PSYPACT Workshop

Telepsychology: Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Considerations Inside and Outside of PSYPACT

Friday, May 2nd, 12:00pm-3:15pm

Virtual Workshop (Zoom), 3 PsyPact CE Credits

(including 1 EDI and 2 Ethics)

Presented by: Janet Orwig and Amy Lerman of PSYPACT


Workshop Description:

In an era of rapidly evolving technology, telepsychology has become an indispensable tool for expanding access to behavioral health services. However, this transformative modality brings with it a complex web of legal, ethical, and regulatory considerations that demand careful attention. This comprehensive 3-hour course is designed specifically for members of state psychological associations, offering critical insights into the evolving landscape of telepsychology practice. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the foundational principles, legal mandates, and practical applications that govern the delivery of telepsychology services. Key areas of focus will include federal and state regulatory compliance, ethical considerations, and risk management and enforcement. We will provide you with an in depth look at the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries. This course will equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to effectively regulate and support the responsible and ethical practice of telepsychology within the states where you practice.


Learning Objectives:

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. List and understand foundational knowledge and ethical considerations, including how to define “telepsychology” and differentiate it from other, related terms; and identify and explain core ethical principles that apply to telepsychology services such as confidentiality and informed consent. (1 Ethics Credit)

2. Describe the evolution of telepsychology and its growing importance in behavioral health care service delivery, including potential benefits and limitations of telepsychology for diverse patient populations. (1 EDI Credit)

3. Identify and summarize key federal and state laws that govern telepsychology practice, including state professional licensure requirements, scope of practice considerations, and patient data privacy and security considerations (e.g., HIPAA). 

4. Discuss the implications of cross-jurisdictional practice, including what an interstate compact is (and one example of a compact); what specific objectives PSYPACT has achieved and two things PSYPACT allows psychologists to do to ethically and legally practice according to regulations; and what the governing documents for PSYPACT are and where to locate them. 

5. Explain the potential consequences of non-compliance with legal and ethical standards in telepsychology, including disciplinary actions, risk of enforcement, and other penalties (e.g., audits, investigations). (1 Ethics)

About the Presenters:

Janet Orwig, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of PSYPACT 

Janet Orwig, MBA, CAE in her position with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) serves as the Associate Executive Officer, Member Services and PSYPACT Executive Director. She is responsible for monitoring state regulatory and legislative actions and overseeing member services including the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). Her 27-year career in association management includes experience in customer service, public relations, advocacy, strategic planning, leadership development, grant management and project and program management. Janet earned her Paralegal Certificate and bachelor’s in business administration from Huntingdon College and her MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is also a Certified Association Executive.


Amy Lerman, Health Regulatory & Telehealth Attorney

Amy Lerman is a Health Regulatory and Telehealth Attorney with Epstein, Becker, and Green Law Firm.  Amy is the lead author of the firm’s Telemental Health Laws app, a comprehensive survey of state telehealth laws, regulations, and policies for mental and behavioral health practitioners and stakeholders across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.  Amy is also a co-author of a Bloomberg BNA portfolio publication titled Navigating the Telehealth Landscape: Legal and Regulatory Issues. Since 2018, Amy has guest lectured on digital health law at Cornell Tech.  Before she joined Epstein Becker Green, Amy worked in the health care practice of a large consulting firm. She also worked for a technology company providing customized health care provider profiling / search engines to employer clients.


Please take note: 

“PsyPact Workshop,” 3 PsyPact CE credits, is presented by the Utah Psychological Association, the Nevada Psychological Association, the Delaware Psychological Association, plus a coalition of 20 other State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Associations. The Delaware Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. DPA maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. 

Social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors can receive continuing education from continuing education providers approved by APA. Because DPA is approved by APA to sponsor continuing education, licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors will be able to fulfill their continuing education requirement by attending DPA continuing education programs.

For further information, please visit the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors (https://dpr.delaware.gov).

As an APA-approved sponsor of continuing education, DPA is committed to the identification and resolution of potential conflicts of interest in the planning, promotion, delivery, and evaluation of continuing education. Consistent with concepts outlined in the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, potential conflicts of interest occur when an individual assumes a professional role in the planning, promotion, delivery, or evaluation of continuing education where personal, professional, legal, financial, or other interests could reasonably be expected to impair his or her objectively, competence, or effectiveness. No conflicts of interest or commercial support have been identified for this workshop.