State Board of Examiners of Psychologists public meetings in 2025

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will review updated licensure forms and a report from the LSSP Committee. The board will also discuss new regulations regarding the telesupervision of Licensed Specialists in School Psychology.

• Review of LSSP Steps Toward Licensure, Checksheet, and Professional References forms
• Discussion of new telesupervision regulations for Licensed Specialists in School Psychology
• Recap of November 5, 2025, presentation to Louisiana School Psychologist Association
• Executive session for application file reviews of five individuals

The Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Advisory Committee recommended three individuals for licensure to the Board. The Committee also approved updates to licensure forms and tabled discussions on telesupervision and professional reference forms.

• Approved LSSP Steps Toward Licensure and LSSP Checksheet revisions
• Tabled Professional Reference form until March 2026
• Tabled telesupervision regulatory updates until March 4, 2026
• Recommended Jesse J. Rogers for licensure (unanimous)
• Recommended Emily Erzernack for licensure (unanimous)
• Recommended Sonya P. Poole for licensure (unanimous)
• Approved September 3, 2025 meeting minutes with corrections

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet over two days to adopt current and proposed budgets and review multiple administrative rules. The board will also conduct oral examinations, review licensure applications, and discuss Medicaid reimbursement for trainees.

• Adoption of 2025-26 current budget and 2026-27 proposed budget
• Contract renewal for Attorney General Office of Debt Recovery
• Rulemaking review of 11 different rule sections per Executive Order JML 25-038
• Discussion of Medicaid reimbursement for psychology doctoral interns and postdoctoral fellows
• Review of a proposed Consent Judgment in Kevin J. Bianchini, Ph.D. vs. LSBEP

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet over two days to approve budgets and review multiple regulatory rules. The board will also discuss Medicaid reimbursement for doctoral interns and postdoctoral fellows.

• Adoption of 2025-26 current budget and 2026-27 proposed budget
• Review of rulemaking for 11 different rule sections per Executive Order JML 25-038
• Contract renewal for Attorney General Office of Debt Recovery
• Discussion on Medicaid reimbursement for psychology doctoral interns and postdoctoral fellows
• Review of a proposed Consent Judgment in Kevin J. Bianchini, Ph.D. vs. LSBEP

The Board adopted the fiscal year 2025-26 and 2026-27 budgets and increased legal contracts for General Counsel and the Administrative Law Judge. Seven individuals were granted licenses to practice psychology following oral examinations. The Board also approved new application procedures for Licensed Psychological Associates.

• Adopted FY 2025-26 and 2026-27 budgets (4-1)
• Increased Amy Groves Lowe contract from $45,000 to $65,000 (5-0)
• Increased Celia Cangelosi contract from $12,000 to $20,000 (5-0)
• Granted psychology licenses to Laiyatu B. Manya, Katelyn M. Anderson, Bryan Shurigar, Kerry L. Edge, Mallory Garza, Shelby Stewart, and Cerise McKenna Vablais (all 5-0)
• Approved 5-year agreement with the Office of Debt Recovery (5-0)
• Adopted application forms and processing for Licensed Psychological Associate (5-0)
• Denied preapproval for CPD request from Sean Ransom (4-0, 1 recused)
• Denied motions to remove ALJ and LSBEP as finder of fact in matter P23-24-08C (4-1)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists Finance Committee will meet in person and via livestream to review year-to-date finances and formulate budget recommendations for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The committee will also evaluate the board's current banking relationship, service quality, and fees. Public comments may be submitted by mail or in person on docketed agenda items.

• Review current year-to-date financial statement and comparison
• Identify and prioritize anticipated variances and cost drivers (contracts, personnel, technology, ADA compliance, portal development, legal matters)
• Consider projected revenues, fees, and expenditures for FY 2026-2027
• Develop budget amendment recommendations for board consideration and adoption
• Evaluate the board's banking relationship, service quality, fees, and account structure

The Finance Committee approved recommendations for an amended budget including updated revenue projections and contract limits. The committee also proposed replacing a full-time administrative assistant with a part-time position and increasing the Executive Director's salary.

• Approved recommendations for amended budget revenue adjustments (Passed)
• Recommended replacing full-time administrative assistant with part-time or student worker at $20-$30/hour (Passed)
• Recommended increase to Executive Director's salary (Passed)
• Approved contract limits for 2025-26FY: Amy Groves Lowe not to exceed 65K and Celia Cangelosi not to exceed 22K (Passed)
• Approved agenda amendment to include Executive Session for personnel matters (Passed)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will conduct oral examinations and review supervision and credentials. The board will also address several complaints and various administrative filings for ratification.

• Oral examinations for multiple candidates
• Supervision and credentials file reviews
• Review of eight complaint files
• Public hearing regarding a motion to remove members of the Hearing Panel/Board filed by John C. Simoneaux, Ph.D.
• Ratification of monthly financial statements (May, June, and July 2025)

The Board approved licensure for eight psychologists and one Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. It also adopted the 2025 Louisiana Attestation Questionnaire and approved a new Waiver of Confidentiality form. Eight complaint matters were dismissed, and the BIPOC/EPPP Workgroup was extended.

• Granted licenses to J. Gallios, K. LeLeux-LaBarge, A. Van Berkel, R. Mann (Clinical), C. Hilsendager (Counseling), A. Ambeau, S. Vanhille (Clinical Neuropsychology), and J. Munson (School) (4-0)
• Granted LSSP licensure to Summer Ford (4-0)
• Adopted the 2025 Louisiana Attestation Questionnaire (4-0)
• Adopted a new Waiver of Confidentiality form (4-0)
• Authorized the extension of the BIPOC/EPPP Workgroup (4-0)
• Denied ATAP Registration for Sarah Flynn (4-0)
• Dismissed complaints P24-25-06B, NP24-25-17P, NP25-26-01C with letters of education; dismissed NP24-25-29C, P24-25-32C, A25-26-07B, NP25-26-11C, and NP25-26-12B (4-0)
• Appointed Dr. Holcomb as voting delegate and Dr. Woods-Smith as alternate for ASPPB Annual Meeting (4-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will discuss updating regulations regarding telesupervision for Licensed Specialists in School Psychology. The board will also compare national and state certification requirements for school psychology.

• Review of telesupervision regulations for Licensed Specialists in School Psychology
• Comparison of National Certification in School Psychology vs. Louisiana Licensed Specialist in School Psychology requirements
• Application reviews for James Anderson, Summer Ford, Cydney Hinson, Joshua Lowe, and Vanessa Chahin

The Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Advisory Committee recommended three individuals for licensure to the Board. The committee also approved the June 2025 meeting minutes and scheduled future meetings through June 2026.

• Approved June 4, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended James Anderson for licensure (unanimous)
• Recommended Joshua Lowe for licensure (unanimous)
• Recommended Vanessa Chahin for licensure pending additional documentation (unanimous)
• Tabled telesupervision regulations update until December 3, 2025

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will discuss and vote on proposed rule changes to written examination requirements, reciprocity under the Welcome Home Act, and the provisional licensing process. The board will also consider policy revisions, budget items, and a request for a refund of an application fee. The meeting includes an executive session for confidential file reviews and complaints.

• Rule changes to Chapter 5 written examination requirements and Chapter 2 reciprocity under Act 253 (Welcome Home Act)
• Policy revision for supervised practice plan to allow administrative denial of unlicensed supervisors
• Consideration of changing jurisprudence exam scoring to pass/fail with no partial credit
• Review of web accessibility compliance and quotes for website updates from Covalent Logic, General Informatics, and Gatorworks
• 2024-25 budget review including laptop for legal department and contract amendment for Jennifer Russel

The Board elected Dr. Matthew Holcomb as Chair and Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith as Vice Chair. Key decisions included updating the ATAP review process, changing the Jurisprudence Examination scoring to pass/fail, and increasing the meeting frequency to every other month. The Board also acted on several licensee complaints and approved a website accessibility contract.

• Elected Dr. Matthew Holcomb as Chair and Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith as Vice Chair (3-0)
• Approved retroactive license reinstatement for Chin-Chin Ho (3-0)
• Dismissed complaints NP24-25-27C, NP24-25-30C, NP24-25-31C, NP24-25-37C, and P24-25-22C (3-0)
• Adopted revised ATAP review process and policy (3-0)
• Approved administrative denial policy for supervisors not licensed by LSBEP (3-0)
• Revised meeting policy to meet every other month starting September (3-0)
• Changed Jurisprudence Examination scoring to pass/fail (0/1) (3-0)
• Approved General Informatics contract for website accessibility compliance (3-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP) will hold an in-person meeting with a Zoom livestream. The board will conduct oral examinations and file reviews for psychologist licensure applicants, discuss policy updates including the 'Welcome Home Act' application process, review contracts including a Memorandum of Understanding with the La Behavior Analyst Board, and consider rule changes related to examinations, reciprocity, and continuing education. A formal resolution to amend the 2024-25 and/or 2025-26 budget may also be considered.

• Oral examinations for psychologist licensure applicants including Laura Melton, Ph.D., Barbara Y. Mair, Psy.D., Connie Veazey, Ph.D., Shawn Pritchett, Psy.D., Traci Protti, Ph.D., Madeline Blocker, Ph.D., and Emily Mathis, Ph.D.
• Review of recommended updates to policies related to renewals and reinstatement, and the 'Welcome Home Act' application process
• Memorandum of Understanding between LSBEP and La Behavior Analyst Board
• Rule changes to Louisiana Administrative Code Title 46, LXIII regarding definitions, written examinations, reciprocity (Act 253 'Welcome Home Act'), public information (Act 393), and continuing education
• Consideration of a formal resolution to amend 2024-25 and/or 2025-26 Budget

The Board granted several licenses to practice psychology and reinstated one license. It also approved new contracts for legal counsel and administrative law judges, updated policies on renewals and continuing education, and adopted a process for the Welcome Home Act.

• Granted licenses to Laura Melton, Barbara Y. Mair, Shawn Pritchett, Traci Protti, Madeline Blocker, and Emily Mathis
• Reinstated license for Connie Veazey
• Denied virtual interview requests for Cara M. Bohon and Cerise M. Vablais
• Approved Psychologist Emerit: Retired status for Barbara E. McDermott
• Granted licensure as a Specialist in School Psychology to Cheri Quinn and denied it to Amber L. Osborn
• Approved legal contract with Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLC not to exceed $45,000
• Approved legal contracts for Administrative Law Judges Larry Roedel, Celia R. Cangelosi, and Larry Bankston
• Adopted policy updates for renewals, reinstatement, and continuing education

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP) will discuss updates to regulations, including new rules for telesupervision of Licensed Specialists in School Psychology and continuing education requirements. The board will also conduct a comparison review of requirements for National Certification in School Psychology versus Louisiana's Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. An executive session is scheduled to review six individual license applications, including one reinstatement.

• NEW: Telesupervision of Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (discussion item)
• Chapter 40: Continuing Education Requirements of Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (review)
• Comparison review of National Certification vs. Louisiana Licensed Specialist in School Psychology requirements
• Rule revision to application workflows (update)
• Executive session: review of 6 applications including Amanda DeWitt (reinstatement)

The Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Advisory Committee nominated a new Chair and processed several licensure applications. The committee recommended one applicant for licensure, one for denial, and one for reinstatement, all pending final Board approval.

• Nominated Ms. Kelley Pursell for Chair of the LSSP Committee (3-0)
• Affirmed reinstatement of Amanda DeWitt for Board approval (2-0)
• Recommended Cheri Quinn for licensure to the Board (2-0)
• Recommended denial of Amber Osborn's licensure application to the Board (2-0)
• Approved March 13, 2025 meeting minutes with corrections (3-0)
• Tabled telesupervision for LSSPs until September 3, 2025

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet in person and via Zoom to discuss and act on licensing applications, complaints, and policy updates. Key items include reviewing draft rules for a new master's-level licensure, considering a request for an exception to use an assistant to a psychologist (ATAP) at Pinecrest Supports and Services Center, and discussing budget and contracts for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The board will also receive committee reports and consider consent agenda items including temporary registrations and licensure recommendations.

• Draft rule review for new Master's Level Licensure (Title 46, LXIII)
• Request for exception/Emergency Plan for ATAP use at Pinecrest Supports and Services Center (Nancy Brown)
• Complaint P23-24-08C: review of redacted draft administrative complaint and request to docket for hearing
• 2024-25 Budget Review: contracts with Griffin and Furman LLC (accounting) and Tony W. McCoy d/b/a Statewide Surveillance & Investigation, LLC (investigator)
• Web accessibility compliance: review and adopt Title 4, Part V, Chapter 61 to meet federal requirements

The Board adopted amended draft regulations for Master's Level Licensure and updated Continuing Education requirements for psychologists and school psychology specialists. Several professional licenses were granted, and multiple service contracts for the 2025-26 fiscal year were approved. The Board also denied a request for an emergency plan to allow non-licensed supervision of assistants at Pinecrest Supports and Services Center.

• Approved Master's Level Licensure draft rules with specific amendments (4-0)
• Adopted updated Continuing Education rules for psychologists and LSSPs (4-0)
• Denied Pinecrest Supports and Services Center request for non-licensed ATAP supervision (3-0)
• Granted psychology licenses to Adriana Pena, Minda Huang, Katherine Trimm, Daniel Jacobson, and Danielle Mason Cottonham
• Awarded Clinical Neuropsychology respecialization to Jesse Smotherman (4-0)
• Approved $6,400 accounting contract with Griffin & Furman, LLC (4-0)
• Approved $12,000 investigator contract with Statewide Surveillance & Investigation, LLC (4-0)
• Approved $45,000 general counsel contract with Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLC (4-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet to discuss rule revisions, including a new regulation on telesupervision for Licensed Specialists in School Psychology. The board will also review continuing professional development requirements and consider nominations to fill a vacancy. An executive session is scheduled to review nine applicants.

• New regulation: Telesupervision of Licensed Specialists in School Psychology
• Chapter 40: Continuing Education Requirements of Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
• 2025 Call for Nominations to fill vacancy ending June 30, 2025
• Executive session to review nine named applicants
• Approval of minutes from December 4, 2024 meeting

The Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Advisory Committee recommended licensure for four applicants. The committee also voted to align LSSP continuing professional development requirements with the model used for licensed psychologists.

• Recommended licensure for Kevin LeJeune (unanimous)
• Recommended licensure for Nancy Alleman (unanimous)
• Recommended licensure for Gabrielle Lenoir (unanimous)
• Recommended licensure for Patricia Smith pending jurisprudence examination (unanimous)
• Approved amending Chapter 40 to align LSSP continuing professional development requirements with the licensed psychologist model (unanimous)
• Tabled review of Telesupervision regulations until June 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda and December 4, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Supervision & Credentials Committee of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet to discuss and take action on licensure application requirements and supervisory guidelines. The meeting includes reviews of registration variances and exam cutoff scores.

• ATAP registration variances for larger agencies with multiple psychologists
• Direct and health service hours minimums for licensure applications
• Compensation for Licensed Psychologists providing supervision services for license eligibility hours
• Supervisory guidelines regarding qualifications, responsibility, and reasonable practice
• EPPP cutoff scores and licensure implications recommendations

The Supervision & Credentials Committee established that 2,000 hours of postdoctoral experience must include at least 500 hours of direct client contact. The committee also clarified that specialty designations do not disqualify a licensee from providing postdoctoral supervision within a health service area.

• Approved agenda as posted (2-0)
• Required minimum of 25% (500 hours) direct client contact for 2,000 postdoctoral experience hours
• Determined specialty designations do not disqualify licensees from providing postdoctoral supervision in health service areas
• Tabled EPPP cutoff scores discussion pending workgroup recommendations

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet over two days to discuss long-range planning for licensing and supervision. The board will review professional credentials, handle disciplinary complaints in executive session, and discuss administrative fines.

• Review of Master’s Level Licensing and Continuing Professional Development revisions
• Discussion of administrative fines for late ATAP applications and failure to maintain addresses
• Review of board member reimbursements for expenses in Alleman et al. vs Harness et al.
• Ratification of temporary registrations for 8 individuals and closure of 21 inactive registrations
• Presentation regarding PSYPACT by Janet Orwig of the ASPPB

The Board reduced continuing professional development requirements from 40 to 30 hours and established a workgroup to study the relevance of the oral examination. Other actions included updating ATAP supervision guidelines and approving new bank signatories.

• Reduced CPD requirements from 40 to 30 hours (4-0-1)
• Created workgroup to study if oral examinations are still meaningful (4-0-1)
• Approved Dr. Matthew Holcomb as Vice-Chair (5-0-0)
• Appointed Sarah Fletcher to the LSSP Committee (5-0-0)
• Approved Jaime Monic, Marc Zimmermann, and Matthew Holcomb as bank signatories (5-0-0)
• Revoked Opinion No. 8 regarding ATAP supervision (5-0-0)
• Approved updated 'Steps Toward Licensure' forms (3-0-1-1)
• Approved travel funding for Executive Director and Attorney to attend ASBEP meeting (4-1-0)

State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists will meet over two days to discuss long-range planning for licensing and supervision. The board will also review professional complaints, temporary registrations, and administrative fines.

• Discussion on Master’s Level Licensing and Continuing Professional Development revisions
• Review of administrative fines for late ATAP applications and failure to maintain current addresses
• Election of Vice Chairperson and review of board member vacancies
• Executive session regarding Alleman v. Harness litigation and Occupational Licensing Review Program
• Approval of temporary registrations for 8 individuals and ATAP registrations for 9 individuals

The Board reduced required continuing professional development hours from 40 to 30 and updated the timeline for oral examination scheduling. It also established a workgroup to study the relevance of the oral exam and updated bank signatories. Several disciplinary matters were resolved, including the permanent surrender of one psychologist license.

• Reduced CPD requirements from 40 to 30 hours (4-0)
• Approved new oral exam scheduling: complete applications 30 days prior guaranteed a slot; 15 days prior based on availability (5-0)
• Created workgroup to study if oral examinations remain meaningful for competency assessment (4-0)
• Appointed Dr. Matthew Holcomb as Vice-Chair (5-0)
• Approved Jaime Monic, Marc Zimmermann, and Matthew Holcomb as bank signatories (5-0)
• Accepted Stipulation and Agreement for Permanent Surrender of Psychologist License for matters P20-21-10B, P21-22-14C, and P21-22-15C (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Sarah Fletcher to the LSSP Committee (5-0)
• Revoked Opinion No. 8 regarding supervision of ATAPs (5-0)