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Minutes for HB2209 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Enacting the psychology interjurisdictional compact to provide for interjurisdictional authorization to practice telepsychology and temporary in-person, face-to-face psychology.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 11, 2021
Scott Abbott, Revisor, provided an overview of the HB2209 to the committee.
Whitney Damron provided testimony on behalf of the Kansas Psychology Association in support of HB2209 which would allow the State of Kansas through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) oversight to become a part of Psychological Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing telepsychology and limited in-person, face-to-face psychology. Mr. Damron informed the committee that PSYPACT has nothing to do with insurance or reimbursement of services. The legislation allows Kansas doctoral-level psychologists to engage in practice in other compact states through a uniform regulatory process administered by PSYPACT. A list of other compacts the state has adopted through legislative authority was provided. 15 states have adopted the PSYPACT Model Legislation including the four states that surround Kansas, with several more states considering the legislation in 2021 (Attachment 1).
Milfred "Bud" Dale, PhD, provided his personal history with PsyPact. In his private practice, videoconferencing has allowed him to continue providing services when face-to-face contact during Covid-19 were not safe. Because of the pandemic, more stress has been put on children and families due to fears of infection and death from the virus.Telepsychology will last and extend past the crisis. Many patients, but not all, prefer telepsychology over face-to-face meetings. PSYPACT expands the opportunities for Kansas psychologists. PSYPACT can facilitate interjurisdictional practice for both providers located near state lines and those located throughout the state (Attachment 2).
Janet Orwig, Executive Director for PSYPACT, provided background information on PSYPACT. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) is dedicated to make psychology regulations efficient, effective and focused on best practices in the field of credentialing and regulation. ASPPB created PsyPact allowing for the interstate practice of telehealth, as well as, the ability to practice for a limited period of time while physically located in a PSYPACT participating state. Ms. Orwig continued to state that as people understand more about mental health issues, more people will seek the services of psychologists. Unfortunately, psychologists are not always available in under-served areas. Telehealth makes these services more available. PSYPACT provides protection to the public by certifying that psychologists have met acceptable standards of practice. It also provides a mechanism for disciplinary action across state lines. Though it collaborative efforts PSYPACT provides a means for providers to legitimately practice, as well as, a mechanism to provide oversight. Ms. Orwig attached to her testimony supporting information for the committee to review (Attachment 3).
The conferees responded to questions from the committee.
Written only testimony provided by:
Bruce Nystrom, PhD, Past President, Kansas Psychology Association (Attachment 4)
