MontanaHB 24169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Adopt the psychology interjurisdictional compact

Sponsored By: Jodee Etchart (Republican)

Became Law

Health Care ServicesHealthMental Illness or IncapacityProfessions and Occupations O-ZRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Cross-state telepsychology for Montana psychologists

Montana joins the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. Qualified Montana psychologists can treat patients in other compact states by telehealth. They can also see patients in person in another compact state for up to 30 days each year. You must hold a Montana license and the compact credentials (E.passport for telehealth, IPC for in-person). Receiving states’ practice rules still apply.

Discipline ends compact practice rights

Discipline in your home state ends your compact privileges. Your E.passport and practice certificate are revoked, and telehealth or temporary in-person practice must stop. State boards can subpoena across states, seek court orders to stop conduct, and stop license moves during an investigation. Witness fees follow the local state’s rules. Boards must report case outcomes to the compact database.

Strict rules to use compact privileges

To use compact privileges, you must meet strict rules. You need a graduate psychology degree from an approved program and a full, active Montana license. You must have no disqualifying discipline or criminal record. Telehealth requires an active E.passport. In-person work requires an Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate. You must give attestations and allow primary-source checks. Montana must take complaints, report discipline, follow compact rules, and start FBI-compliant fingerprint checks within 10 years.

Multi-state commission, database, and fees

The law creates a multi-state commission to run the compact. It keeps a shared license and discipline database and sets binding rules after public notice and comment (60-day notice; a hearing if 25 people, a government body, or an association with 25 members asks). The commission can charge annual assessments to states and collect fees to fund its budget. Commission members and staff have legal protections for official acts. A state can leave with six months’ notice. Any compact amendment takes effect only after every member state passes it.

Fingerprint checks for psychology licenses

Psychology license applicants must submit fingerprints for state and federal background checks. You pay all fees for the checks. The board may also require fingerprints at renewal. The state justice department can share your fingerprints with the FBI.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jodee Etchart
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Sara Novak
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 289 • No: 8

House vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 2

House vote • 3/28/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 44 • No: 4

House vote • 1/31/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 1

House vote • 1/30/2025