Biennial Compliance
The biennial continuing education compliance period shall extend for a two-year period beginning on July 1 of each even-numbered year and ending on June 30 of the next even-numbered year. Each biennium, each person who is licensed to practice as a psychologist in this state shall be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education. Hours of continuing education credit may be obtained by attending and participating in a continuing education activity. These hours must meet the requirements herein pursuant to statutory provisions and the rules that implement them. The Iowa Department of Public Health posts the full regulations for licensure in psychology.
Mandatory Reporter Training
Iowa law requires mandatory reporting training every 5 years for relicensure. Iowa's Department of Public Health's Abuse Education Review Panel has approved providers for mandatory reporter training and lists those providers on their website: http://idph.iowa.gov/abuse-ed-review
The Mandatory Reporter DVD continues to be circulated among those members subject to the mandate to receive this training every 5 years. A generous member has sent IPA a check to cover the purchase of an additional DVD removing the pressure to get it out to everyone needing to view it. However, adherence to a 2 week turn-around is still appreciated.
Requirements for New Licensees
Those persons licensed for the first time shall not be required to complete continuing education as a prerequisite for the first renewal of their licenses. Continuing education hours acquired anytime from the initial licensing until the second license renewal may be used. The new licensee will be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education per biennium for each subsequent license renewal.
Reciprocal Agreements
The IPA and the Kansas Psychological Association (KPA) have a reciprocal agreement for continuing education events. For more information, you can visit the KPA homepage and follow the continuing education link.