State Board of Examiners of Psychologists public meetings in 2020

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet via Zoom on December 11, 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions. The agenda includes oral examinations for licensure candidates, review of supervision and credentials applications, discussion of complaints, and action items on budget review and rulemaking for fees, continuing education, and telepsychology.

• Oral examinations for six Ph.D. candidates and one reciprocity interview
• Review of 14 supervision and credentials applications, including temporary registrations for 2021
• Discussion of two complaints (P19-20-13B and P20-21-04C)
• 2020-21 budget review and rulemaking on fees, continuing professional development, and telepsychology
• Election of board member for term July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2026

The Board adopted a revised 2020-21 budget and approved fee increases for license renewals, reinstatements, and temporary registrations. Additionally, the Board granted licenses to eight psychologists and approved temporary practice registrations for several applicants.

• Approved revised 2020-21 budget increasing total financing to $343,438 (5-1)
• Increased license renewal fee from $350 to $400 (6-0)
• Increased license reinstatement fee from $550 to $600 (6-0)
• Increased temporary registration application fee from $125 to $200 (6-0)
• Granted licenses to C. Pulido, T. Terrebonne, S. Gilroy, E. Brennan, K. Dingess, C. Ennis, A. Spurgin, and K. Mohandie (6-0)
• Approved temporary practice registrations for J. Epker, M. Ogden, E. Zick, and E. Roland (6-0)
• Dismissed complaint P20-21-04C due to insufficient evidence (6-0)
• Authorized appeal of 19th Judicial District Court decision in Marksbury vs. LSBEP (6-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Advisory Committee of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet via Zoom on December 1, 2020. The meeting includes discussion of the LSSP reference form, NASP vs. APA accreditation standards for school psychology programs, and a presentation to LSPA. An executive session is scheduled for applicant review. The meeting is held remotely due to COVID-19 health risks and social distancing restrictions.

• Review LSSP reference form
• Discussion of NASP Accreditation Standards for Specialists Degrees vs. APA Proposed Accreditation Standards for Master’s Level School Psychology Programs
• LSSP Committee presentation to LSPA 2020
• Executive session for applicant review

The Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Advisory Committee approved the meeting agenda and the September 1, 2020 minutes. Members discussed revisions to the LSSP reference form and compared NASP and APA accreditation standards.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved September 1, 2020 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP) will meet via Zoom to conduct oral examinations, review licensure applications, and discuss the 2020-21 budget. The board will also address rulemaking assignments regarding fees and telepsychology.

• Review of 17 licensure, provisional, and registration applications
• Oral examinations for seven candidates
• 2020-21 Budget Review
• Discussion of CERTEMY online application and renewal system development
• Rulemaking assignments regarding fees, telepsychology, and summary suspension procedures

The Board granted licenses to seven psychologists following oral examinations and approved several temporary registrations and candidacy statuses. The Board also selected Stripe as the payment processor for its online application system and updated its Policies and Procedures manual.

• Granted licenses to Hannah L. Samaha, Kate E. Glywasky, Yelena L. Johnson, Nicholas T. Tworek, Jennifer B. Rious, Sonya H. Lydick, and Arielle A. Brown (6-0)
• Approved temporary registration for Trina M. Hall, Alana Delores Lopez, Hallie Weiner, Elizabeth Zick, and Kathleen Nyborg (6-0)
• Authorized temporary practice registrations for Mark A. Zaroff and Frank DiCataldo pending fees and exam (6-0)
• Approved candidacy and EPPP admission for Jessica H. Picone and Patrick R. Morin (6-0)
• Approved provisional licensure and EPPP admission for Nathalie A. Cahill, Shannon S. Sanders, Joseph W. Boffa, and Georgia L. Shaheen (6-0)
• Reinstated license for Bryce B. Summers for FY 2020-2021 (6-0)
• Approved Stripe as the payment processor for the CERTEMY platform (6-0)
• Approved updated Policies and Procedures manual including cybersecurity and disaster recovery (6-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will hold a virtual meeting via Zoom due to COVID-19 and Hurricane Delta. The board will convene in executive session to discuss the formal written Opinion and Order regarding psychologist Eric Cerwonka (License No. 1020, Complaint Numbers P16-17-14C and P17-18-11C). After deliberations, the board will reconvene in open meeting to hear motions and vote on the matter. The agenda also includes approval of the agenda and legal notices.

• Executive session to discuss disciplinary case of Dr. Eric Cerwonka
• Open meeting to vote on the matter after executive session
• Meeting held via Zoom due to COVID-19 and Hurricane Delta emergencies
• Public can participate via video conference or telephone
• Legal notices regarding complaint procedures and public records

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will hold a virtual meeting on October 9, 2020, due to COVID-19 and Hurricane Delta. The board will consider license recommendations for five psychologists, review the 2020-21 budget including fee changes and contract amendments, and hold a complaint hearing for Eric Cerwonka, Psy.D.

• Oral exam committee license recommendations for Bradley K. Potts, Sunni Primeaux, Russell S. Anderson, Danielle Cohn, and Sean Lajaunie
• Supervision and credentials file recommendations for five applicants
• Hearing in the matter of Eric Cerwonka, Psy.D., License No. 1020
• 2020-21 Budget Review and Approval, including fee considerations and contract amendments with CHEHARDY, SHERMAN, WILLIAMS, MURRAY, RECILE, STAKELUM & HAYES, LLP and Mark P. Vigen, Ph.D.
• Discussion of ASPPB Annual Meeting voting delegate and November LRP meeting

The Board revoked the license of Dr. Eric Cerwonka following a hearing. It granted licenses to five psychologists and approved contract amendments for legal and complaints coordination services. The Board also rescheduled its Long Range Planning meeting to January 2021.

• Revoked license of Dr. Eric Cerwonka (6-0)
• Granted licenses to Bradley K. Potts, Sunni Primeaux, Russell S. Anderson, Danielle Cohn, and Sean Lajaunie (6-0)
• Approved Temporary Registration for Dr. Shawanda Williams-Anderson (6-0)
• Confirmed candidacy and invited Drs. Carmen Pulido, Jennifer B. Rious, Nicholas Tworek, and Sonya Harsha Lydick to oral examinations (6-0)
• Amended legal contract with Chehardy, Sherman, Williams, Murray, Recile, Stakelum & Hayes, LLP to increase total by $30K (6-0)
• Increased contract for Complaints Coordinator Mark P. Vigen, Ph.D. to a maximum of $5,000 (6-0)
• Rescheduled Long Range Planning meeting to January 21-22, 2020 (6-0)
• Accepted financial statements for July and August 2020 (6-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will conduct a hearing for the matter of Eric Cerwonka, Psy.D. The meeting includes panel training on administrative processes and a presentation of evidence regarding complaint number P16-17-14C.

• Administrative hearing for Eric Cerwonka, Psy.D. (License No. 1020)
• Hearing Panel Training: LSBEP Administrative Hearing Process
• Executive Session for deliberations regarding character or professional competence

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet via Zoom to discuss the 2020-21 budget, including fee considerations and employee restructuring. The board will also address rulemaking timelines for professional development, license status, and telepsychology.

• Review of 2020-21 Budget regarding public protection and financial solvency
• Discussion of fee considerations and employee/contract restructuring
• Rulemaking for continuing professional development and inactive license status
• Status update on CERTEMY contract timeline and development
• Notice of hearing for Eric Cerwonka, Psy.D. (Complaint No. P16-17-14C)

The Board approved several fee increases for license renewals and applications to ensure financial solvency. It also voted to transition from contracted legal services to a full-time in-house attorney and updated its summary suspension policies.

• Increased license renewal fees from $350 to $400 (6-0)
• Increased Temporary Registration Application fee from $125 to $200 (6-0)
• Approved transition to in-house legal counsel with a starting salary of $55,000 (6-0)
• Approved $5,000 raise for Executive Director Jaime T. Monic (6-0)
• Approved budget up to $5,000 for computer and scanner upgrades (6-0)
• Granted license to Matthew C. Johnson, Ph.D. (6-0)
• Dismissed Complaint No. P19-20-07C and P19-20-12C due to insufficient evidence (6-0)
• Denied petition to allow retired psychologists to serve as expert witnesses (6-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss professional accreditation standards and reference forms. The committee will also hold an executive session to review applicants.

• Review of LSSP reference form
• Comparison of NASP Accreditation Standards for Specialists Degrees and APA Proposed Accreditation Standards for Master’s Level School Psychology Programs
• LSSP Committee presentation to LSPA 2020
• Executive session for applicant review

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP) will meet via Zoom to address pandemic-related licensing updates, including temporary registrations and telesupervision. The board will also review financial reports and discuss future operational policies.

• Review of 2019-20 FY financials and discussion of 2020-21 and 2021-22 projected budgets
• Notice of hearing for Eric Cerwonka, Psy.D. (Complaint No. P16-17-14C) on September 24, 2020
• Oral examination recommendation for Franziska NoackLeSage, Ph.D.
• Status update on CERTEMY contract development
• Discussion of temporary registrations and telesupervision applications related to COVID-19

The Board approved a license for Dr. Franziska NoackLeSage and authorized a 5-year software agreement with CERTEMY. Members also voted to pursue a limited-scope continuing professional development program focused on ethics and regulation. Financial reviews indicated a continuing reduction in reserved funds.

• Granted license to practice psychology to Dr. Franziska NoackLeSage (6-0)
• Approved 5-year agreement with CERTEMY at $5,000/year for up to 800 users
• Approved motion to create a limited-scope CPD program on ethics and regulation (6-0)
• Approved registration funds for board and staff to attend virtual ASPPB Annual Meeting (6-0)
• Approved LSSP Committee representation at LSPA Annual Conference (5-0)
• Authorized Dr. Henke, Dr. Harness, and Mr. McNeely to provide education to Civil Service representatives on 'PSYCHOLOGIST I' job titles (5-0)
• Authorized Dr. Henke and Ms. Monic to participate in an ASPPB diagnostic interview (5-0)
• Dismissed complaint matter filed by CCB due to insufficient evidence (6-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will hold a virtual meeting via Zoom due to COVID-19. The board will discuss COVID-19 response measures including temporary registrations and telesupervision, review 2020 renewals, and consider a contract with CERTEMY. Committee reports and an executive session for complaints, including an emergency summary suspension, are also on the agenda.

• COVID-19 updates: temporary registrations, telesupervision applications, and continuing professional development
• 2020 renewals: electronic renewal certificate and continuing professional development extensions/exemptions
• CERTEMY contract discussion
• Notice of hearing in the matter of Eric Cerwonka, Psy.D., License No. 1020 (Complaint P16-17-14C)
• Executive session to consider emergency summary suspension (Complaint P19-20-15B) involving abuse/neglect of a minor client

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet via Zoom to conduct general business, committee reports, and discussion items. The agenda includes a review of an IT proposal, legislative oversight regarding SB458, and discussions on COVID-19 emergency responses.

• Meeting with CERTEMY to review IT Proposal
• Legislative update on SB458 (Luneau - LSBEP Housekeeping Legislation)
• Notice of Hearing: Eric Cerwonka, Psy.D., License No. 1020 (Complaint P16-17-14C)
• Discussion regarding LSSP practice models and contractual relationships
• Executive Session for Complaints and Supervision/Credentials File Reviews

The Board approved a five-year agreement with CERTEMY to automate online applications and licensing for up to 800 users at $5,000 per year. The Board also voted to phase out certain COVID-19 emergency registration waivers and approved several new temporary registrations.

• Approved 5-year agreement with CERTEMY for $5,000/year (5-0)
• Authorized Executive Director to negotiate and approve CERTEMY contract terms (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution of Appreciation and Commendation for outgoing Chair Dr. Koren Boggs (5-0)
• Approved 2020 electronic renewal certificates (unanimous)
• Agreed to waive tele-supervision application fees through July 31, 2020
• Approved phase-out of Emergency Temporary Registrations with specific conversion requirements
• Approved candidacy status and EPPP admission for Nahaal BT Binazir and Madison Silverstein (unanimous)
• Approved temporary registrations for Drs. Nicole Kay Albertson and David Hector Howard (unanimous)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

This document provides a schedule of upcoming regular and committee meetings for early 2020. It contains no specific agenda items or decisions for discussion.

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet via Zoom to conduct oral examinations, review credentials, and address complaints. The board will also discuss COVID-19 emergency responses, including temporary registrations and telesupervision applications.

• Oral examinations for several candidates including Jane E. Booth Lewis, Elie N. Cohen, and Elizabeth Allain
• Review of complaint NP19-20-10P regarding Amy Henke
• Discussion of technology proposal for CERTEMY
• Review of SB458 (Luneau) Housekeeping Legislation
• Updates on continuing education regulations and unlicensed assistant regulations

The State Board of Examiners of Psychologists approved eight candidates for licensure via oral examination or reciprocity. The Board also adopted revisions to professional reference forms, supervision documentation, and the use of printed signatures on certificates.

• Approved Jane E. Booth Lewis for Clinical Psychology licensure
• Approved Elie N. Cohen for Clinical Psychology licensure
• Approved Elizabeth Allain for School Psychology licensure
• Approved Kristin R. Tubre for Clinical Psychology licensure
• Approved I. Shujaa K. Miller for Counseling Psychology licensure
• Approved Jared I. Israel for Clinical Psychology licensure
• Approved Jon Dimond for Clinical Psychology licensure
• Approved Ginette Wong Grube for Clinical Psychology licensure

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The committee will discuss proposed SB458, review the LSSP reference form, and set future meeting dates. The meeting is held via Zoom due to COVID-19.

• Discussion of proposed SB458
• Review of LSSP reference form
• Executive session for applicant review

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will hold a virtual meeting via Zoom due to COVID-19. The board will discuss emergency procedures, including waiving the 50% in-person supervision requirement for telesupervision and addressing impacts on licensing exams and renewals. Committee reports and legislative updates will also be presented. The board will then enter executive session to review complaints and credentials.

• COVID-19 emergency procedures and waivers, including telesupervision ratio waiver
• Discussion of licensing impacts: oral exams, fingerprinting, EPPP, and July 1 renewals
• Continuing education reporting for periods 2018-2020 and 2019-2021
• 2020 legislative session postponed; SB 548 housekeeping legislation filed
• 2020-21 contracts and policy revisions incorporating compliance officer

The Board approved various regulatory waivers for supervision and continuing education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board also authorized multiple contracts for investigative, legal, and accounting services for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

• Approved COVID-19 emergency response and Executive Committee authorization (6-0)
• Waived $25 telesupervision application fee during State of Emergency (6-0)
• Waived 50% in-person requirement for tele-supervision of trainees (6-0)
• Approved conducting oral licensure examinations via Zoom (6-0)
• Reduced required CPD credits from 40 to 30 and waived subcategory requirements (6-0)
• Created AdHoc working committee to review SB 458 legislation (6-0)
• Renewed Mark P. Vigen, Ph.D. as Complaints Coordinator up to $5,000 (6-0)
• Renewed Statewide Surveillance & Investigations contract up to $12,000 (6-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will hold an open meeting and executive session on March 6, 2020. The board will conduct oral examinations, review complaints, receive committee reports, and discuss action items including reciprocity regulations, budget review, and 2020-2021 contracts.

• Oral examinations for Margaret A. Smith, Rebecca Wallace, Heather Ellingson, Robert L. Collins, and Nicholas M. Wisdom; one cancelled
• Review of five complaints (NP18-19-07P, P18-19-11C, PJ, P19-20-02C, P19-20-05C)
• Discussion of reciprocity regulations and policy revisions for Certificate of Professional Qualifications and ABPP
• Review of 2020-2021 contracts and 2019-20/2020-21 budget
• Update on continuing education regulations and unlicensed assistant regulations

The Board approved multiple psychologist licenses and temporary registrations for various practitioners. The Board also authorized a $2,500 expenditure to upgrade the office security system.

• Approved psychology licenses for Margaret A. Smith, Rebecca Wallace, Heather Ellingson, Robert L. Collins, and Nicholas M. Wisdom (5-0)
• Approved LSSP licenses for Kelley M. Pursell, LaTasha M. Cubas, and DeAnna Yelverton (5-0)
• Approved $2,500 for LSBEP office security system upgrade (5-0)
• Increased legal contract hourly rates to $225/hour (5-0)
• Established a standing Public and Professional Outreach Committee (5-0)
• Appointed Dr. Katherine Chenier to the LSSP Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Dismissed complaint P18-19-11C without further action (5-0)
• Approved temporary registrations for Drs. Shaffer, Amador, and Kinscherff (unanimous)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists' Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) Advisory Committee is meeting to review and discuss committee updates including proposed changes to Chapter 42 (Ethics) and a new opinion on LSSP scope of practice regarding ordering psychological services. The committee will also consider nominees for an LSSP vacancy, review a November 2019 presentation to the Louisiana School Psychologists Association, and discuss the LSSP reference form. An executive session is scheduled for applicant review.

• Discussion of new opinion on LSSP scope of practice (ordering psychological services)
• Review of proposed Chapter 42 ethics updates for LSSPs
• Nominees for LSSP vacancy on the committee
• Review of LSSP presentation to LSPA from November 6, 2019
• Review of LSSP reference form

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet to review and consider updates to outdated provisions in state law and administrative rules governing psychologist licensing, including definitions, examinations, and unlicensed assistants. The board will also hear committee reports, discuss complaint statuses, and consider proposed changes to CPST services. Several oral examinations and reciprocity applications are cancelled.

• Review of outdated provisions in La. Revised Statutes Title 37, Chapter 28 (Psychologists), including definition of practice and examination requirements
• Review of outdated provisions in La. Administrative Code Title 46, Part LXIII, including summary suspension guidelines, emeritus license, and unlicensed assistants
• Oral examinations and reciprocity applications for Robert L. Collins, Roger Galen Clark, Suzana E. Flores, Joseph D. Salande, and Karen B. Froming (some cancelled)
• Complaint reviews including NP18-19-13P (G. Gormanous) and proposed consent order P17-18-07B
• Discussion of proposed changes to CPST services

The Board granted licenses to three psychologists and provisional licenses to four others. It approved a disciplinary consent order for Samuel Webb Sentell, Ph.D., and certified Shannae Harness, Ph.D., as the winner of a vacancy election. The Board also authorized spending up to $500 for employee identification shirts.

• Granted licenses in Clinical Psychology to Roger Galen Clark, Psy.D., Suzana E. Flores, Psy.D., and Joseph D. Salande, Ph.D. (5-0)
• Granted provisional licensure to Nicholas T. Tworek, Psy.D., Edwin A. Brennan, Ph.D., Chelsea R. Ennis, Ph.D., and Rebecca Wallace, Ph.D. (Unanimous)
• Approved disciplinary Consent Order against Samuel Webb Sentell, Ph.D., M.P. (5-0)
• Dismissed complaint NP18-19-13P involving unlicensed individuals (5-0)
• Certified Shannae Harness, Ph.D. as the election winner for the July 1, 2020 vacancy
• Authorized up to $500 for monogrammed employee identification shirts
• Approved revised policy and procedures regarding the compliance officer's job description (5-0)
• Approved travel reimbursement for Dr. Gormanous to attend a meeting in Montreal, Canada (4-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists is holding an emergency meeting in Executive Session. The board will consider a confidential investigation regarding a respondent's fitness to hold a license to practice psychology in Louisiana.

• Confidential investigation matter P19-20-03C

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists meets to consider statutory changes for the 2020 legislative session, including the definition of practice of psychology and summary suspension. The board will also discuss rulemaking on supervision via telepsychology and unlicensed assistants. The agenda includes an executive session for complaint reviews and committee reports, as well as annual training on public protection and open meetings.

• Consideration of statutory changes for 2020 legislative session (definition of practice, summary suspension, emeritus license)
• Rulemaking on supervision via telepsychology
• Rulemaking on unlicensed assistants
• Review of complaints in executive session (P17-18-06C, P18-19-04C, etc.)
• Annual board/staff training on public protection, anti-trust, and open meetings

The Board granted provisional licensure to two applicants and processed several licensing requests. It also voted to dismiss five complaint matters, with one case resulting in a letter of education and another requiring further negotiation of a Consent Order.

• Approved provisional licensure for Danielle M. Cohn, Ph.D. (unanimous)
• Approved provisional licensure for Russell S. Anderson, Ph.D. (unanimous)
• Approved temporary practice registration for Dr. Karen Bronk Froming (unanimous)
• Confirmed candidacy and requested face-to-face meetings for Robert L. Collins, Ph.D. and Roger Galen Clark, Psy.D. (unanimous)
• Confirmed candidacy and requested oral examination for Joseph D. Salande, Ph.D. (unanimous)
• Dismissed matter P17-18-06C and P18-19-04C with a letter of education (4-1-1)
• Dismissed four complaint matters (P18-19-10, P18-19-12C, and two others) without action (5-0-1)
• Approved a Consent Order for matter P17-18-07B subject to revisions on CPD requirements (5-0-1)