Aiming to expand mental health services, House passes bill to join interstate compact

Minnesota could join 15 other states as a member of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact.

Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Morrison (DFL-Deephaven), HF269/SF193* was amended to include the House language, then passed by the House 132-0 Thursday. It will now return to the Senate where Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) is the sponsor.

Rep. Kelly Morrison

Joining the compact would allow licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology services, or temporary, in-person psychological services in other compact member states without having to become licensed in those states.

The compact would also provide reciprocity for psychologists licensed in other member states to practice in Minnesota without being licensed by the Board of Psychology.

“This is an important equity issue as people in rural areas and certain disadvantaged populations currently have long waits for services or receive no service at all,” Morrison said.

It could also improve continuity of care by allowing Minnesota psychologists to continue working with patients who, for example, move out of state for college, serve in the military and are highly mobile, or live in another state part of the year.

In addition to providing continuity of care for people who travel or relocate, the bill aims to:

• improve access to care in underserved or geographically isolated communities;
• promote cooperation between states regarding regulation and licensure;
• improve consumer protection across state lines; and
• decrease the logistical burden for psychologists.

— Session Daily writer Victoria Cooney contributed to this story.