Balancing Regulation and Autonomy: NCAHP Act and the Psychology Profession in India.

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act was recently passed in India to regulate and maintain standards in allied and healthcare professions. While the act has been welcomed by some professions, it has also raised concerns within the psychology community. One issue is the proposed switch from "mental health" to "behavioral health," which could create practical and procedural issues and conflict with existing legislation. There are also discrepancies between the act and international standards for the classification of occupations, which may hinder international mobility for professionals. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the structure of courses and training requirements, the lack of autonomy for the profession, and the representation of psychologists in regulatory bodies. Addressing these concerns is crucial for the growth and development of psychology in India. [Extracted from the article]