MA S1487

Massachusetts would join the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing licensed psychologists from member states to practice telepsychology across state lines and provide temporary in-person services for up to 30 days per calendar year in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.

Psychologists must hold an active E.Passport (for telepsychology) or Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (for temporary in-person practice), possess a graduate degree from an accredited psychology program, maintain an unrestricted license in their home state, and have no disqualifying adverse actions or criminal history.

The compact creates the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission, a joint public agency with one voting representative per member state, responsible for administering the compact, promulgating rules, and maintaining a coordinated database of licensure and disciplinary information.

Home states retain authority over psychologist licenses, while receiving/distant states may take adverse action against a psychologist's authority to practice within their borders and must comply with that state's scope of practice laws.

The executive director of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists would serve as the compact administrator, and the board may promulgate regulations, recover investigation costs, and take disciplinary action against psychologists practicing under compact authority.