§ 90-270.2. Definitions.
§ 90‑270.2. Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this Article:
(1) Board. The North Carolina Psychology Board.
(2) Examination. Any and all examinations that are adopted bythe Board and administered to applicants and licensees, including, but notlimited to, the national examination, Board‑developed examinations, andother examinations that assess the competency and ethics of psychologists andapplicants.
(3) Jurisdiction. Any governmental authority, including, butnot limited to, a state, a territory, a commonwealth, a district of the UnitedStates, and a country or a local governmental authority thereof, that licenses,certifies, or registers psychologists.
(4) Health services. Those activities of the practice ofpsychology that include the delivery of preventive, assessment, or therapeuticintervention services directly to individuals whose growth, adjustment, orfunctioning is actually impaired or may be at substantial risk of impairment.
(5) Institution of higher education. A university, a college,a professional school, or another institution of higher learning that:
a. In the United States, is regionally accredited by bodiesapproved by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation or itssuccessor.
b. In Canada, holds a membership in the Association ofUniversities and Colleges of Canada.
c. In another country, is accredited by the comparable officialorganization having this authority.
(6) Licensed psychologist. An individual to whom a license hasbeen issued pursuant to the provisions of this Article, whose license is inforce and not suspended or revoked, and whose license permits him or her toengage in the practice of psychology as defined in this Article.
(7) Licensed psychological associate. An individual to whom alicense has been issued pursuant to the provisions of this Article, whoselicense is in force and not suspended or revoked, and whose license permits himor her to engage in the practice of psychology as defined in this Article.
(7a) Neuropsychological. Pertaining to the study of brain‑behaviorrelationships, including the diagnosis, including etiology and prognosis, andtreatment of the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive effects of cerebraldysfunction through psychological and behavioral techniques and methods.
(8) Practice of psychology. The observation, description,evaluation, interpretation, or modification of human behavior by theapplication of psychological principles, methods, and procedures for thepurpose of preventing or eliminating symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesiredbehavior or of enhancing interpersonal relationships, work and life adjustment,personal effectiveness, behavioral health, or mental health. The practice ofpsychology includes, but is not limited to: psychological testing and theevaluation or assessment of personal characteristics such as intelligence,personality, abilities, interests, aptitudes, and neuropsychologicalfunctioning; counseling, psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis, biofeedback,and behavior analysis and therapy; diagnosis, including etiology and prognosis,and treatment of mental and emotional disorder or disability, alcoholism andsubstance abuse, disorders of habit or conduct, as well as of the psychologicaland neuropsychological aspects of physical illness, accident, injury, ordisability; and psychoeducational evaluation, therapy, remediation, andconsultation. Psychological services may be rendered to individuals, families,groups, and the public. The practice of psychology shall be construed withinthe meaning of this definition without regard to whether payment is receivedfor services rendered.
(9) Psychologist. A person represents himself or herself to bea psychologist if that person uses any title or description of servicesincorporating the words "psychology", "psychological","psychologic", or "psychologist", states that he or shepossesses expert qualification in any area of psychology, or provides or offersto provide services defined as the practice of psychology in this Article. Allpersons licensed under this Article may present themselves as psychologists, asmay those persons who are exempt by G.S. 90‑270.4 and those who arequalified applicants under G.S. 90‑270.5. (1967, c. 910, s. 2; 1977, c. 670, s. 1; 1979, c. 670,s. 1; 1993, c. 375, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 569, s. 14; 1999‑292,ss. 1, 2.)