House panel advances PSYPACT compact to expand interstate telepsychology

The committee advanced House Bill 486, which would implement the psychology interstate compact (PSYPACT) to allow licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and temporary in‑person services across compact states. The sponsor, who identified herself as a licensed clinical psychologist, framed the bill as a mechanism to expand access during a severe statewide shortage of mental‑health providers.

Janet Urigg, identified in testimony as the compact's executive director, described PSYPACT's safeguards, disciplinary processes and usage data: she said more than 19,000 authorization holders practice telepsychology under PSYPACT and that some authorization holders provide services to rural areas.

The committee considered an amendment package (set 1734) clarifying fee authority for the Louisiana Board of Examiners of Psychologists and setting an effective date (one amendment set established an effective date of 01/01/2027). Members adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably with amendments.

Supporters said PSYPACT provides continuity of care, safeguards and a regulatory structure for cross‑jurisdictional telepsychology. There were no sustained objections in committee. The bill will move forward to the next legislative stage with the adopted clarifications.