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.