Course Description:

In an era of rapidly evolving technology, telepsychology has become an indispensable tool for expanding access to behavioral health services. However, this transformative modality brings with it a complex web of legal, ethical, and regulatory considerations that demand careful attention. This comprehensive 3-hour course is designed specifically for members of state psychological associations, offering critical insights into the evolving landscape of telepsychology practice. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the foundational principles, legal mandates, and practical applications that govern the delivery of telepsychology services. Key areas of focus will include federal and state regulatory compliance, ethical considerations, and risk management and enforcement. We will provide you with an in depth look at the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries. This course will equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to effectively regulate and support the responsible and ethical practice of telepsychology within the states where you practice.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. List and understand foundational knowledge and ethical considerations, including how to define “telepsychology” and differentiate it from other, related terms; and identify and explain core ethical principles that apply to telepsychology services such as confidentiality and informed consent.

2. Describe the evolution of telepsychology and its growing importance in behavioral health care service delivery, including potential benefits and limitations of telepsychology for diverse patient populations.

3. Identify and summarize key federal and state laws that govern telepsychology practice, including state professional licensure requirements, scope of practice considerations, and patient data privacy and security considerations (e.g., HIPAA).

4. Discuss the implications of cross-jurisdictional practice, including what an interstate compact is (and one example of a compact); what specific objectives PSYPACT has achieved and two things PSYPACT allows psychologists to do to ethically and legally practice according to regulations; and what the governing documents for PSYPACT are and where to locate them. 

5. Explain the potential consequences of non-compliance with legal and ethical standards in telepsychology, including disciplinary actions, risk of enforcement, and other penalties (e.g., audits, investigations).

About the Speakers:

Janet Orwig, MBA, CAE in her position with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) serves as the Associate Executive Officer, Member Services and PSYPACT Executive Director. She is responsible for monitoring state regulatory and legislative actions and overseeing member
services including the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). Her 27-year career in association management includes experience in customer service, public relations, advocacy, strategic planning, leadership development, grant management and project and program management. Janet earned her Paralegal Certificate and bachelor’s in business administration from Huntingdon College and her MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is also a Certified Association Executive.

Amy Lerman is a Health Regulatory and Telehealth Attorney with Epstein, Becker, and Green Law Firm.  Amy is the lead author of the firm’s Telemental Health Laws app, a comprehensive survey of state telehealth laws, regulations, and policies for mental and behavioral health practitioners and stakeholders across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.  Amy is also a co-author of a Bloomberg BNA portfolio publication titled Navigating the Telehealth Landscape: Legal and Regulatory Issues. Since 2018, Amy has guest lectured on digital health law at Cornell Tech.  Before she joined Epstein Becker Green, Amy worked in the health care practice of a large consulting firm. She also worked for a technology company providing customized health care provider profiling / search engines to employer clients.

References:

1. About PSYPACT. https://psypact.gov/page/About . Accessed 15 Jan 2025.
2. Buenger, Michael L. et. al. The Evolving Law and Use of Interstate Compacts. 2nd Edition, Kelly Book and ABA Publishing, 2017.
3 “Interstate Compacts by State – Ballotpedia.” Ballotpedia, https://ballotpedia.org/Interstate_compacts_by_state. Accessed 4 May 2023.
4. APA Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology . Accessed 15 Jan 2025 https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/telepsychology-revision.pdf
5. “What are Interstate Compacts? - National Center for Interstate Compacts|The Council of State Governments.” https://compacts.csg.org. Accessed 15 Jan 2025.