MississippiHB 4792026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Universal Recognition of Occupational License Act; revise regarding practices of marriage and family therapy and psychology.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Easier Mississippi licenses for out-of-state workers

Beginning July 1, 2026, Mississippi grants a state license if you move here and held a valid out‑of‑state license for at least one year, are in good standing, have no disqualifying record, and pay Mississippi fees. If your job was not licensed in your old state, you can qualify with at least three years of lawful work. You can prove Mississippi residency with a state ID, a utility bill, a lease or deed, or a job offer. Boards must decide within 120 days and, if processing takes over two weeks, issue a temporary permit within 30 days that lasts until a decision or up to 365 days. Boards may require a Mississippi law (jurisprudence) exam when that job requires one. Your license under this law is valid only in Mississippi. You can appeal denials and scope decisions in court, and boards must post recognition notices, adopt rules, and publish annual reports. This law does not cover lawyers, physicians, or interstate compact rules, and boards may still require fingerprint background checks.

Full licenses for MFTs and psychologists

Beginning July 1, 2026, Mississippi issues a license by credentials to out‑of‑state marriage and family therapists who passed the national exam, apply on board forms, pay the fee, and are found competent. The psychology board may license diplomates, CPQ holders, or psychologists licensed at least 20 years with no sanctions and no open investigations, if they pass the oral and jurisprudence exams. Military‑trained applicants, military spouses, and new residents get reciprocity under the state’s military and universal recognition laws. Education, supervised training, and required exams for psychology and MFT are still required and are not waived.

Telepsychology allowed under compact rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the board may let out‑of‑state psychologists provide telepsychology into Mississippi if they meet the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact rules. Applicants must meet compact standards to get temporary authorization or interjurisdictional practice rights.

Temporary practice for psychologists and MFTs

Beginning July 1, 2026, if an MFT or psychology application takes more than two weeks, the board must issue a temporary permit within 60 days after you submit an affidavit and fees. The board must suspend or revoke the permit if your background check or training and exam checks are not sufficient. Out‑of‑state psychologists who pass the EPPP can get a temporary license that lasts until the next oral exam; it ends if you fail the oral exam. Out‑of‑state psychologists can also get a short‑term certificate to work up to 30 days in 12 months, with a fee capped at $300; this is not for Mississippi residents, denials, or full‑time plans. Out‑of‑state MFTs or social workers licensed at least one year can get a temporary license to work only in nonprofit health or family counseling facilities for up to 365 days while a regular license is processed. Insurers must reimburse services under this temporary license but can reclaim payment if the application is denied. You may not practice psychology while waiting for licensure unless you hold a temporary license.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Lee Yancey
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 293 • No: 0

House vote • 3/11/2026

Concurred in Amend From Senate

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/4/2026