Introduction to the NAN 2001 Definition of a Clinical Neuropsychologist: NAN Policy and Planning Committee

Abstract

At the request of the membership, and at the direction of the President, Dr. Barbara Uzzell, and the Board of Directors (BoD), the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) Policy and Planning Committee has developed the following 2001 Definition of a Clinical Neuropsychologist, as part of NAN’s White Paper series on Professional Policy and Practice. The entire NAN membership has had an opportunity for input to this definition, and it has been clearly endorsed by our membership and the BoD. We believe that the 2001 NAN Definition incorporates the best aspects of the previous work on Definitions of a Clinical Neuropsychologist, if one keeps in mind that the intent is to provide information to managed care and third party payers regarding general neuropsychological practice and minimal educational, experiential, and licensure requirements. An inclusive, expanded, and updated definition referencing the 1989 and 1984 definition articles, published by Division 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology) of the American Psychological Association (APA) was considered necessary as an internal NAN reference document. This 2001 NAN Definition of a Clinical Neuropsychologist underwent three major Policy and Planning Committee revisions, one full membership review and one membership vote (81% endorsement out of 789 votes), and two NAN BoD comprehensive discussions, resulting in unanimous approval by a formal vote of the Board of Directors on May 5, 2001.