Legal, professional, and financial constraints on psychologists' delivery of health care services in school settings

Psychologists' participation in the delivery of health care services in schools will be determined in part by a number of legal, professional and financial constraints. Legal parameters include both current and proposed federal and state legislation related to education and health care as well as licensing and credentialing issues (e.g., definition of health care provider) and legal and ethical complications arising from service integration across disciplines. Recognition of psychologists as health care providers in schools is also likely to be affected by credentials and standards for practice issued by various government agencies or professional associations and by the funding mechanisms established to support a reformed American health care system. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate exploration of practical solutions for the obstacles and innovative responses to the opportunities presented for psychologists' participation in the delivery of health care services in schools.