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Legislative Frequently Asked Questions
What is PSYPACT?
PSYPACT is an interstate compact designed to allow licensed psychologists to practice of telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries legally and ethically without necessitating that an individual become licensed in every state to practice. 
Why is PSYPACT important to consumers?
Through PSYPACT, consumers will have greater access to care. PSYPACT will allow licensed psychologists to provide continuity of care as clients/patients relocate. Psychologists will also be able to reach populations that are currently underserved, geographically isolated or lack specialty care. Additionally, states will have an external mechanism that accounts for all psychologists who may enter their state to practice telepsychology or conduct temporary in-person, face-to-face practice, thus indicating psychologists have met defined standards and competencies to practice in other states. PSYPACT will also help states ensure the public will be better protected from harm. 
When did PSYPACT become operational?
PSYPACT became operational when at least seven (7) states enacted PSYPACT legislation (by April 2019) and entered into the compact. As of July 1, 2020, applications to practice under PSYPACT are now open. 
What happens now that PSYPACT has become operational?
PSYPACT has become operational as seven states have enacted PSYPACT legislation. Next, the PSYPACT Commission has been established. The Commission is the governing body of PSYPACT and is responsible for its oversight and the creation of its Rules and Bylaws. The Rules and Bylaws have been finalized and applications to practice under PSYPACT are now open (as of July 1, 2020). Psychologists licensed in PSYPACT states can then apply to practice telepsychology and/or temporary in-person, face-to-face practice under the compact. Click HERE to start your application to practice telepsychology under PSYPACT, and click HERE to start your application to practice temporarily under PSYPACT. 
As a licensed psychologist, how do I utilize PSYPACT?
As PSYPACT has become fully operational, psychologists licensed in PSYPACT states can apply for the Authorization to Practice Telepsychology (APIT) and Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP), which are required to practice telepsychology and/or temporary in-person, face-to-face practice in PSYPACT states through the following steps:

To practice telepsychology:

  • In order to practice telepsychology in PSYPACT states, licensed psychologists (who are licensed in PSYPACT states only) can apply to the PSYPACT Commission for their Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT).
  • One required component of this APIT granted from the PSYPACT Commission is that psychologists must obtain an E.Passport Certificate from ASPPB.

To conduct temporary in-person, face-to-face practice:

  • In order to conduct temporary practice in PSYPACT states, licensed psychologists (who are licensed in PSYPACT states only) can apply to the PSYPACT Commission for their Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP).
  • One required component of this TAP granted from the PSYPACT Commission is that psychologists must obtain an Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC) from ASPPB.
Why isn't a separate license required in every PSYPACT to practice telepsychology or to conduct temporary in-person, face-to-face practice?
PSYPACT was created to provide an accessible and manageable regulatory structure for the practice of telepsychology and temporary in-person, face-to-face practice. Advantages to consumers are increased access to care, an avenue for complaints and a greater degree of public protection. Psychologists also have a means to provide services into other states where they may not currently hold a license. PSYPACT requires that a psychologist be licensed in their Home State but allows a psychologist to practice telepsychology in a Receiving State or conduct temporary in-person, face-to-face practice in a Distant State. This allows the Home State to continue to regulate and also allows the Receiving States and Distant States to know who is practicing in their state and in what capacity without requiring psychologists to obtain and maintain a license in every PSYPACT state. 
How do rules of PSYPACT apply to state laws?
The rules of PSYPACT are only applicable to states that enact the PSYPACT. The rules of the PSYPACT would only supersede any state law pertaining to the interjurisdictional practice of telepsychology and temporary in-person, face-to-face practice. 
How does PSYPACT promote compliance with laws governing psychological practice in each PSYPACT state?
Licensing requirements vary state to state. As a means to promote compliance with laws as well as develop consistency in practice standards amongst states, the PSYPACT serves as mechanism in which states agree to accept psychologists that have met a defines level of standards who are practicing  in their state via telepsychology or temporary in-person, face-to-face practice.
I am a psychologist licensed in both the Home State and Receiving/Distant States. Why does PSYPACT not apply to me?
By already being licensed in the Home State and Receiving/Distant States, an individual has already established full rights to practice in these states, and therefore, PSYPACT is not applicable to these individuals. PSYPACT only applies to the interjurisdictional practice of telepsychology and/or temporary in-person, face-to-face practice. 
 
How can I learn more about PSYPACT?
Contact us at info@psypact.org! You can also sign up for our PSYPACT listserv to receive updates about the progress of the PSYPACT and stay informed about legislative changes or follow us on Twitter @PSYPACT.

 
LISTSERV SIGNUP
To receive updates about the progress of PSYPACT, please sign up for the PSYPACT Listserv HERE!
Practice Under PSYPACT
Interested in applying to practice telepsychology and/or conduct temporary practice under the authority of PSYPACT? Click HERE to learn more information. 
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