Minnesota Agencies

Establish qualifications for licensing psychologists and psychological practitioners; examine and license qualified individuals; establish fees for issuance and renewal of licenses and other services; establish rules of conduct and take appropriate action against licensees who do not meet and maintain those ethical requirements; establish or approve programs that qualify for professional psychology continuing education credit; educate the public about licensure requirements and the rules of conduct; facilitate consumers in the filing of complaints against licensees who may have violated the Psychology Practice Act.

The Board of Psychology traces its history back to 1951, when the legislature created the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (Laws of Minnesota 1951, chapter 672). At that time, the board consisted of seven resident psychologists appointed by the governor.

In 1973, the legislature abolished the board as it stood, terminated the terms of office of its members, and created a new State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The legislature outlined additional duties for the newly re-formed board and made modifications to board membership. See Laws of Minnesota 1973, chapter 685 for more detail.

The legislature renamed the board in 1976 (Laws of Minnesota 1976, chapter 222, section 67) and since then it has been known as the Board of Psychology.

The board has 11 members who consist of: three individuals licensed as licensed psychologists who have doctoral degrees in psychology; two individuals licensed as licensed psychologists who have master's degrees in psychology; two psychologists, not necessarily licensed, one with a doctoral degree in psychology and one with either a doctoral or master's degree in psychology representing different training programs in psychology; one individual licensed or qualified to be licensed as: (i) through December 31, 2010, a licensed psychological practitioner; and (ii) after December 31, 2010, a licensed psychologist; and three public members.

Members of the board shall be appointed by the governor; be residents of the state; serve for not more than two consecutive terms; designate the officers of the board; and administer oaths pertaining to the business of the board.

A public member of the board shall represent the public interest and shall not: be a psychologist, psychological practitioner, or have engaged in the practice of psychology; be an applicant or former applicant for licensure; be a member of another health profession; be a member of a household that includes a psychologist or psychological practitioner; or have conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts with duties as a board member.

At the time of their appointments, at least two members of the board must reside outside of the seven-county metropolitan area, and two members of the board must be members of: a community of color; or an underrepresented community, defined as a group that is not represented in the majority with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical ability.