Q. Does PSYPACT have any impact on rate setting?
No, PSYPACT is about licensing and has nothing do to with rate setting. Regarding questions about insurance reimbursement for telehealth, the patient will contact the insurance company to discuss coverage from an out-of-state provider.
Q. What are the channels for public input for rulemaking?
Any rule proposed by the PSYPACT rule committee goes out for public comment for 60 days. The rule committee meets once a year to review proposed changes. All PSYPACT commission, rule committee and executive committee meetings are open to the public. Maine Psychological Association will also ensure that members are informed of proposed rules and have opportunities to comment.
Q. PSYPACT requires compact states to share information about any psychologist under investigation, but Maine law requires information remain confidential while a psychologist is under investigation. How is this resolved?
This PSYPACT rule was written to ensure a psychologist under investigation does not move to another state during the investigation. PSYPACT would only require Maine to share the name of the psychologist under investigation for the purpose as described above. This information is not accessible by the general public and does not interfere with a psychologist’s ability to practice.
Q. Who leads the investigation of a psychologist?
The Home State where the psychologist is licensed leads the investigation. Any disciplinary action can come from either or both states. The receiving state where a patient is located can issue a Cease and Desist to prevent a psychologist from practicing at any time.
Q. What are the logistics of issuing out-of-state subpoenas?
They are issued in the same manner as any state would today.
Q. Who determines and enforces scope-of-practice?
The state where the patient is residing and receiving services determines the scope-of-practice, which is defined as all practices allowed in your state. All psychologists who are part of PSYPACT must sign that they will abide by the receiving state’s statues and regulations, including informed consent.
Q. Can other jurisdictions outside the US join PSYPACT? Can immigrants who are licensed in another state join PSYPACT?
PSYPACT is a US compact only and does not include Canada. If an immigrant is licensed in a state, there are additional mechanisms available to assist them with applying to PSYPACT. PSYPACT does not preclude Maine from licensing individuals in any manner.
Q. How does PSYPACT address out-of-state providers engaging in unethical practices, such as conversion therapy?
This would be addressed in the same way it would be for psychologists practicing in Maine. That is, a complaint would be made to the licensing board in the home state and move through the review channels, and PSYPACT would be notified as per their rules.