Arizona Senate bill by Sen. Keshel expands psychologist board’s investigative authority

Newly passed bill authored by State Sen. Rachel Keshel aims to clarify and expand the authority of the state board of psychologist examiners during investigations, including subpoena power and confidentiality provisions, following approval in both chambers, according to the Arizona State House.

It passed both chambers as of April 29, clearing the House by a vote of 33-27 and the Senate by a vote of 17-11.

The bill, introduced as HB2441 on Jan. 16, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘psychologist board; complaint-related documents’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends section 32-2082 of the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning the state board of psychologist examiners. It outlines the board’s authority during investigations into a psychologist’s professional conduct or competence, allowing the board and its agents to examine and copy relevant documents, issue subpoenas, and petition the superior court for subpoena enforcement. A person served with a subpoena may contest it within five days. The bill also permits legal representation for individuals appearing before the board during investigations. Investigation documents remain confidential unless ordered by a court, although the complainant is entitled to copies of the documents reviewed, subject to state and federal law. Communications between a psychologist and client are not protected in these investigations, but the board must keep client or patient names confidential.

In the House, 33 Republicans voted in favor while 27 Democrats opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 17 Republicans voted in favor while 11 Democrats voted against it.

Keshel introduced the bill in the Arizona House on Jan. 16 during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature.

Jones graduated from Metropolitan State the University of Denver in 2002 with a BA.

Rachel Jones is currently serving in the Arizona State House, representing the state’s 17th House District. She replaced previous state representative Jennifer Pawlik in 2023.

The bill was vetoed by Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 6.

In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.