The electronic licensing surcharge is being discontinued effective July 1, 2015. In 2009, the Minnesota Legislature established a statewide electronic licensing account in the special revenue fund. The funds from that account were for completion of a Minnesota electronic licensing system, for transferring licensing agencies to the system, and for operation and maintenance of the system during the completion and transfer period. Minn. Stat. 16E.22. For the Minnesota Board of Psychology this resulted in an additional $50.00 surcharge for each initial licensed psychologist license (LP) and a $25.00 surcharge for each initial licensed psychologist-volunteer license (LPV).
The Board has operated with manual processes since its inception in 1974. The priority for implementing electronic licensing systems was for agencies that relied on manual processes for issuing licenses. Since 2009, the Board has worked toward process improvement in preparation for the development and implementation of an electronic licensing database. During 2014 and 2015, the Board has planned, developed, and tested a new licensing and compliance database for all Board operations.
As of January 30, 2015, the new database allows for the filing of complaints against applicants, licensees, and those practicing psychology without a license in Minnesota. In the next several months the Board will be introducing functionality for the submission of online license, examination, re-licensure, emeritus, and guest (including guest by temporary permit) applications. In addition to these functions, the database will support electronic processes for license verifications, waivers and variances, professional firm management, and back office workflow automation. The electronic functionality will include the ability to pay by e-check or credit card. Please be aware the bank facilitating the process does charge a convenience fee for the use of online services.
Historically, the existing database limited staff ability to report on Board processes. The new database expands staff reporting ability and further improves the quantity and quality of information provided to the public. As the Board prepares for the implementation of this system and transition from a paper based business model, to online services, the following tips will help you prepare for use of this system:
- Contact the Board to provide a current, accurate public e-mail address associated with your license. Our phone number is 612-617-2230 (Hearing/Speech Relay: 1-800-627-3529).
- Watch the Board website, blog, and Twitter account (@mnpsychboard) for the implementation announcement (anticipated June 2015).
- Note, license renewal notices will be sent from e-mail after implementation is complete.
- Familiarize yourself with the Boards new website where you will find current information on all of our ongoing efforts to improve your experience with our agency.
As we transition to online services we are excited to share with you that the electronic licensing surcharge will be discontinued effective July 1, 2015.
