Complaints and Requests for Inquiry
The Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (OSBEP) protects the public by regulating the practice of psychology and applied behavior analysis in Oklahoma.
If you believe someone has violated the laws, rules, or professional standards governing these professions, you may submit a Request for Inquiry (RFI). This is the Board’s process for receiving and reviewing complaints.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Submitting a Request for Inquiry does not provide emergency assistance.
What concerns can I report?
You may submit concerns involving:
Psychologists practicing in Oklahoma.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) practicing in Oklahoma.
Individuals who may be practicing psychology or applied behavior analysis without the required Oklahoma license, certification, or other legal authority.
Concerns may involve professional conduct, ethical boundaries, competence, confidentiality, supervision, misrepresentation of qualifications, or other possible violations of applicable laws and rules.
If your concern involves a psychological technician or behavior technician, include the supervising psychologist’s or behavior analyst’s name, if known. The Board will review the information to determine whether the concern falls within its authority, including whether supervision concerns should be investigated or a referral to another organization is appropriate.
You do not need to identify a specific law or rule to report a concern. Describe what happened as clearly and accurately as possible. If you are unsure whether the Board is the appropriate agency, contact the Board office for guidance.
Who can submit a Request for Inquiry?
Anyone may report a concern, including a patient or client, parent, guardian, family member, caregiver, employer, professional colleague, or member of the public.
You do not have to be the person who received services. However, the Board may need additional information about your relationship to the patient or client and your authority to access or provide records.
How do I submit a Request for Inquiry?
1. Download and complete the Request for Inquiry form.
Provide the information requested on the form, including:
Your name and contact information.
The name of the person you are reporting and their practice or employer, if known.
The patient’s or client’s information, when applicable.
A factual description of what happened, including relevant dates, locations, and people involved.
Names and contact information for anyone who may have relevant information.
If you do not know someone’s license status or professional title, provide the information you have.
2. Attach supporting information.
Include relevant documents available to you, such as correspondence, reports, records, or other materials that help explain your concern. You may attach additional pages if needed. Keep a copy of everything you submit.
3. Sign the form before a notary public.
The completed form must be signed and notarized before submission. Missing information or an unsigned or unnotarized form may delay review.
4. Submit the completed form and attachments.
Email: boardstaff@psychology.ok.gov
Mail:
Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
421 NW 13th Street, Suite 180
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
The form identifies email as the method for correspondence about your request. Provide a current email address and notify the Board office if your contact information changes.
What happens after I submit my request?
Initial review
The Board reviews the information to determine whether the concern falls within its legal authority and whether additional information is needed. Depending on the circumstances, the matter may proceed to investigation, be considered for informal handling, or be referred to another appropriate agency.
Submitting a Request for Inquiry does not establish that a violation occurred or guarantee disciplinary action.
Investigation
When an investigation is opened, an investigator gathers relevant information. This may include reviewing documents and interviewing you, the professional involved, and other people with relevant information.
The professional has an opportunity to respond to the allegations. The investigator gathers facts and does not represent either side or provide opinions about the likely outcome.
You may be asked to provide additional documents, clarify your statement, or participate as a witness.
Review and recommendation
Investigative findings are reviewed through the Board’s complaint process. A Probable Cause Committee reviews the information and recommends how the matter should proceed. Its recommendation is advisory; the Board makes the decision.
When the committee’s recommendation is scheduled for presentation to the Board, you and the professional will receive advance written notice of the meeting’s date, time, and location.
This presentation is not a hearing for either person to argue the case or question the other person. Questions about the substance of the matter may be submitted in writing to the Attorney General’s representative after the meeting.
Board decision
Depending on the evidence and applicable law, the Board may:
Dismiss the matter.
Resolve it informally through education or other appropriate measures.
Consider an agreement addressing the concerns.
Begin formal disciplinary proceedings.
If formal proceedings are necessary, an administrative hearing may be held to consider evidence and testimony. You may be asked or subpoenaed to testify or provide documents. Any disciplinary action must be authorized by the laws governing the profession involved.
You will receive written notice of the final disposition and the reasons supporting it.
What if the person is practicing without a license?
You may use the same form to report suspected unauthorized practice. Include the person’s name, where they are providing services, how they describe their qualifications, and any relevant advertisements or communications.
Some activities are legally exempt from licensing requirements. The Board will consider those exceptions when reviewing the concern. Depending on its authority and the circumstances, the Board may investigate, coordinate with another agency, or refer the matter to the Attorney General’s Office.
How long does the process take?
The time needed varies with the complexity of the concerns, the availability of records and witnesses, and whether additional proceedings are necessary. Some matters require several months or longer.
Responding promptly to requests for information helps the review move forward. Direct questions about the status of your request to the Board office.
Will my complaint remain confidential?
Do not assume your identity or submission will remain confidential. The Board may provide your request and supporting information to the person you are reporting or their legal representative.
Records are handled according to applicable confidentiality laws and public records requirements. Certain investigative materials are protected from disclosure. If formal proceedings occur, relevant information may become part of the hearing record, subject to applicable legal protections.
What can the Board do for me?
The Board’s role is to protect the public and enforce professional licensing requirements. Its proceedings determine whether regulatory action is appropriate. The Board does not serve as your personal attorney or award compensation for damages.
A disappointing treatment result or disagreement does not, by itself, establish a violation. The Board considers the facts, available evidence, and applicable professional requirements.
Laws and procedures
The Board’s authority includes the Oklahoma Psychologists Licensing Act, 59 O.S. §§ 1351–1376, and 59 O.S. § 1928, governing Applied Behavior Analysis. Complaint investigation and hearing procedures are described in OAC 575:1-1-3 and 575:1-1-4.
Effective November 1, 2026, OSBEP assumes regulatory oversight of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA). On September 11, 2026, the Board adopted the same Request for Inquiry and investigative process for these professionals, subject to the laws applicable to their profession.
Questions?
Contact the Board office at (405) 522-1333 or boardstaff@psychology.ok.gov for assistance understanding the submission process.