2013 Mandatory Continuing Education for Psychology (MCEP) Regulation Change for You. Click here for BOP FAQs
MCEP PROGRAM CHANGES
As of January 2013, mandated continuing education for psychologists in California became much like it is for psychologists in other states. Rather than using the Accrediting Agency as the primary clearinghouse, the Board of Psychology (BOP) now directly recognizes two national standards for professional continuing education: The American Psychological Association (APA) and Continuing Medical Education/Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (CME/ACCME) and one state-wide standard: The California Psychological Association (CPA). This allows easier access to a larger pool of continuing professional education.
This means that psychologists are free to take courses from APA Approved CE Sponsors, CPA Approved Providers, and the full array of continuing medical education that is available.
APA Approved Sponsors include most national professional psychology societies and associations (including state psychological associations and APA Divisions) and a wide variety of commercial enterprises. THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (LACPA) BECAME AN APA APPROVED PROVIDER OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN MARCH 2002. ACCME courses are traditionally referred to as CME and include most hospital grand rounds as well as university and psychoanalytic programs, county mental health departments, in addition to national and international conferences. CME courses must pertain to the practice of psychology.
Psychologists no longer have the requirement to report these hours to the MCEP Accrediting Agency. Psychologists are responsible for maintaining their own records (personally or by using a third-party service) and will only send them to the Board of Psychology if and when they receive an audit notice.
The Los Angeles County Psychological Association (LACPA) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. LACPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
This program may be taken to satisfy the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) continuing education requirements.
It is important to note that APA continuing education rules require that LACPA only give credit to those who attend the entire workshop. Those who arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time or leave before the workshop is completed will not receive CE credit. Partial credit may not be given.
Cancellation Policy: To receive a refund, a written request must be received by the Monday preceding the program. Refunds will be processed within 30 days. A $35 processing fee is deducted from all refunds. Should it become necessary to cancel a course, those who have registered will be notified in writing, and the full course fee will be refunded.
American with Disabilities Act Compliance: The Los Angeles County Psychological Association is available to make arrangements for individuals with particular needs. Anyone who requires special accommodation for a disability is requested to notify the LACPA office at 818-905-0410.
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