Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Licensure Compacts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves psychology and medical licensure compacts to ease cross‑state practice
Summary
The committee recommended due‑pass for a psychology licensure compact (PSYPACT) and the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, with supporters saying compacts would expand telehealth and ease workforce shortages.
The House Health & Human Services Committee on Feb. 14 voted to advance multiple interstate licensure compacts, including the psychology compact (commonly known as PSYPACT) and the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), after brief testimony urging the measures as workforce solutions.
Supporters’ case: Representatives sponsoring the bills and multiple stakeholders — including the New Mexico Psychological Association, New Mexico Hospital Association, chambers of commerce, AARP New Mexico, and local governments — told the committee compacts reduce administrative barriers for licensed professionals practicing across state lines, expand telehealth access (particularly in rural areas), and complement broader workforce investments. A medical‑student witness described difficulties obtaining telehealth second opinions from out‑of‑state specialists while New Mexico lacked IMLC membership.
Concerns and safeguards: Representative Sena Cortez asked sponsors to consider protective language ensuring compacts do not undermine state protections for reproductive or gender‑affirming care; sponsors acknowledged other states had faced litigation over compact provisions and said they would examine protective language to preserve state policy priorities.
Committee action: The committee adopted due‑pass recommendations on the psychology compact (HB 242) and the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (HB 243). Several local governments and organizations filed resolutions or testimony in support, and the committee moved both bills without recorded opposition at the hearing.
