Committee recommends 'do not pass' on interstate compact for school psychologists (SB 2341)

Senators and representatives on the Industry, Business and Labor Committee voted to recommend a "do not pass" on Senate Bill 2,341, the interstate compact for school psychologists, following a lengthy discussion about licensure portability, telehealth and parental notification.

Senator Axman, sponsor of SB 2341, told the committee that joining the compact as one of the first seven states gives North Dakota a seat at rule-making tables and would increase visibility for out-of-state psychologists offering telehealth to North Dakota students. "Being 1 of the first 7 comes with great benefits for an early adopter," Axman said, adding that historical patterns show fees for compacts are often "nothing or incredibly minimal." She said the compact is opt-in for licensees and that current North Dakota licensees could decline a compact credential and keep their state license.

The bill’s supporters said the compact could expand access in small districts that contract for psychology services and make…