Home/Knowledge & Support/Pennsylvania Psychologists

Pennsylvania · State Psychology Boards

Inside a Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology investigation: from notice to outcome

5 min read · Updated July 2026

Once the Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation opens a file, a defined sequence unfolds — from the investigator's fact-finding to the prosecuting attorney's review and, potentially, a consent agreement or formal hearing. Understanding that pathway removes much of the fear that comes with the unknown. Here is what happens, in order, from notice to outcome.

What triggers a Pennsylvania psychology investigation?

An investigation begins when the BPOA receives a complaint alleging a potential violation of the Act or its regulations, or when a mandatory report reaches the Department. Reportable sources include malpractice claims, criminal charges or convictions, and disciplinary action taken against the psychologist in another jurisdiction.

Because many cases start from reports rather than client complaints, psychologists are often surprised to be investigated over a matter they considered closed. The common thread in defensible cases is a clear, contemporaneous record made at the time of care.

What does the Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation do?

The BEI investigator is the person you will deal with directly. They interview the complainant and any witnesses, request documents, and conduct other fact-finding. Where the allegation concerns clinical judgement or ethics, the matter may be reviewed against the standards a reasonable psychologist would apply and the Board's Code of Ethics. You may also be asked to respond in writing to the allegation.

That written response is not a formality. It is weighed by the prosecuting attorney and can determine whether the case advances — so it should be prepared with counsel, addressing each allegation factually rather than defensively.

How long does a Pennsylvania psychology investigation take?

Pennsylvania does not publish a fixed statutory deadline for Board investigations. In practice, a straightforward matter may resolve in a few months, while cases that require expert review, involve multiple clients, or run alongside a criminal or malpractice action commonly take a year or more.

The absence of a hard deadline can be frustrating, but it also gives you time to prepare a considered response and to begin building a mitigation record while the investigation is still open.

How are your patient records protected?

This is an important protection for psychologists. Under the Act, the Board's subpoena power — which lets it compel witnesses and documents — does not extend to patient records without the client's consent or a court order. A court can only order production on a showing that the records are reasonably necessary, and may limit the scope to prevent unnecessary intrusion into confidential information.

That does not mean records are irrelevant — they often are central — but it does mean the process respects client confidentiality, and it is a point your counsel will manage carefully.

Can your license be suspended before a hearing?

In most cases, no — a psychologist continues to practise normally while an investigation proceeds. But where the Board determines that a licensee presents an immediate and clear danger to public health and safety, the Act allows the Board to temporarily suspend the license before a full hearing, with a prompt hearing to follow.

Temporary suspension is reserved for the most serious situations, such as credible allegations of sexual misconduct or impairment endangering clients. A psychologist served with one should obtain counsel immediately.

What should you do while under investigation?

Take any BEI contact seriously and note every deadline. Preserve your records exactly as they stand, do not contact the person you believe complained, and route all communication with the investigator through counsel. Remember that the Board decides on a preponderance of the evidence and that anything you say can be used against you.

Notify your malpractice carrier, retain experienced counsel before giving an interview or written response, and begin building a record of insight and remediation in parallel — it is far more persuasive assembled while the case is live than produced after a sanction is proposed.

How do investigations usually end?

Most investigations end without formal discipline. The Board rejects complaints that the investigation does not support, and many cases are dismissed at that stage. Of those that proceed, a large share are settled by a negotiated consent agreement rather than a contested hearing.

Whatever the route, the Board responds well to evidence of insight and remediation. A psychologist who has already reflected, undertaken relevant education, and adjusted their practice presents very differently from one who has not.

This article is general information for psychologists, not legal advice. Regulatory processes change and every case turns on its own facts — confirm current requirements with the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology, the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, and your own attorney before acting.