APA Model Licensing Act
Public Comment Now Open
As you may know, APA has been working on updating the Model Licensing Act (MLA). The public comment period for proposed revisions to APA's MLA is now open through March 3, 2026. Please take time to review the document and share your perspective on the revisions.
While each state gets to decide how to adopt the APA Model Licensing Act, the overall MLA serves as a guide. The two most significant changes from the previous MLA are the formation of a master's level licensure in psychology (separate from PA's existing psychologists licensed at the master's level) and the removal of "psychologist" as a protected term limited to those with a license. Section J: Exemptions (lines 683-707) would allow those with doctoral degrees working in applied fields like I/O psych and sport psychology to call themselves psychologists without seeking licensure. It's vitally important that APA gets as much feedback as possible on this important topic - please take the time to review the document and submit your comments.
2025 Draft Model Licensing Act - Clean Version
Why this Matters
The MLA is APA's recommended guidance to states on psychology licensure. It represents the discipline's collective thinking about what effective psychology licensure should include.
Public comment ensures the MLA reflects the collective expertise of our discipline and profession, allowing members and stakeholders to review the proposed revisions and share their perspectives before the MLA goes to APA's Council of Representatives for a vote. All feedback is carefully considered, and comments often lead to important refinements that strengthen the final document.
What are the Proposed Revisions?
The MLA Revisions address key areas including a framework for states that choose to license master's-level health service psychology professionals and guidance on title provisions for applied psychology professionals.
How to Comment
Visit commentinggov.apa.org or click the button below to review the revised MLA and submit your comments by March 3, 2026.
Your participation matters in ensuring that the MLA reflects a wide range of perspectives from across the full discipline of psychology. We hope you will take this opportunity to engage.