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Senate concurs in psychology compact to enable interstate telepsychology; supporters cite continuity of care
Summary
The Senate concurred in House Bill 241, adopting the psychology interjurisdictional compact to permit licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology across member states; proponents argued it improves continuity of care while opponents voiced concerns about interstate compacts and local standards.
The Montana Senate on March 28 concurred in House Bill 241, legislation to adopt the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), a multistate agreement that allows licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology services to residents of other compact states and to practice temporarily in-person in a receiving state.
Senator Novak, the carrier, said the compact "facilitates the practice of psychology using telecommunication technology" and noted 42 other states had enacted the compact. Novak said the compact helps maintain continuity of care for patients who move across state lines and expands access to specialty providers for rural Montana communities.
During floor debate Senator Emmerich asked whether providers practicing under the compact would remain subject to Montana’s mandatory reporting obligations; Novak answered yes, saying those psychologists would be licensed in Montana and subject to Montana’s mandated-reporter rules and other licensure requirements.
Opponents raised constitutional and policy concerns about interstate compacts and voiced a preference for Montana-specific regulation, but proponents said the compact preserves state regulatory authority and includes consumer protections. The clerk recorded 46 senators voting aye and 4 senators voting nay; the Senate concurred in House Bill 241 on second reading.
Why it matters: The compact aims to expand access to licensed mental-health care by removing licensing barriers across member states for telepsychology while maintaining state oversight of licensees. Supporters emphasized potential benefits for rural Montanans who lose access to a therapist when they move.
Next steps: With Senate concurrence complete, the measure returns to the House if amendments were made or will proceed toward final enactment if both chambers agree on identical language.
