On Friday 19 January, the Council of Ministers approved, at first reading, a bill by David Clarinval amending the law of 8 November 1993 protecting the title of psychologist.
The bill aims to modernise the operation of the Psychologists' Commission so that it can optimally fulfil the various legal missions entrusted to it. The commission now has more than 16,500 members and exercises disciplinary powers. Its main mission is to ensure compliance with the conditions set by law for the use of the title of psychologist, and it keeps the official list of professionals authorised to use the title.
Thanks to this text, a clearer distinction is now made between:
1. the different bodies that make up the Psychologists' Commission;
2. their respective missions;
3. their organisation, composition and operation.
This increases transparency regarding the operation of these various bodies and responds to requests from both the Psychologists' Commission and the sector's professional federations.
David Clarinval, Minister for the Self-Employed: “After the creation of the Order of Chartered Surveyors in 2022, today I am modernising the Psychologists' Commission. The work to improve and modernise the framework for our liberal professions continues. The text I presented today to the Council of Ministers will allow the Commission to evolve with the times and strengthen the transparency and efficiency of its operation. This is good news, and I welcome it.”
Four bodies within the Psychologists' Commission
Following the adoption of the bill, the bodies of the Psychologists' Commission will be as follows:
- the Assembly of Representatives;
- the Bureau;
- the Disciplinary Council;
- the Appeal Council.
Electronic elections
The Psychologists' Commission intends to organise electronic elections. In order to comply with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation, the current law is being supplemented accordingly.
The bill has been sent to the Council of State for its opinion. At the same time, the Minister of Public Health is requesting the opinions of the FPS Public Health and the NIHDI.