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April 16, 2026 Rain | 60°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.1487 194th (Current)

An Act establishing the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1487) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to establish the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. Public Health.

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Bill Information

Presenter:
Cynthia Stone Creem
Status:
Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
By entering the Commonwealth into the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (the Compact), this bill would ensure continuity of care for Massachusetts residents while also increasing access to mental health services, especially in rural areas of the Commonwealth. Every other New England state and 39 states in total have already joined the Compact, and New York is currently considering legislation to do so. Currently, psychologists who want to practice in another state can only do so temporarily and under tight restrictions. In addition, every state has its own, complex rules and procedures for approving temporary licenses. As a result, delivery of care is often interrupted when Massachusetts residents spend time in another state. For example, both a high school student who goes to college in Maine and a retiree who spends the winter months in Arizona would have difficulty continuing to see their Massachusetts-based psychologists during the time they spend out of state. That is a real problem, because therapy is relationship based. A gap or transition in care can have serious consequences for patients’ health and well-being. If Massachusetts joined the Compact, psychologists based here would be able to obtain a credential allowing them to provide telehealth treatment in the other participating states on an ongoing, not temporary, basis. Although the standard for receiving such a credential is high, the administrative burden of applying for it is far lower than navigating the temporary license process in multiple states. The Compact also offers a separate credential allowing psychologists to provide limited in-person treatment in any of the participating states. This credential is intended for specialized practitioners who might be called on to testify in court or provide an assessment under unique circumstances.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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