The PSYPACT is finally fully operational. Nebraska became the fifth state to join the Psychologists Pact in 2018 with my LB686 that was eventually folded into the bigger Health and Human Services Committee Priority Bill. In order to actually take effect, the Pact needed seven states to join. Last Tuesday, Georgia became that seventh state and next January, Illinois will become number eight.

That means that licensed Psychologists from Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and Georgia will be able to practice in Nebraska without having to go through the lengthy process of getting licensed and tested in this state. Likewise, psychologists from Nebraska will be able to travel to those other six states and lend a hand without needing to get an extra license in those locations.

The goal of legislation like this is to make sure that there is a standardized, high level of care across state lines. It’s also geared towards allowing remote areas that might be otherwise underserved by mental health experts to receive better care and attention. through telemedicine.

This is also something that can be a real help to active duty military families. Should they be in one of these other states and then deployed in Nebraska, a military spouse that is a licensed psychologist will be able to start practicing and working that much quicker. The PSYPACT being fully operational is very good news and I expect more states to start joining much quicker now that it’s active.

School Visit Season at the Capitol