
(11) initiative; and
(12) commitment to the psychology profession and its values and ethics.
(f) "Practice of psychology" means the application of established principles of learning, motivation, perception, thinking and emotional relationships to problems of behavior adjustment, group relations and behavior modification, by persons trained in psychology. The application of such principles includes, but is not restricted to, counseling and the use of psychological remedial measures with persons, in groups or individually, having adjustment or emotional problems in the areas of work, family, school and personal relationships; measuring and testing personality, intelligence, aptitudes, public opinion, attitudes and skills; the teaching of such subject matter; and the conducting of research on problems relating to human behavior, except that in all cases involving the care of the sick and ill as defined by the laws of this state, the primary responsibility devolves upon those licensed under the Kansas healing arts act. The practice of psychology includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders specified in the edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders of the American psychiatric association designated by the board by rules and regulations. If a licensed psychologist cannot make an independent diagnosis of a mental disorder, such psychologist shall consult with the client's primary care physician or psychiatrist to determine if there may be a medical condition or medication that may be causing or contributing to the client's symptoms of a mental disorder. A client may request in writing that such consultation be waived and such request shall be made a part of the client's record. A licensed psychologist may continue to evaluate and treat the client until such time that the medical consultation is obtained or waived.
(g) "Represents oneself to be a psychologist" means that a person engages in the practice of psychology for a fee, monetary or otherwise, or holds oneself out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the word "psychologic," "psychological," "psychologist" or "psychology" and under such title or description offers to render or renders services to individuals, corporations or the public for a fee, monetary or otherwise.

Legislative History

L. 1967, ch. 432, § 2; L. 1980, ch. 242, § 11; L. 1986, ch. 299, § 14; L. 1999, ch. 117, § 25; L. 2023, ch. 90, § 29; July 1.