(a) As used in this section, “clerkship” means a program in which a candidate for a doctoral degree based on a program of studies whose content was primarily psychological at an educational institution approved in accordance with § 20-189, works as a psychological assessor or psychotherapist for between twelve and sixteen hours per week and during which the candidate was supervised by an agency-affiliated psychologist and at least one core faculty member of the doctoral degree program.

(b) On or before January 1, 2023, the Department of Public Health shall establish an incentive program to encourage doctoral degree candidates to serve at least one semester-long clerkship at a facility licensed or operated by the Department of Children and Families, or for any other state agency as deemed appropriate by the Commissioner of Children and Families. Any person who serves at least one semester-long clerkship at such facility may renew such person’s license issued under chapter 383 once every two years for the first four years such person is licensed under said chapter.