Determinants of Stringency of Psychologist Licensure

Examines the effects of mental health regulations by exploring the determinants of the stringency of licensure (LC) of a major mental health provider group: psychologists (PSYs). An empirical model is developed that explains the stringency of PSY LC in terms of both provider and public interests. This model assumes that state psychology licensing boards use their power to establish the level of difficulty of passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology to protect their economic interests by restricting entry of other PSYs and to meet consumer demands for quality assurance. Findings confirm that the stringency of PSY LC is a product of the self-interest of providers and the consumer demand for LC. (1991)