Code of Massachusetts Regulations 251 CMR - BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF PSYCHOLOGISTS
251 CMR – Board of Registration of Psychologists
Authority:
Promulgated under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, Sections 171–180, 251 CMR governs the licensure, practice, ethics, and disciplinary authority of psychologists in the Commonwealth.
Purpose:
To protect public health and welfare by regulating the practice of psychology.
To ensure psychologists meet education, training, and ethical standards.
To provide mechanisms for licensure, renewal, and discipline.
1. Scope and Definitions (251 CMR 1.00)
Psychologist: A professional trained and licensed to provide psychological services including assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy.
Board of Registration of Psychologists: Regulatory authority overseeing licensure, enforcement, and disciplinary action.
Defines key terms such as “practice of psychology,” “supervision,” “professional misconduct,” and “competence.”
Key Objective:
Ensure that all psychologists in Massachusetts act within professional, ethical, and legal standards.
2. Licensure (251 CMR 2.00 – 3.00)
Eligibility Requirements
Doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from an accredited program.
Completion of supervised professional experience (internship and postdoctoral experience).
Passing scores on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and any state-specific jurisprudence exams.
Application and Renewal
Submission of transcripts, supervisor verification, and references.
Licenses must be renewed regularly (typically every 2 years) with proof of continuing education.
Temporary or provisional licenses may be issued under certain circumstances for supervised practice.
3. Scope of Practice (251 CMR 4.00 – 5.00)
Psychologists may:
Conduct psychological assessments, testing, and evaluations.
Provide psychotherapy and counseling.
Develop treatment plans and monitor progress.
Engage in research, consultation, or teaching, if licensed appropriately.
Limitations:
Psychologists cannot prescribe medication (except in limited circumstances where they have additional prescribing certification).
Practice must remain within professional competence and training.
4. Supervision and Professional Responsibility (251 CMR 6.00)
Supervision is required for interns and postdoctoral trainees.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring supervisees act within professional boundaries.
Psychologists must maintain confidentiality, informed consent, and ethical practice.
Must avoid dual relationships, exploitation, or conflicts of interest.
Professional Ethics:
Must adhere to the American Psychological Association (APA) ethical standards or equivalent recognized standards.
Obliged to report unethical or illegal conduct observed in colleagues.
5. Complaints, Investigations, and Disciplinary Actions (251 CMR 7.00 – 8.00)
Grounds for Action
The Board may act against a psychologist for:
Practicing without a license or with an expired license.
Violating ethical or professional standards.
Negligence or incompetence in professional duties.
Misrepresentation of credentials or qualifications.
Conduct harmful to clients, the public, or the profession.
Possible Sanctions
Advisory letters or reprimands.
Probation or required supervision/training.
Suspension or revocation of license.
Limitations on scope of practice or temporary suspension.
Process
Complaints may be submitted by clients, employers, or other professionals.
The Board investigates and may hold hearings before imposing sanctions.
Immediate summary suspension is possible in emergencies threatening public safety.
6. Case Law Context (Administrative & Legal Principles)
While Massachusetts has relatively few published appellate decisions specific to 251 CMR:
Licensure Compliance:
Practicing without a license is a strict violation.
Temporary or provisional licenses allow supervised practice but require compliance with all conditions.
Negligence or Malpractice Analogy:
Failure to provide competent psychological services can lead to Board action and informs standards in civil malpractice suits.
Regulatory violations are considered evidence of negligence or failure to meet professional standards.
Professional Misconduct:
Unethical relationships with clients, breaches of confidentiality, or misrepresentation can result in suspension or revocation.
Courts generally defer to reasonable administrative interpretation of Board regulations.
Principle:
Administrative deference ensures that the Board can act to protect public safety, provided actions are consistent with 251 CMR and due process.
7. Practical Takeaways for Psychologists
Maintain current licensure and comply with continuing education.
Practice strictly within professional competence and ethical boundaries.
Supervise trainees appropriately and document supervision.
Respond promptly to complaints or Board inquiries.
Understand that violations can result in discipline ranging from reprimand to license revocation.
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