This section says the chapter does not apply to several listed people and activities, including certain institutional psychologists, psychology trainees, some licensed professionals, clergy, charitable nonprofit workers, and government employees, if the stated conditions are met.
Sec. 501.004. APPLICABILITY. (a) This chapter does not apply to: (1) the activity or service of a person, or the use of an official title by the person, who is employed as a psychologist or psychological associate by a regionally accredited institution of higher education if the person performs duties the person is employed by the institution to perform within the confines of the institution; (2) the activity or service of a student, intern, or resident in psychology if: (A) the person is pursuing a course of study to prepare for the profession of psychology under qualified supervision in a recognized training institution or facility; (B) the activity or service is part of the person's supervised course of study; and (C) the person is designated as a "psychological intern," as a "psychological trainee," or by another title that clearly indicates the person's training status; (3) the activity or service of a licensed professional, other than a person licensed under this chapter, if: (A) the activity or service is permitted under the person's license; and (B) the person does not represent that the person is a psychologist or describe the service provided by using the term "psychological"; (4) the activity or service of a recognized member of the clergy who is acting within the person's ministerial capabilities if the person does not: (A) represent that the person is a psychologist; or (B) describe the service provided by using the term "psychological"; (5) the voluntary activity or service of a person employed by or working on behalf of a charitable nonprofit organization if the person does not: (A) represent that the person is a psychologist; or (B) describe the service provided by using the term "psychological"; or (6) the activity or service of a person who is employed by a governmental agency if the person: (A) performs duties the person is employed by the agency to perform within the confines of the agency; and (B) does not represent that the person is a psychologist. (b) For purposes of Subsection (a)(3), a licensed professional includes: (1) a physician; (2) an attorney; (3) a registered nurse; (4) a licensed vocational nurse; (5) an occupational therapist; (6) a licensed social worker; (7) a licensed professional counselor; (8) a career counselor; (9) a licensed marriage and family therapist; and (10) a licensed chemical dependency counselor. (c) This chapter does not authorize the practice of medicine as defined by the laws of this state. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 883 (H.B. 807), Sec. 2, eff. June 14, 2013. SUBCHAPTER B. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS