Senate committee moves amended PSYPACT compact after questions on oversight and complaints
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Summary
An amended House Judiciary substitute for HB33 (PSYPACT), the psychology interstate compact, was amended and received a due-pass recommendation after debate about complaint handling, standards, and compact-manager approval for amendments; sponsors said reporting and data provisions are part of compact membership.
The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee amended and recommended House Bill 33, the psychology interstate compact known as PSYPACT, after sponsors and witnesses described the compact as a telehealth-focused licensure vehicle to expand access to psychologists across state lines.
Representatives and witnesses said the compact would increase telehealth options and workforce capacity in New Mexico; testimony cited behavioral-health shortages and the compact's membership (witnesses said 41 member states). The sponsor proposed an immunity-language amendment (similar to other compacts) and the committee adopted a public-health committee amendment. Witnesses recommended that any substantive changes be cleared with the compact commission to avoid jeopardizing New Mexico's ability to join.
Committee members questioned complaint, discipline and oversight mechanisms: witnesses said complaints about a psychologist practicing in another state would be communicated to the home-state licensing board and that compacts include provisions for reporting and adjudication; they also said changes to compact terms require approval from other member states. Members asked for data to justify workforce needs and for assurances that national standards would not undercut culturally specific New Mexico standards; the sponsor said the compact typically requires meeting national minimum qualifications and that reporting databases would produce future usage data.
After discussion and amendment adoption, the committee recorded an amended measure and issued a due-pass recommendation.
