Vacancies for North Carolina public school psychologists could be more easily filled under legislation addressing state licenses that has cleared one chamber of the General Assembly.

The House voted unanimously Thursday for a bill that directs the State Board of Education to issue a state school psychologist’s license to someone who already is certified for the field by the National Association of School Psychologists. Currently an out-of-state school psychologist also must meet extensive North Carolina standards to practice in the public schools.

The bill now heading to the Senate is based on a recommendation by a House school safety study committee that met in recent weeks. State officials have said there are several dozen school psychologist vacancies in the state.