REPRESENTATIVE Tina Sablan has introduced a bill that would allow the CNMI to join the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact or PSYPACT, a governing body that, among other things, enables psychologists to practice online and in-person across state lines.
Dr. Anne Earhart, a licensed clinical psychologist who has been practicing in the CNMI for 25 years, said she hopes the Legislature passes Sablan’s House Bill 22-80.
In a meeting Monday, Earhart likewise thanked the House Committee on Health and Welfare and its chair, Sablan, for considering the legislation.
Sablan, for her part, said the local Health Care Professions Licensing Board has requested additional time to review and comment on H.B. 22-80, and soon will conduct a meeting open to the public.
Earhart said joining PSYPACT will provide the CNMI with another method for accessing much needed psychological services.
“As people understand more about mental health and are willing to reach out for help, the number of those seeking services continues to increase,” she added. “Unfortunately like many other health professionals, psychologists aren’t always easily and quickly available in underserved areas like ours. Higher demand for services in the CNMI has resulted in a long waiting list, which obviously does not serve our community well.”
She said PSYPACT could allow the CNMI to access a larger pool of psychologists including those who provide specialized treatment.
She added that PSYPACT provides protection to the public by ensuring that participating psychologists have met acceptable standard of practice.
“The ability of psychologists to deliver mental health services through tele-health could greatly increase access to care for the CNMI particularly for those needing services on Rota and Tinian; for people who may avoid accessing psychological intervention locally due to stigma or shame; for people who have special or complicated mental health needs and require access to specialized services; and for those uncomfortable with seeking care for someone they may see out in the community,” Earhart said.
She added that so far, PSYPACT legislation has been enacted in 28 states including Washington, D.C. and introduced in six more states.
Tina Sablan
