PSYPACT and Interstate Practice
What the domain tests
This domain tests the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact and Louisiana's interstate telepsychology rules. Expect patient-location, E.Passport, APIT, home-state authority, and limits on in-person practice.
Core rules
- PSYPACT is a compact among participating states. Louisiana participates, but the compact is not a universal license.
- A psychologist must hold a home-state license in a PSYPACT state, obtain an E.Passport from ASPPB, and hold the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology to treat patients located in another compact state.
- The patient's physical location controls. Verify it at each session, especially when the patient travels.
- PSYPACT authorizes telepsychology only. In-person practice in another state requires that state's license or another lawful authority.
- Out-of-state PSYPACT psychologists treating a patient in Louisiana must hold APIT and follow Louisiana law, including confidentiality, reporting, and record rules.
- PSYPACT does not authorize practice into non-compact states or bypass a state's temporary-practice restrictions.
Worked example
A Louisiana-licensed psychologist with E.Passport and APIT treats a patient who moves temporarily to Georgia, a PSYPACT state. She may continue by telepsychology if she verifies Georgia is compact and the patient is physically there. If the patient relocates to a non-compact state, she cannot rely on PSYPACT; she needs that state's license or must refer.
Traps
Do not assume PSYPACT covers in-person sessions. Do not rely on the patient's home address rather than current location. Do not practice into a non-compact state. Do not skip Louisiana law because the patient is elsewhere.