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H 2528

An Act establishing the psychology interjurisdictional compact

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Shirley Arriaga and 5 co-sponsors

Allows Massachusetts to join a multi-state compact to recognize licenses and permit telepsychology and up to 30-day temporary cross-border practice while sharing licensure data for

Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2528

Summary: H.2528 — An Act Establishing the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact

Overview

H.2528 proposes creating the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Act in Massachusetts. The bill would authorize Massachusetts to enter into a multistate compact with other U.S. states to regulate and recognize psychology licensure across state lines, with a focus on telepsychology and temporary in-person practice. The Governor would be authorized to execute the compact on behalf of the Commonwealth, and the General Assembly would ratify it in advance. The bill is framed to enhance public access to psychological services while maintaining state regulatory control and accountability.

Purpose and intent

  • Increase public access to psychological services by allowing licensed psychologists to practice via telepsychology across state lines and to provide temporary in-person, face-to-face services in other compact states.
  • Strengthen states’ ability to protect public health and safety by enabling cross-state licensure information sharing and disciplinary oversight.
  • Promote cooperation among compact states in licensure and regulation and ensure consistency with each state’s laws governing psychological practice.
  • Establish mutual recognition of licenses among compact states and create mechanisms to hold psychologists accountable across jurisdictions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of CHAPTER 112B: Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Act, inserted after Chapter 112A.
  • Interstate compact framework: Massachusetts would participate in a formal compact with other states and recognize licensed psychologists from those states under agreed terms.
  • Telepsychology and temporary in-person practice:
    • Telepsychology across state lines would be facilitated, with a framework to regulate practice consistency and public safety.
    • Temporary in-person practice in a distant state would be allowed for up to 30 days within a calendar year, as authorized by the appropriate state authority.
    • The compact does not apply to permanent cross-border in-person practice; it targets temporary interstate activity and telepsychology.
  • Recognition of licenses: The compact provides for mutual recognition of licenses among compact states, subject to each state's licensing and disciplinary regimes.
  • Data sharing and accountability: Provision for exchange of licensure information, adverse actions, and disciplinary histories across compact states via a coordinated licensure information system.
  • Definitions and governance: The bill defines numerous terms essential to the compact’s operation (e.g., “home state,” “distant state,” “authorized practice,” “adverse action,” “ASPPB,” “E-Passport,” “compact state,” “coordinated licensure information system,” etc.). A commission and bylaws would govern the compact’s operations.

Who would be affected

  • Psychologists licensed in Massachusetts and those licensed in other compact states who seek to practice telepsychology or temporary in-person services in Massachusetts or other member states.
  • Massachusetts psychology licensing authorities and boards, which would participate in the interstate compact framework and share licensure and disciplinary information.
  • Clients/patients receiving telepsychology or temporary cross-border services, who would be protected by cross-state regulatory oversight.
  • Professional organizations (e.g., ASPPB) involved in interjurisdictional practice infrastructure and standardization efforts (e.g., E-Passport).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative action: Referred to Public Health (Feb. 27, 2025); later reported favorably by committee and referred to the Health Care Financing committee (October 27, 2025).
  • Hearings: Scheduled for July 14, 2025, with teleconference and in-person options; hearing rescheduled to accommodate scheduling changes.
  • Related bill: HD 530 is listed as a related bill that would replace or supersede this measure.

Notes

  • The bill reflects Massachusetts’ intent to participate in a nationwide psychology interjurisdictional framework while preserving home-state regulatory authority and protections for the public.
  • The compact emphasizes telepsychology, cross-state collaboration, and standardized information sharing to facilitate accountability and access.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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