BILL NUMBER: S7136
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to adopting the psychol-
ogy interjurisdictional compact
 
PURPOSE::
This bill adopts the psychology interjurisdictional compact to expand
access to New York patients, while ensuring that patient safeguards
remain intact.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::
Section 1: Amends the education law by adding a new section 7608,
regarding the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. The psychology
interjurisdictional compact is hereby enacted into law and entered into
with all compact jurisdictions. The articles are as follows:
Article I: Contains the purposes of the bill.
Article II: Provides definitions.
Article II: Explains the home state licensure requirements.
Article IV: Details practice telepsychology.
Article V: Establishes temporary authorization to practice.
Article VI: Highlights the conditions of telepsychology practice in a
receiving state.
Article VII: Contains professional discipline parameters.
Article VIII: Contains additional authorities vested in Compact State.
Article IX: Establishes a coordinated licensure information system.
Article X: Establishes the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact
Commission.
Article XI: Provides for Rulemaking.
Article XII: Provides for oversight, dispute resolution and enforcement.
Article XIII: Provides the date of implementation.
Article XIV: Provides a severability clause.
Section 2: Sets effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The increasing awareness of mental health needs within our communities-
further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic-has led to a growing demand
for psychological services. Expanding access to these essential services
will not only support individuals in crisis but will also benefit their
families and strengthen our state as a whole.
The Interstate Psychological Compact seeks to enhance access to mental
health care by permitting certain out-of-state providers to offer
services to New York patients. Additionally, it will improve patient
outcomes by enabling compact states to share critical information.
Allowing telepsychological practice across state lines, as well as
temporary in-person, face-to-face services, is a necessary and logical
step in today's digital landscape.
Telehealth has become an integral component of medical care, addressing
gaps in healthcare access across the state. This legislation will ensure
that individuals with specialized mental health needs can receive the
appropriate treatment, even when their provider is located outside New
York. Furthermore, facilitating the exchange of information between
compact states regarding psychologist licensure, disciplinary history,
and adverse actions will enhance professional oversight and promote
public confidence in the field.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
Senate
New Bill.
Assembly
2024: A6744, Referred to Higher Education
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such effective date.