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SB 1552

RELATING TO THE PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dru Kanuha

SB 1552 would allow Hawaii to join an interstate compact enabling licensed psychologists to practice across member states without obtaining separate state licenses.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#adoption #dcca #psychologyinterjurisdictionalcompact(psypact) #rules
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Bill Summary · SB 1552

Legislative bill overview

SB 1552 would enable Hawaii to enter the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PIC), an interstate agreement that allows licensed psychologists to practice across state lines through a streamlined authorization process. The compact establishes mutual recognition of psychology licenses among participating states while maintaining individual state regulatory authority over discipline and ethical standards.

Why is this important

This compact addresses workforce mobility and access to mental health services by allowing psychologists licensed in one participating state to provide services in another without obtaining separate licensure. For Hawaii specifically, this could expand mental health care capacity on the islands and improve access for rural or underserved communities, while also creating opportunities for Hawaii-licensed psychologists to practice in other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory consistency concerns: Critics may worry that mutual recognition could dilute Hawaii's specific licensing standards or create accountability gaps if a psychologist licensed elsewhere operates under different ethical frameworks
  • Consumer protection questions: Some may question whether the compact's oversight mechanisms adequately protect Hawaii consumers or if disputes would be harder to resolve across state lines
  • Professional competition: Local psychologists might express concerns about increased competition from out-of-state practitioners, potentially affecting fees or market conditions in Hawaii's mental health sector

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

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