In January, the AK-PA Board learned that the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) would be included alongside several other healthcare compacts in HB 352, Healthcare Licensing Compacts, introduced during the 34th Legislative Session. Pursuit of these compacts had been identified as an anticipated outcome of Alaska’s participation in the Rural Health Transformation Program.

Although PSYPACT had appeared on AK-PA’s legislative agenda for several years, the current Board had not actively discussed it due to the limited likelihood of legislative introduction. Several concerns had been raised, including the requirement that psychologists graduate from an American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited doctoral program. Because Alaska Pacific University’s doctoral program is not APA-accredited, its graduates would not qualify for participation in PSYPACT. Additional concerns focused on whether psychologists from other states would be sufficiently culturally competent to practice in Alaska and how complaints involving out-of-state practitioners would be handled.

Before taking an official position, the Board decided to survey the membership regarding PSYPACT. Early survey results showed a majority support for the compact, giving the Board confidence to endorse both PSYPACT and HB 352. The survey was subsequently expanded to all Alaska psychologists and continued to demonstrate strong support. The Survey Brief is available here.

As the legislative session progressed, other healthcare compact bills gained greater momentum. Ultimately, HB 110, the Social Work Licensure Compact bill, was amended to incorporate the healthcare compacts and PSYPACT provisions originally included in HB 352. Read the story on KTOO.

On June 4th the bill was sent to the governor and is anticipated to be signed by June 22.

AK-PA is committed to providing continuing education opportunities for Alaska psychologists who choose to participate in the compact. The association also plans to develop educational resources for out-of-state psychologists serving Alaskan clients, including individuals who are temporarily residing in Alaska, relocating to the state, or seeking specialty services that may not be readily available locally.