Parliament has approved legislation to update the regulation of psychologists.

The Psychological Practitioners Amendment Act 2018 replaces 20-year-old legislation governing the profession.

Anyone not registered in Bermuda will now be prohibited from practising as a psychologist. Practitioners also have to get indemnity insurance against claims of negligence and malpractice.

The updates were made in consultation with the Bermuda Psychologists Registration Council, which will become the Bermuda Psychologists Council.

Jeanne Atherden, the Leader of the Opposition, and shadow health minister Susan Jackson backed the legislation.

Tinée Furbert of the Progressive Labour Party said the updates were “succinct as regards psychology”.