The bill establishes the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, which enables licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person psychological services across state lines. This compact is designed to improve public access to psychological services while ensuring public health and safety through state regulation. Key provisions include the recognition of a psychologist's authority to practice telepsychology in receiving states, contingent upon meeting specific qualifications such as holding a current license and an active E.Passport. Additionally, psychologists are permitted to practice temporarily in distant states for up to thirty days within a calendar year, with clear responsibilities outlined for both home and receiving states regarding the regulation and accountability of psychologists.
The compact also empowers a commission to oversee its implementation, including the authority to issue subpoenas, conduct investigations, and enforce compliance with the compact's rules. The commission will consist of representatives from each compact state and will manage a coordinated licensure information system to maintain records of licensure and disciplinary actions. The bill details the commission's powers, including budget management, committee appointments, and cooperation with law enforcement, while also establishing a rulemaking process that allows for public participation and addresses potential defaults by member states. The compact will take effect once enacted by seven states, with any amendments requiring approval from all member states, ensuring the integrity of state psychology licensure regulations is maintained.