Let residents in psychologists’ care get vital treatment even when they’re not in Florida

Florida is home to many students, veterans and snowbirds who often leave the state for temporary periods of time. Those receiving treatment from a Florida psychologist lose the ability to continue care once they leave the state. However, there is a solution, and it is before the Florida Legislature this session.

In February 2015, the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Board of Directors approved the creation of a Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) to facilitate telehealth and temporary in-person, face-toface practice of psychology across state boundaries. The board created the compact to help increase access to mental-health services and to ensure, in our increasingly mobile society, that psychologists and their clients are able to maintain continuity of care despite being temporarily outside the state boundaries.

Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart. and House Bill 33, sponsored by Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland, authorize Florida to join 36 other states by becoming a member of PSYPACT.

Psychologists who practice under PSYPACT will be eligible to obtain an E.Passport Certificate for telepsychology, as well as an Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC) for temporary in-person, face-to-face practice.

Psychologists with an E.Passport not only are required to meet licensing standards, they also are required to be knowledgeable of the best-practice standards for electronic delivery of care. PSYPACT states will communicate and exchange information including verification of licensure and disciplinary sanctions. If a consumer complaint is filed against a psychologist, the Florida Board of Psychology will consider the complaint and take appropriate action.

There is a shortage of psychologists nationwide.

Joining PSYPACT not only will help fill this void, but also ensure those delivering telehealth services are abiding by the highest practice standards. PSYPACT would also:

Assist with continuity of care when a client relocates or travels.

Provide a mechanism for psychologists to practice electronically across state lines

Certify that psychologists meet acceptable standards of practice while also reducing regulatory burdens on the profession.

Promote cooperation and communication between compact states in areas of licensure and consumer complaints, while also offering consumers protection when psychological services are provided electronically across state lines

The Florida Legislature recognized the importance of telehealth practice by enacting legislation in 2019 that allowed outof-state psychologists to register to see patients in Florida via telehealth. But Florida psychologists are unable to follow their patients beyond state lines.

PSYPACT will create an equitable situation for Florida patients and is another important step in advancing the practice of telehealth and expanding access to care for Floridians.