Pennsylvania State Capitol. Photo: Zack Frank/Shutterstock.com

A bill that would expand access to psychology services has been approved by the General Assembly.

Senate Bill 67, sponsored by Pennsylvania Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, would allow Pennsylvania to join the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (Psypact) to allow tele-psychological practice across state lines. Each state has its own licensing laws and rules that vary considerably, making it extremely difficult for a person to obtain a license to practice in several states. As such, the possibility of providing psychological services via telecommunication technologies (telepsychology) across jurisdictional boundaries is unattainable. Also, each state has varying time frames as it relates to permitting a psychologist to temporarily provide services (in-person, face-to-face) in their state.

SB 67 was approved unanimously by the Senate in November, and the House added its unanimous approval April 29.

Under Psypact, licensed psychologists would be able to apply to practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person, face-to-face practice in other states in the compact. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards developed Psypact to improve patient access to services by removing red tape that prohibits psychologists from serving patients in other states.

"Ensuring patients have access to psychological services is a serious concern during the pandemic, but without this bill, it will continue to be a challenge long after the public health emergency is over," Ward said. "I am thankful that we are making strides to ensure more patients can access the services they need, especially in rural areas like mine where distance and a lack of providers creates significant barriers to care."

The measure goes to Wolf's desk for his signature.