{"id":39809,"date":"2026-07-20T16:58:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T16:58:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/?page_id=39809"},"modified":"2026-07-20T19:41:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T19:41:12","slug":"pennsylvania-state-board-of-psychology-complaints-what-every-psychologist-should-know","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/pennsylvania-state-board-of-psychology-complaints-what-every-psychologist-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology complaints: what every psychologist should know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"39809\" class=\"elementor elementor-39809\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8194e70 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8194e70\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc5f40b elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"fc5f40b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n<!-- Healthcare Ethics Courses \u2014 US Knowledge & Support \u2014 Florida Doctors article. 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href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/\">Home<\/a><span>\/<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/knowledge-support\/\">Knowledge &amp; Support<\/a><span>\/<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/knowledge-support\/\">Pennsylvania Psychologists<\/a><\/p>\r\n    <p class=\"eyebrow\">Pennsylvania &middot; State Psychology Boards<\/p>\r\n    <h1>Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology complaints: what every psychologist should know<\/h1>\r\n    <p class=\"meta\">6 min read &middot; Updated July 2026<\/p>\r\n\r\n    <p class=\"lead\">A complaint to the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology can feel like a judgment on your career, but it is the start of a defined, rules-based process \u2014 and most complaints never result in discipline. This guide explains who regulates psychologists in Pennsylvania, who can complain, the conduct that draws scrutiny, the confidentiality protections that apply, and what happens at each stage, so you can respond from an informed position.<\/p>\r\n\r\n    <aside class=\"takeaways\">\r\n      <h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\r\n      <ul>\r\n      <li>Psychologists are regulated by the State Board of Psychology within the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA).<\/li>\r\n      <li>Complaints are investigated by the Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI); the Board adjudicates and imposes discipline.<\/li>\r\n      <li>The governing law is the Professional Psychologists Practice Act (63 P.S. \u00a7\u00a71201\u20131218) and 49 Pa. Code Chapter 41, including the Code of Ethics.<\/li>\r\n      <li>The Board decides on a preponderance of the evidence \u2014 there is no presumption of innocence \u2014 and anything you say can be used against you.<\/li>\r\n      <li>Penalties range from a public reprimand to revocation, with civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation plus investigation costs.<\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n    <\/aside>\r\n\r\n    <h2>Who regulates psychologist complaints in Pennsylvania?<\/h2>\r\n    <p>In Pennsylvania, psychologists are licensed and disciplined by the <strong>State Board of Psychology<\/strong>, which sits within the Department of State's <strong>Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA)<\/strong>. Complaints are investigated by the BPOA's <strong>Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI)<\/strong>, and prosecuted by a Commonwealth attorney before the Board, which acts as the adjudicating body.<\/p>\r\n    <p>The framework is set by the <strong>Professional Psychologists Practice Act<\/strong> (63 P.S. \u00a7\u00a71201\u20131218) and the Board's regulations at <strong>49 Pa. Code Chapter 41<\/strong>. Chapter 41 includes the <strong>Code of Ethics<\/strong> (\u00a741.61), which adopts the American Psychological Association's ethical principles \u2014 so an ethics breach can itself be a basis for discipline.<\/p>\r\n    <h2>Who can file a complaint against a Pennsylvania psychologist?<\/h2>\r\n    <p>Almost anyone. Clients and their families are the most common source, but complaints also come from colleagues, employers, other agencies, and courts. Complaints can be filed with the Department of State, and the Board will act on any that raise a potential violation of the Act or its regulations.<\/p>\r\n    <p>Many cases also begin from mandatory sources rather than client complaints \u2014 malpractice actions, criminal charges, or disciplinary action taken against the psychologist in another state (which licensees must self-report). This is one reason careful <a href='https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/documentation-for-healthcare-professionals\/'>records<\/a> and clear professional practice matter long before any complaint arrives.<\/p>\r\n    <h2>What conduct can lead to a complaint?<\/h2>\r\n    <p>Section 8 of the Act and Chapter 41 set out the grounds. The most common in psychology are <strong>boundary violations and dual relationships<\/strong>, <strong>sexual misconduct<\/strong> (the rules expressly restrict treating former sexual partners as clients), <strong>breaches of confidentiality<\/strong>, failure to obtain informed <a href='https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/privacy-consent-and-chaperone-in-healthcare-practice\/'>consent<\/a>, practising outside one's area of <a href='https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/ensuring-clinical-competence-and-patient-safety\/'>competence<\/a>, inadequate <a href='https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/documentation-for-healthcare-professionals\/'>recordkeeping<\/a>, and impairment affecting practice.<\/p>\r\n    <p>Fraud, criminal convictions, and violations of the Code of Ethics (\u00a741.61) are also grounds. Because the Board applies a <strong>preponderance of the evidence<\/strong> standard, a case can proceed on considerably less than the criminal threshold \u2014 which is why every complaint deserves a careful response.<\/p>\r\n    <h2>What happens after a complaint is filed?<\/h2>\r\n    <p>Once the BPOA has reviewed the complaint, a <strong>BEI investigator<\/strong> is assigned. The investigator interviews the complainant and any witnesses, requests documents, and conducts other fact-finding. You may be <strong>asked to respond in writing<\/strong> to the allegation \u2014 a response that can end the matter, but that can equally be used against you, so it should be prepared with counsel.<\/p>\r\n    <p>The findings go to a prosecuting attorney. The Board will <strong>reject a complaint that is not supported<\/strong> by the investigation. Where the evidence is sufficient, the Board may seek to negotiate a <a href='https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/dealing-with-a-complaint-or-investigation-professionally\/'>consent agreement<\/a> in lieu of a hearing, or issue an Order to Show Cause that moves the case toward a formal hearing.<\/p>\r\n    <h2>Are complaints against Pennsylvania psychologists confidential?<\/h2>\r\n    <p>Largely, yes \u2014 while the matter is under investigation. Complaints and investigative files are generally treated as confidential and non-public unless and until <strong>formal disciplinary action<\/strong> is taken. Client records receive additional protection: the Board's subpoena power does not extend to <strong>patient records without the patient's consent or a court order<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n    <p>The position changes if discipline results. <strong>Final disciplinary orders are public<\/strong>, appearing in the Board's disciplinary actions and on the license verification system. Cases that are dismissed or closed without action do not become public.<\/p>\r\n    <h2>What penalties can the Board impose?<\/h2>\r\n    <p>The Board's powers under the Act include a <strong>public reprimand<\/strong>, <strong>civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation<\/strong>, <strong>probation<\/strong>, <strong>suspension<\/strong>, and <strong>revocation<\/strong> of the license, together with recovery of the <strong>costs of investigation<\/strong>. It can also restore or reinstate a license subject to conditions, or impose other corrective measures.<\/p>\r\n    <p>Most complaints resolve well short of revocation. Many are dismissed, and of those that proceed, a large share are settled by consent agreement with a lesser sanction \u2014 particularly where the psychologist responds professionally and shows <a href='https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/insight-for-fitness-to-practice\/'>insight<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n    <h2>What should you do if you receive a complaint?<\/h2>\r\n    <p>Take it seriously from the outset. Note any deadline in the notice, and do not contact the person you believe complained. Do not alter or add to your records \u2014 changes are readily detected and convert a defensible case into a serious one. Notify your malpractice carrier, as many policies fund license-defense counsel, and retain an attorney experienced in Pennsylvania Board matters before you write anything.<\/p>\r\n    <p>Beyond the immediate response, the psychologists who fare best can show <a href='https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/insight-for-fitness-to-practice\/'>insight<\/a> and, where appropriate, <a href='https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/remediation-for-fitness-to-practise\/'>remediation<\/a> \u2014 evidence that they have reflected on the issue and taken concrete steps to prevent recurrence. Building that record early consistently strengthens your position.<\/p>\r\n\r\n    <section class=\"courses\">\r\n      <h2>Related courses<\/h2>\r\n      <p class=\"note\">These are ethics and professional-development courses that help build the insight and mitigation record the Board considers. They are not accredited CE and are not a substitute for Pennsylvania's mandatory continuing education for psychologists; confirm how any completion is recognized.<\/p>\r\n      <div class=\"cgrid\">\r\n      <a class=\"ccard\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/dealing-with-a-complaint-or-investigation-professionally\/\"><span class=\"ct\">Dealing with a Complaint or Investigation Professionally<\/span><span class=\"cd\">How to conduct yourself through a regulatory complaint or investigation.<\/span><\/a>\r\n      <a class=\"ccard\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/ethics-and-ethical-standards-for-psychologists\/\"><span class=\"ct\">Ethics and Ethical Standards for Psychologists<\/span><span class=\"cd\">Foundational ethics grounded in the conduct expected of psychologists.<\/span><\/a>\r\n      <a class=\"ccard\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/professional-boundaries-course\/\"><span class=\"ct\">Professional Boundaries<\/span><span class=\"cd\">Maintaining appropriate boundaries and avoiding dual relationships.<\/span><\/a>\r\n      <a class=\"ccard\" href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/courses\/insight-for-fitness-to-practice\/\"><span class=\"ct\">Insight for Fitness to Practice<\/span><span class=\"cd\">Demonstrating the insight the Board looks for when it weighs mitigation.<\/span><\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <section class=\"siblings\">\r\n      <h2>More Pennsylvania psychologist guides<\/h2>\r\n      <ul>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/inside-a-pennsylvania-state-board-of-psychology-investigation-from-notice-to-outcome\/\">Inside a Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology investigation: from notice to outcome<\/a><\/li>\r\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/how-to-respond-to-a-pennsylvania-state-board-of-psychology-complaint\/\">How to respond to a Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology complaint<\/a><\/li>\r\n      <\/ul>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <section class=\"faq\">\r\n      <h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\r\n      <details><summary>Who investigates complaints against psychologists in Pennsylvania?<\/summary><div class=\"fa\">The Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI), within the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, investigates. The State Board of Psychology adjudicates and imposes any discipline.<\/div><\/details>\r\n      <details><summary>Who can file a complaint against a psychologist?<\/summary><div class=\"fa\">Anyone can \u2014 clients, family members, colleagues, employers, or agencies \u2014 by filing with the Department of State. Many cases also begin from mandatory reports such as malpractice actions, criminal charges, or out-of-state discipline.<\/div><\/details>\r\n      <details><summary>Are Pennsylvania psychology complaints public?<\/summary><div class=\"fa\">Generally no while under investigation \u2014 complaints and investigative files are confidential unless formal disciplinary action is taken. Final disciplinary orders are public; cases dismissed or closed without action are not.<\/div><\/details>\r\n      <details><summary>What standard of proof does the Board use?<\/summary><div class=\"fa\">The Board decides on a preponderance of the evidence \u2014 more likely than not. There is no presumption of innocence, and statements you make, including in response to the complaint, can be used against you.<\/div><\/details>\r\n      <details><summary>What penalties can the Board impose?<\/summary><div class=\"fa\">A public reprimand, civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, probation, suspension, or revocation, plus recovery of investigation costs. The Board can also attach conditions such as remediation.<\/div><\/details>\r\n      <details><summary>Do I need a lawyer if a complaint is filed?<\/summary><div class=\"fa\">It is strongly advised. Your written response can end the matter or be used against you, and the Board applies a lower standard of proof than a criminal court. Many malpractice policies fund license-defense counsel.<\/div><\/details>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <p class=\"disclaimer\">This article is general information for psychologists, not legal advice. Regulatory processes change and every case turns on its own facts \u2014 confirm current requirements with the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology, the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, and your own attorney before acting.<\/p>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@graph\": [\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Article\",\r\n      \"headline\": \"Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology complaints: what every psychologist should know\",\r\n      \"description\": \"How the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology and BPOA handle complaints against psychologists: who can file, the grounds, confidentiality, and penalties.\",\r\n      \"articleSection\": \"Knowledge & Support\",\r\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\",\r\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/knowledge-support\/psychologists\/pennsylvania\/complaints\/\",\r\n      \"datePublished\": \"2026-07-07\",\r\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-07-07\",\r\n      \"author\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Person\",\r\n        \"name\": \"Dr Shehzad Iqbal\"\r\n      },\r\n      \"publisher\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Organization\",\r\n        \"name\": \"Healthcare Ethics Courses\",\r\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/\"\r\n      },\r\n      \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\r\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/knowledge-support\/psychologists\/pennsylvania\/complaints\/\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\r\n      \"itemListElement\": [\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\r\n          \"position\": 1,\r\n          \"name\": \"Home\",\r\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/\"\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\r\n          \"position\": 2,\r\n          \"name\": \"Knowledge & Support\",\r\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/knowledge-support\/\"\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\r\n          \"position\": 3,\r\n          \"name\": \"Pennsylvania Psychologists\",\r\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/knowledge-support\/\"\r\n        },\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"ListItem\",\r\n          \"position\": 4,\r\n          \"name\": \"Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology complaints: what every psychologist should know\",\r\n          \"item\": \"https:\/\/healthcareethicscourses.com\/us\/knowledge-support\/psychologists\/pennsylvania\/complaints\/\"\r\n        }\r\n      ]\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n      \"mainEntity\": [\r\n        {\r\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n          \"name\": \"Who investigates complaints against psychologists in Pennsylvania?\",\r\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n            \"text\": \"The Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI), within the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, investigates. 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