During a recent meeting of the Board of Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) in Kansas, significant developments were discussed regarding the appointment of new advisory committee members and the state's involvement in multistate compacts for various mental health professions.

The board announced the appointment of new members to three advisory committees: the Addiction Counseling Advisory Committee, the Behavior Analyst Advisory Committee, and the Licensed Psychology Advisory Committee. These committees play a crucial role in guiding the board's decisions and policies.

Kansas is now part of three multistate compacts, enhancing the professional landscape for psychologists, professional counselors, and social workers. The first compact, known as SIPAC, is fully operational, with the board's current commissioner serving in this capacity for the past two years. Recently, the state legislature passed legislation to join a social work compact, prompting the board to appoint a new commissioner to oversee its implementation. Richard Nobles, a senior psychologist on the board, will take over the PSYPACT commissioner position, while the current commissioner will focus on the social work compact.

Additionally, the board appointed Andrea Pudomo Morales as the backup commissioner for the Social Work Multistate Compact, ensuring continuity and support for the new compact's operations.

The board also discussed a proposed bylaw amendment concerning the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Following public comments and recommendations from advisory committees, the board agreed to support a proposal from Texas that would allow states the option to require the EPPP 2 or continue using the existing EPPP format. This amendment will be presented at the upcoming ASPPB annual meeting.

Another key topic was the recommendation from the Behavior Analyst Advisory Committee to pursue legislation that would add a designated behavior analyst position to the board. Currently, the board lacks a specific member representing behavior analysis, despite having a member who holds both psychology and behavior analyst licenses.

Lastly, the board reviewed recent legislative changes affecting social work licensing, which aim to facilitate the return of individuals to the profession and introduce new license types. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving needs of mental health professionals in Kansas.

The board's proactive approach in these discussions highlights its commitment to enhancing mental health services and ensuring effective governance within the profession.