Question

Considering issues such as licensure, laws regarding medical marijuana, laws regarding minors, etc., what do you believe are the most significant ways in which the laws of Maryland govern the practice of psychology and psychological research? Why?

Answer 1

Laws of Maryland govern the practice of psychology and psychological research in the most significant ways. Firstly, to become a part of Maryland, there are certain 'educational requirements or license-related requirements' to fulfil, so that clients get the best services from the best professionals. One should possess a BS in Psychology, a master’s degree and a PhD or Psy.D in Psychology. One must have a completed and supervised professional experience and a completed application process, after passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). One must also become licensed with the state of Maryland.

Maryland psychologists are supposed to receive 'informed consent' of the client, by using appropriate language, which is comprehensible to the client.

For therapeutic practices, it is the right of the client to receive explanations regarding the nature and purpose of testing, reports and consultations. Clients have the right to receive information regarding fees, billing and electronic services provided during the payment of fees. They need to be informed regarding psychotherapeutic schedules and the process and conditions of discontinuation of therapy.

A Maryland psychologist must maintain confidentiality, concerning the information obtained from a client and discuss the requirements and limitations of confidentiality, during initial meetings with the client.

In case of minor clients, a Maryland psychologist must report child abuse or neglect. In the case of a vulnerable adult, suspected abuse or financial exploitation of the client is expected to be reported. If an aggressive client threatens to cause physical injury to people, then it becomes the duty of a Maryland psychologist to warn or protect the targets of violence.

It is important for a Maryland psychologist to make a referral to other professional, provided the referral is expected to be fruitful for the client.

At Maryland, it is a law to maintain and secure records. Maryland psychologists are supposed to secure the information received from the client in a clinical setting. It is also a law to retain records, more specifically, for 5 years from the date of creation of the record. In case of a minor, records are supposed to be maintained for 5 years or 3 years, after reaching the age of majority, that is,18 years of age (whichever is later). If it is found that the laws regarding record-keeping have been violated, then this will either lead to suspension or revocation of the license of the concerned psychologist or will lead to a monetary penalty.

In the case of medical marijuana, approval is obtained after fulfilling certain criteria. For example, certain kinds of patients (like those with chronic or disabling diseases, those detected with some severe conditions, those with conditions of glaucoma and post-traumatic stress disorder, etc) are eligible for receiving approval for medical marijuana.

The above-mentioned laws are the most significant laws of Maryland, regarding the practice of psychology and psychological research. This is because these laws cover a broad range of legal, confidential as well as ethical aspects of testing, diagnosis and research. They have been framed meticulously, covering various aspects of lawful testing and investigation in the field of psychology. These laws keep the clients informed, regarding different aspects of testing and research and permit research only after the informed consent of the client.