SB 775 (Ashby) Chapter 787, Statutes of 2025 – Board of Psychology and Board of Behavioral Sciences - Research Psychoanalyst’s One-Time Renewal Requirement and New Continuing Professional Development (36 Hours) - Business & Professions Code 2915.1, 2915.2, 2915.3, 2954.2, 2954.4
Operative Date of Legislation: January 1, 2026
Attention Board of Psychology (Board) stakeholders:
Senate Bill (SB) 775 (Ashby) was signed by Governor Newsom on October 13, 2025, and becomes operative on January 1, 2026. This bill serves as the Sunset Bill for both the Board of Behavioral Sciences and the Board of Psychology, extending each Board’s statutory authorization to January 1, 2030.
Summary of Changes
SB 775 establishes new one-time coursework requirements and a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement for individuals renewing their registration as Research Psychoanalysts (RPAs). These updates align RPA initial and renewal requirements with long-standing Board requirements for psychologists and help ensure that all registrants maintain competency in essential public-protection and clinical practice areas.
One-Time Coursework Required for Registration Renewal
Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting (BPC 2915.2)
RPA registrants renewing on or
after January 1, 2028, who did NOT previously submit proof of
completing 7 contact hours of child abuse assessment and reporting coursework at initial
registration, must provide proof of completing this one-time course at renewal.
Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention (BPC 2954.4)
RPA registrants renewing on or
after January 1, 2028, who did NOT previously submit proof of
completing 6 contact hour of suicide risk assessment and intervention coursework at initial
registration, must provide proof of completing this one-time course at renewal.
Alcohol and Other Chemical Dependency (BPC 2915.3)
SB 775 adds a new statute
directing the Board to consider adopting alcohol and chemical dependency coursework as a renewal
requirement for both psychologists and RPAs.
- At this time, no licensee or registrant is required to complete this coursework for renewal.
- If the Board later adopts regulations establishing chemical dependency training as a renewal requirement, RPA registrants and licensed psychologists will then be required to complete it.
New Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirement – 36 Hours (BPC 2954.2)
SB 775 creates a new CPD requirement specifically for registered research psychoanalysts. To renew or reinstate a registration, an RPA must complete 36 hours of Board-approved CPD during each two-year renewal cycle.
CPD may include activities in the following three categories:
- Professional activities
- Academic activities
- Sponsored continuing education coursework
RPA registrants must:
- Certify under penalty of perjury that they have completed the required CPD, and
- Retain documentation to provide to the Board upon request.
Human Sexuality (BPC 2915.1)
Human sexuality coursework may be counted toward CPD requirements only if the Board adopts regulations allowing it. If such regulations are adopted in the future, registrants and licensees will be able to receive CPD credit for approved human sexuality coursework at that time.
Implementation
The one-time renewal coursework requirements in child abuse assessment and reporting, suicide risk
assessment and intervention, and any additional coursework the Board may adopt (e.g., alcohol and
chemical dependency) are anticipated to become enforceable beginning January 1, 2028, after the
Board completes the regulatory process.
The new CPD requirement for renewing RPA registrants—36 hours completed during each two-year renewal
period—are anticipated to become enforceable beginning January 1, 2028, contingent upon adoption of
the necessary regulations.
