SCS/SB 689 - This act modifies provisions relating to licensing requirements for certain professionals. PROHIBITED USES OF OCCUPATIONAL FEES Under this act, no board, commission, or committee within the Division of Professional Registration shall utilize occupational fees, or any other fees associated with licensing requirements, for the purpose of offering continuing education classes. Any board, commission, or committee within the Division shall not contract or partner with any outside vendor or agency for such purpose. Nothing in this act shall be construed to preclude a board, commission, or committee within the Division from utilizing occupational licensure fees for the purpose of participating in conferences, seminars, or other outreach for the purposes of communicating information to licensees with respect to changes in policy, law, or regulations. (Section 324.035) This provision is substantially similar to HB 705 (2019). LICENSING OF PSYCHOLOGISTS Under current law, any person seeking to obtain a license as a psychologist shall make an application to the State Committee of Psychologists and shall pay the required application fee. The Committee is not permitted to charge an application fee until such time as the application has been approved, and if an application is denied, no application fee shall be charged. This act repeals such provision. Current law permits a psychologist licensed in another jurisdiction to receive a license in Missouri, provided the psychologist passes a written exam on Missouri law and regulations governing the practice of psychology. Such person must also meet one of several listed criteria set forth under current law. This act removes one listed criteria allowing a psychologist who is currently licensed or certified as a psychologist in another jurisdiction that is then a signatory to the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Board's reciprocity agreement to be eligible for a license in Missouri. (Section 337.020 and 337.029) These provisions are identical to SB 637 (2020), HCS/SCS/SBs 673 & 560 (2020), HCS/HB 1442 (2020), and SB 204 (2019). PSYCHOLOGIST CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Current law requires each licensed psychologist applying for a renewal of a license to submit proof of the completion of at least 40 hours of continuing education credit within the two-year period immediately preceding the date of the application for renewal. Under this act, a minimum of three of the 40 hours of continuing education shall be dedicated to professional ethics. (Section 337.050) This provision is identical to HCS/SCS/SBs 673 & 560 (2020), HCS/HB 1442 (2020), and is substantially similar to HB 705 (2019). The provisions of this act are identical to TAT/SS/HCS/HB 2046 (2020) and SS/SCS/SB 670 (2020). JOSIE BUTLER