Arizona Psychology Board Attorney | Psychologist Attorney

The Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners protects and promotes the welfare of the people of Arizona it does not protect licensees of the Board. They do this by ensuring each person who holds a license as a psychology professional in the State of Arizona is able to practice safely. This means the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners has the authority to discipline the license of any psychology professional.

Chelle Law’s Arizona Psychology Board Attorney’s have represented over 1,000 health care professionals before Arizona licensing boards. Our attorney’s have the experience to help psychology professionals with all Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners matters. Psychology professionals we assist with Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners issues include:

• Psychologists
• Behavior analysts

Arizona Complaint Against Psychologists

Who can file a complaint against a psychology professional? Patients, health care facilities, other professionals, among others. When the AZ Board of Psychologist Examiners receives a complaint, the Board initiates an investigation into the complaint (if the Board has jurisdiction and the Complaint isn’t dismissed). After this happens, the psychology professional receives notice and the board assigns an investigator to the case. Please note, having an attorney during this step can be crucial for psychology professionals. This is because they must submit a response, interview with the investigator while also possibly appearing at a Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners Meeting. We can assist Arizona Medical Board licensees with:

• Disciplinary Actions
• Complaints
• Appeals
• Criminal Reporting
• Probation

Psychology Board Application Lawyer Assistance

Applicants to the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners with a criminal history or previous discipline by the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners (or any other Board) may be subject to denial of their application for licensure. Thus, those with a criminal or disciplinary history from other licensing boards will be investigated by the Board. 

Reporting a Criminal Charge According to the Statutes

Psychology professionals who hold a valid license with the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners, or pending applicants, must notify the Board of any criminal charge that may affect patient safety within ten business days. Find out what crimes an individual must report and the potential discipline that can come with it.

Psychologist and Behavior Analyst Administrative Appeal and Hearing

Any Psychologist licensee may request an appeal of an Arizona Psychology Board disciplinary action. However, Board appeals are not heard by an administrative law judge with the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). This  is because this Board oversees their own hearings. Furthermore, in some circumstances, a case is sent automatically to hearing.

These hearings are not as formal as a trial, but are similar. Each party presents evidence using documents or sworn testimony. Each party also gives an opening and closing argument, which should explain why the the Board should rule one way or the other. A psychology professional’s attorney can cross examine witnesses and testify on his or her behalf. After the hearing, the Board makes a decision to either accept, reject or modify their original decision. If a professional feels there has been an error they can request a rehearing.

Professional License Disciplinary Actions

Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners disciplinary actions are given to psychology professionals with a license or certification in Arizona. This is because it’s the job of the Board to review any complaint alleging a violation of the Arizona laws and regulations. If the Board determines formal disciplinary action is necessary it happens after the completion of an investigation. Thus, at an Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners Meeting the Board votes to determine the outcome of each investigation. The Board can either vote on a non-disciplinary outcome or to offer the psychology professional formal discipline. Disciplinary actions a professional can face include:

• Dismissal
• Letter of concern
• Decree of censure
• Probation
• Non-disciplinary order for continuing education
• Suspension
• Revocation

Responding to Practice Complaints and Investigations

After receiving an Arizona Psychology Board Complaint or self-report, a psychologist receives a notice from the Board requesting additional information as well as a response to allegations found in the complaint. From here, the Arizona Psychology Board assigns an investigator to the complaint and they begin to collect evidence. The documents and evidence collected includes:

• Patient medical records
• Employment files from the psychologist’s employer and business
• Criminal records
• Interviews of people associated with the Board Complaint (These interviewees can include the patient, medical director, colleagues, etc.)

Appeals of Arizona Board Decisions by Attorneys

It’s always disappointing when a psychologist receives an unfavorable decision from the Arizona Psychology Board (“APB“). However, psychologist in Arizona can benefit from understanding the process that goes along with Arizona Psychology Board Appeals and hearings after an Arizona Psychology Board Complaint is heard. If you are facing an unfavorable APB outcome due to an Arizona Psychology Board Disciplinary Action, you can always appeal the decision.

Filing an Appeal after a Psychology Board Meeting

The investigatory process and the appeal process work like this: The Arizona Board receives a complaint or initiates an investigation into the conduct of the psychologist.  Once the board receives a complaint or self-report they will then initiate an investigation. The purpose of this investigation is to give the APB evidence to make a decision on whether or not a psychologist should face disciplinary action. If the psychologist receives an unfavorable decision, it is at this point they can then file an appeal and request a hearing with the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearing. An Administrative Law Judge will then oversee the appeal and the psychologist may need to attend a hearing. However, sometimes the investigation is automatically sent to hearing or an informal settlement conference can be held.

Psychologist Administrative Appeal and Hearing Information

Any psychologist licensee may request a legal appeal of Arizona State Board Discipline to an administrative law judge with the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) which is located in Phoenix. In some instances, a case is sent automatically to OAH. The OAH hearing is conducted before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).  The administrative process is not as formal as a trial, but is similar. Each party presents evidence using documents or sworn testimony. Each party also gives an opening and closing argument which should explain why the judge should rule one way or the other. A psychologist’s attorney can cross examine witnesses and testify on his or her behalf. After it is completed, the ALJ reviews the transcripts, evidence and makes a recommendation. However, the Board makes the decision to either accept, reject or modify the ALJ’s decision.  If an individuals feels there has been a mistake they can request a rehearing.

Attorney for Board Issues

If you’re interested in setting up a consultation with an Arizona Psychology Board Attorney at Chelle Law or  if you would like to learn more about any of the services we provide to Arizona psychologist or behavioral analysts, reach out to us today.