HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 1 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S A bill to be entitled 1 An act relating to the Psychology Interjurisdictional 2 Compact; creating s. 490.0075, F.S.; creating the 3 Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact; providing 4 purposes and objectives; defining terms; providing for 5 recognition of psychologist licenses in compact 6 states; authorizing a compact state to require 7 licensure under certain circumstances; requiring 8 compact states to meet certain criteria to participate 9 in the compact; providing criteria that a psychologist 10 must satisfy to practice under the compact; 11 maintaining that authori ty over a psychologist's 12 license remains with the home state but authorizing 13 receiving states to define the scope of and act on a 14 psychologist's authority to practice in the compact 15 state under the compact; prohibiting a psychologist 16 from practicing under the compact if his or her 17 authority to do so has been acted on by any compact 18 state; requiring compact states to report adverse 19 actions they take against psychologists to the 20 Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission; 21 requiring compact states to pa rticipate in a 22 coordinated licensure information system; providing 23 for the development of the system, reporting 24 procedures, and the exchange of certain information 25 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 2 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S between compact states; establishing the Psychology 26 Interjurisdictional Compact Commission; providing for 27 the jurisdiction and venue for court proceedings; 28 providing membership, duties, and powers; authorizing 29 the commission to adopt rules; providing rulemaking 30 procedures; providing for state enforcement of the 31 compact; providing for the terminat ion of compact 32 membership; providing procedures for the resolution of 33 certain disputes; providing compact amendment 34 procedures; authorizing nonparty states to participate 35 in commission activities before adoption of the 36 compact; providing construction and s everability; 37 amending s. 456.073, F.S.; requiring the Department of 38 Health to report certain investigative information to 39 the coordinated licensure information system; amending 40 s. 456.076, F.S.; requiring monitoring contracts for 41 impaired practitioners par ticipating in treatment 42 programs to contain certain terms; amending s. 43 490.004, F.S.; requiring the Board of Psychology to 44 appoint an individual to serve as the state's 45 commissioner on the Psychology Interjurisdictional 46 Compact Commission; amending s. 490. 005, F.S.; 47 exempting certain persons from licensure requirements; 48 amending s. 490.006, F.S.; exempting certain persons 49 from requirements for licensure by endorsement; 50 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 3 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S amending s. 490.009, F.S.; authorizing certain 51 disciplinary action under the compact for certain 52 prohibited acts; amending s. 768.28, F.S.; designating 53 the state commissioner and other members or employees 54 of the commission as state agents for the purpose of 55 applying sovereign immunity and waivers of sovereign 56 immunity; requiring the commissio n to pay certain 57 judgments or claims; authorizing the commission to 58 maintain insurance coverage to pay such judgments or 59 claims; providing an effective date. 60 61 WHEREAS, states license psychologists to protect the public 62 through verification of educatio n, training, and experience and 63 to ensure accountability for professional practice, and 64 WHEREAS, this compact is intended to regulate the day -to-65 day practice of telepsychology, or the provision of 66 psychological services using telecommunication technologie s, by 67 psychologists across state boundaries in the performance of 68 their psychological practice as defined by an appropriate state 69 psychology regulatory authority, and 70 WHEREAS, this compact is intended to regulate the temporary 71 in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology by psychologists 72 across state boundaries for up to 30 days within a calendar year 73 in the performance of their psychological practice as defined by 74 an appropriate state psychology regulatory authority, and 75 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 4 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S WHEREAS, this compact is intend ed to authorize state 76 psychology regulatory authorities to afford legal recognition, 77 in a manner consistent with the terms of the compact, to 78 psychologists licensed in another state, and 79 WHEREAS, this compact recognizes that states have a vested 80 interest in protecting the public's health and safety through 81 their licensing and regulation of psychologists and that such 82 state regulation will best protect public health and safety, and 83 WHEREAS, this compact does not apply when a psychologist is 84 licensed in both the home and receiving states, and 85 WHEREAS, while this compact does not apply to permanent in -86 person, face-to-face practice, it does allow for authorization 87 of temporary psychological practice , NOW, THEREFORE, 88 89 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 90 91 Section 1. Section 490.0075, Florida Statutes, is created 92 to read: 93 490.0075 Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. —The 94 Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact is hereby enacted and 95 entered into by this state with all other jurisdictions legally 96 joining therein in the form substantially as follows: 97 98 PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT 99 ARTICLE I 100 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 5 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S PURPOSE 101 This compact is designed to achieve the following purposes 102 and objectives: 103 (1) Increase public access to professional p sychological 104 services by allowing for telepsychological practice across state 105 lines as well as temporary in -person, face-to-face services in a 106 state where the psychologist is not licensed to practice 107 psychology; 108 (2) Enhance the states' ability to protect the public's 109 health and safety, especially client or patient safety; 110 (3) Encourage the cooperation of compact states in the 111 areas of psychologist licensure and regulation; 112 (4) Facilitate the exchange of information between compact 113 states regarding psy chologist licensure, adverse actions, and 114 disciplinary history; 115 (5) Promote compliance with the laws governing the 116 practice of psychology in each compact state; and 117 (6) Invest all compact states with the authority to hold 118 licensed psychologists account able through the mutual 119 recognition of compact state licenses. 120 121 ARTICLE II 122 DEFINITIONS 123 As used in this compact, the term: 124 (1) "Adverse action" means any disciplinary action that is 125 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 6 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S a matter of public record which is taken by a state's psychology 126 regulatory authority against an individual's license to practice 127 psychology in that state. 128 (2) "Association of State and Provincial Psychology 129 Boards" means the membership organization composed of state and 130 provincial psychology regulatory authorities that are 131 responsible for the licensure and registration of psychologists 132 throughout the United States and Canada. 133 (3) "Authority to practice interjurisdictional 134 telepsychology" means a licensed psychologist's authority to 135 practice telepsychology, within the limit s authorized under this 136 compact, in a compact state other than the one in which he or 137 she is licensed. 138 (4) "Bylaws" means those rules established by the 139 Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission pursuant to 140 Article X for its governance, or for di recting and controlling 141 its actions and conduct. 142 (5) "Client or patient" means the recipient of 143 psychological services, whether psychological services are 144 delivered in the context of health care, corporate, supervision, 145 or consulting services. 146 (6) "Commissioner" means the voting representative 147 appointed by each state psychology regulatory authority pursuant 148 to article X. 149 (7) "Compact state" means a state, the District of 150 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 7 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Columbia, or a United States territory that has enacted this 151 compact legislation and that has not withdrawn pursuant to 152 subsection (3) of article XIII or been terminated pursuant to 153 subsection (2) of article XII. 154 (8) "Confidentiality" means the principle that data or 155 information is not made available or disclosed to unauthorized 156 persons or processes. 157 (9) "Coordinated licensure information system," also 158 referred to as "coordinated database," means an integrated 159 process that is administered by the Association of State and 160 Provincial Psychology Boards for collecting, storing, and 161 sharing information on psychologists' licensure and enforcement 162 activities related to psychology licensure laws and the 163 Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. 164 (10) "Day" means any part of a day in which the 165 psychologist practices psychology. 166 (11) "Distant state" means the compact state where a 167 psychologist is physically present, not through the use of 168 telecommunication technologies, to provide temporary in -person, 169 face-to-face psychological services. 170 (12) "E-passport" means a certificate issued by the 171 Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards which 172 allows a licensed psychologist to provide telepsychological 173 services across state lines. 174 (13) "Executive board" means a group of directors elected 175 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 8 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted 176 to them by, the commission. 177 (14) "Home state" means a compact state where a 178 psychologist is licensed to practice psychology, as provided in 179 article III. 180 (15) "Identity history summary" means a summary of 181 information retained by the Feder al Bureau of Investigation, or 182 other designee with similar authority, in connection with 183 arrests and, in some instances, federal employment or military 184 service. 185 (16) "In-person, face-to-face" means interactions in which 186 the psychologist and the client or patient are in the same 187 physical space and does not include interactions that may occur 188 through the use of telecommunication technologies. 189 (17) "Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC)" 190 means the certificate issued by the Association of State and 191 Provincial Psychology Boards which grants temporary authority to 192 practice based on notification to the state psychology 193 regulatory authority of one's intention to practice temporarily, 194 and verification of one's qualifications for such practice. 195 (18) "License" means authorization by a state psychology 196 regulatory authority to engage in the independent practice of 197 psychology, which would be unlawful without the authorization. 198 (19) "Noncompact state" means a state that is not a 199 compact state. 200 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 9 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (20) "Psychologist" means an individual who is licensed by 201 a state psychology regulatory authority to independently 202 practice psychology in that state. 203 (21) "Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission," 204 also referred to as "commission," means the national 205 administration of which all compact states are members. 206 (22) "Receiving state" means a compact state where the 207 client or patient is physically located when the 208 telepsychological services are delivered. 209 (23) "Rule" means a written statement by the Psycholo gy 210 Interjurisdictional Compact Commission promulgated pursuant to 211 article XI of the compact which is of general applicability; 212 implements, interprets, or prescribes a policy or provision of 213 the compact; or is an organizational, procedural, or practice 214 requirement of the commission; and has the force and effect of 215 statutory law in a compact state, and includes the amendment, 216 repeal, or suspension of an existing rule. 217 (24) "Significant investigatory information" means: 218 (a) Investigative information that a state psychology 219 regulatory authority, after a preliminary inquiry that includes 220 notification and an opportunity to respond if required by state 221 law, has reason to believe, if proven true, would indicate a 222 violation of state statute or rule that would be considered more 223 substantial than a minor infraction; or 224 (b) Investigative information that indicates that the 225 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 10 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S psychologist represents an immediate threat to public health and 226 safety regardless of whether the psychologist has been notified 227 or had an opportunity to respond. 228 (25) "State" means a state, commonwealth, territory, or 229 possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia. 230 (26) "State psychology regulatory authority" means the 231 board, office, or other agency with the legislative mandate to 232 license and regulate the practice of psychology in that state. 233 (27) "Telepsychology" means the provision of psychological 234 services using telecommunication technologies. 235 (28) "Temporary authorization to practice" means a 236 licensed psychologist's auth ority to conduct temporary in -237 person, face-to-face practice, within the limits authorized 238 under this compact, in another compact state. 239 (29) "Temporary in-person, face-to-face practice" means 240 when a psychologist is physically present, not through the use 241 of telecommunication technologies, in the distant state to 242 provide psychological services for up to 30 days within a 243 calendar year and based on notification to the distant state. 244 245 ARTICLE III 246 HOME STATE LICENSURE 247 (1) The home state is a compact state wh ere a psychologist 248 is licensed to practice psychology. 249 (2) A psychologist may hold one or more compact state 250 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 11 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S licenses at a time. If the psychologist is licensed in more than 251 one compact state, the home state is the compact state where the 252 psychologist is physically present when the services are 253 delivered as authorized by the authority to practice 254 interjurisdictional telepsychology under the terms of this 255 compact. 256 (3) A compact state may require a psychologist who is not 257 previously licensed in a compact state to obtain and retain a 258 license to be authorized to practice in the compact state under 259 circumstances that are not authorized by the authority to 260 practice interjurisdictional telepsychology under the terms of 261 this compact. 262 (4) A compact state may re quire a psychologist to obtain 263 and retain a license to be authorized to practice in a compact 264 state under circumstances that are not authorized by a temporary 265 authorization to practice under the terms of this compact. 266 (5) A home state's license authorize s a psychologist to 267 practice in a receiving state under the authority to practice 268 interjurisdictional telepsychology only if the compact state: 269 (a) Currently requires the psychologist to hold an active 270 e-passport; 271 (b) Has a mechanism in place for receiving and 272 investigating complaints about licensed individuals; 273 (c) Notifies the commission, in compliance with the terms 274 herein, of any adverse action or significant investigatory 275 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 12 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S information regarding a licensed individual; 276 (d) Requires an identit y history summary of all applicants 277 at initial licensure, including the use of the results of 278 fingerprints or other biometric data checks compliant with the 279 requirements of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or other 280 designee with similar authority, no l ater than 10 years after 281 activation of the compact; and 282 (e) Complies with the bylaws and rules of the commission. 283 (6) A home state's license grants a psychologist temporary 284 authorization to practice in a distant state only if the compact 285 state: 286 (a) Currently requires the psychologist to hold an active 287 IPC; 288 (b) Has a mechanism in place for receiving and 289 investigating complaints about licensed individuals; 290 (c) Notifies the commission, in compliance with the terms 291 herein, of any adverse action or sig nificant investigatory 292 information regarding a licensed individual; 293 (d) Requires an identity history summary of all applicants 294 at initial licensure, including the use of the results of 295 fingerprints or other biometric data checks compliant with the 296 requirements of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or other 297 designee with similar authority, no later than 10 years after 298 activation of the compact; and 299 (e) Complies with the bylaws and rules of the commission. 300 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 13 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 301 ARTICLE IV 302 COMPACT PRIVILEGE TO PRACTICE TELEP SYCHOLOGY 303 (1) Compact states shall recognize the right of a 304 psychologist, licensed in a compact state in conformance with 305 article III, to practice telepsychology in other compact states, 306 or receiving states, in which the psychologist is not licensed, 307 under the authority to practice interjurisdictional 308 telepsychology as provided in the compact. 309 (2) To exercise the authority to practice 310 interjurisdictional telepsychology in a receiving state under 311 the terms and provisions of this compact, a psychologist 312 licensed to practice in a compact state must: 313 (a) Hold a graduate degree in psychology from an 314 institution of higher education that was, at the time the degree 315 was awarded: 316 1. Regionally accredited by an accrediting body recognized 317 by the United States Department of Education to grant graduate 318 degrees, or authorized by Provincial Statute or Royal Charter to 319 grant doctoral degrees; or 320 2. A foreign college or university deemed to be equivalent 321 to subparagraph 1. by a foreign credential evaluation service 322 that is a member of the National Association of Credential 323 Evaluation Services or by a recognized foreign credential 324 evaluation service; 325 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 14 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (b) Hold a graduate degree in psychology which meets the 326 following criteria: 327 1. The program, wherever it may be ad ministratively 328 housed, is clearly identified and labeled as a psychology 329 program. Such program must specify in pertinent institutional 330 catalogs and brochures its intent to educate and train 331 professional psychologists; 332 2. The psychology program stands as a recognizable and 333 coherent organizational entity within the institution; 334 3. There is a clear authority and primary responsibility 335 for the core and specialty areas regardless of whether the 336 program overlaps across administrative lines; 337 4. The program consists of an integrated, organized 338 sequence of study; 339 5. There is an identifiable psychology faculty sufficient 340 in size and breadth to carry out its responsibilities; 341 6. The designated director of the program is a 342 psychologist and a member of the core faculty; 343 7. The program has an identifiable body of students who 344 are matriculated in that program for a degree; 345 8. The program includes supervised practicum, internship, 346 or field training appropriate to the practice of psychology; 347 9. The curriculum encompasses a minimum of 3 academic 348 years of full-time graduate study for doctoral degrees and a 349 minimum of 1 academic year of full -time graduate study for 350 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 15 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S master's degrees; and 351 10. The program includes an acceptable residency as 352 defined by the rules of the commission; 353 (c) Possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to 354 practice psychology in a home state that is a compact state; 355 (d) Have no history of adverse actions that violate the 356 rules of the commission; 357 (e) Have no criminal history report ed on an identity 358 history summary which violates the rules of the commission; 359 (f) Possess a current, active e -passport; 360 (g) Provide attestations in regard to areas of intended 361 practice, conformity with standards of practice, competence in 362 telepsychology technology, criminal background, and knowledge 363 and adherence to legal requirements in the home and receiving 364 states, and provide a release of information to allow for 365 primary source verification in a manner specified by the 366 commission; and 367 (h) Meet other criteria as defined by the rules of the 368 commission. 369 (3) The home state maintains authority over the license of 370 any psychologist practicing in a receiving state under the 371 authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology. 372 (4) A psychologist pr acticing in a receiving state under 373 the authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology 374 will be subject to the receiving state's scope of practice. A 375 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 16 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S receiving state may, in accordance with that state's due process 376 law, limit or revoke a psycholog ist's authority to practice 377 interjurisdictional telepsychology in the receiving state and 378 may take any other necessary actions under the receiving state's 379 applicable law to protect the health and safety of the receiving 380 state's citizens. If a receiving sta te takes action, the state 381 shall promptly notify the home state and the commission. 382 (5) If a psychologist's license in any home state or 383 another compact state or any authority to practice 384 interjurisdictional telepsychology in any receiving state is 385 restricted, suspended, or otherwise limited, the e -passport must 386 be revoked and the psychologist is not eligible to practice 387 telepsychology in a compact state under the authority to 388 practice interjurisdictional telepsychology. 389 390 ARTICLE V 391 COMPACT TEMPORARY AUTHO RIZATION TO PRACTICE 392 (1) Compact states shall recognize the right of a 393 psychologist licensed in a compact state in conformance with 394 article III to practice temporarily in other compact states, or 395 distant states, in which the psychologist is not licensed, as 396 provided in the compact. 397 (2) To exercise the temporary authorization to practice in 398 distant states under the terms and provisions of this compact, a 399 psychologist licensed to practice in a compact state must: 400 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 17 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (a) Hold a graduate degree in psychology from an 401 institution of higher education that was, at the time the degree 402 was awarded: 403 1. Regionally accredited by an accrediting body recognized 404 by the U.S. Department of Education to grant graduate degrees, 405 or authorized by Provincial Statute or Royal Charter to grant 406 doctoral degrees; or 407 2. A foreign college or university deemed to be equivalent 408 to subparagraph 1. above by a foreign credential evaluation 409 service that is a member of the National Association of 410 Credential Evaluation Services or by a re cognized foreign 411 credential evaluation service; 412 (b) Hold a graduate degree in psychology that meets the 413 following criteria: 414 1. The program, wherever it may be administratively 415 housed, is clearly identified and labeled as a psychology 416 program. Such program must specify in pertinent institutional 417 catalogs and brochures its intent to educate and train 418 professional psychologists; 419 2. The psychology program stands as a recognizable and 420 coherent organizational entity within the institution; 421 3. There is a clear authority and primary responsibility 422 for the core and specialty areas regardless of whether the 423 program overlaps across administrative lines; 424 4. The program consists of an integrated, organized 425 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 18 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S sequence of study; 426 5. There is an identifiable psycho logy faculty sufficient 427 in size and breadth to carry out its responsibilities; 428 6. The designated director of the program is a 429 psychologist and a member of the core faculty; 430 7. The program has an identifiable body of students who 431 are matriculated in tha t program for a degree; 432 8. The program includes supervised practicum, internship, 433 or field training appropriate to the practice of psychology; 434 9. The curriculum encompasses a minimum of 3 academic 435 years of full-time graduate study for doctoral degrees and a 436 minimum of 1 academic year of full -time graduate study for 437 master's degrees; and 438 10. The program includes an acceptable residency as 439 defined by the rules of the commission; 440 (c) Possess a current, full, and unrestricted license to 441 practice psychology in a home state that is a compact state; 442 (d) Have no history of adverse actions that violate the 443 rules of the commission; 444 (e) Have no criminal history that violates the rules of 445 the commission; 446 (f) Possess a current, active IPC; 447 (g) Provide attestations in regard to areas of intended 448 practice and work experience, and provide a release of 449 information to allow for primary source verification in a manner 450 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 19 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S specified by the commission; and 451 (h) Meet other criteria as defined by the rules of th e 452 commission. 453 (3) A psychologist practicing in a distant state under a 454 temporary authorization to practice shall practice within the 455 scope of practice authorized by the distant state. 456 (4) A psychologist practicing in a distant state under a 457 temporary authorization to practice will be subject to the 458 distant state's authority and law. A distant state may, in 459 accordance with that state's due process law, limit or revoke a 460 psychologist's temporary authorization to practice in the 461 distant state and may take any other necessary actions under the 462 distant state's applicable law to protect the health and safety 463 of the distant state's citizens. If a distant state takes 464 action, the state shall promptly notify the home state and the 465 commission. 466 (5) If a psychologi st's license in any home state or 467 another compact state or temporary authorization to practice in 468 any distant state is restricted, suspended, or otherwise 469 limited, the IPC shall be revoked and the psychologist is not 470 eligible to practice in a compact state under the temporary 471 authorization to practice. 472 473 ARTICLE VI 474 CONDITIONS OF TELEPSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE IN A RECEIVING STATE 475 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 20 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S A psychologist may practice in a receiving state under the 476 authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology only in 477 the performance of the scope of practice for psychology as 478 defined by an appropriate state psychology regulatory authority, 479 as defined in the rules of the commission, and under the 480 following circumstances: 481 (1) The psychologist initiates a client or patient contact 482 in a home state via telecommunication technologies with a client 483 or patient in a receiving state; and 484 (2) Other conditions regarding telepsychology as 485 determined by rules promulgated by the commission. 486 487 ARTICLE VII 488 ADVERSE ACTIONS 489 (1) A home state may take adverse action against a 490 psychologist's license issued by the home state. A distant state 491 shall have the power to take adverse action on a psychologist's 492 temporary authorization to practice within that distant state. 493 (2) A receiving state may take a dverse action on a 494 psychologist's authority to practice interjurisdictional 495 telepsychology within that receiving state. A home state may 496 take adverse action against a psychologist based on an adverse 497 action taken by a distant state regarding temporary in -person, 498 face-to-face practice. 499 (3) If a home state takes adverse action against a 500 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 21 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S psychologist's license, that psychologist's authority to 501 practice interjurisdictional telepsychology is terminated and 502 the e-passport is revoked. Furthermore, that psycholog ist's 503 temporary authorization to practice is terminated and the IPC is 504 revoked. 505 (a) All home state disciplinary orders that take adverse 506 action shall be reported to the commission in accordance with 507 the rules promulgated by the commission. A compact stat e shall 508 report adverse actions in accordance with the rules of the 509 commission. 510 (b) In the event that discipline is reported on a 511 psychologist, the psychologist will not be eligible for 512 telepsychology or temporary in -person, face-to-face practice in 513 accordance with the rules of the commission. 514 (c) Other actions may be imposed as determined by the 515 rules promulgated by the commission. 516 (4) A home state's psychology regulatory authority shall 517 investigate and take appropriate action with respect to reported 518 inappropriate conduct engaged in by a licensee which occurred in 519 a receiving state in the same manner as it would if such conduct 520 had occurred by a licensee within the home state. In such cases, 521 the home state's law shall control in determining any advers e 522 action against a psychologist's license. 523 (5) A distant state's psychology regulatory authority 524 shall investigate and take appropriate action with respect to 525 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 22 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S reported inappropriate conduct engaged in by a psychologist 526 practicing under temporary authoriz ation to practice which 527 occurred in that distant state in the same manner as it would if 528 such conduct had occurred by a licensee within the home state. 529 In such cases, the distant state's law shall control in 530 determining any adverse action against a psychol ogist's 531 temporary authorization to practice. 532 (6) Nothing in this compact shall override a compact 533 state's decision that a psychologist's participation in an 534 alternative program may be used in lieu of adverse action and 535 that such participation shall remai n nonpublic if required by 536 the compact state's law. Compact states must require 537 psychologists who enter any alternative programs to not provide 538 telepsychology services under the authority to practice 539 interjurisdictional telepsychology or temporary psycholo gical 540 services under the temporary authorization to practice in any 541 other compact state during the term of the alternative program. 542 (7) Other judicial or administrative remedies will not be 543 available to a psychologist in the event a compact state takes 544 adverse action pursuant to subsection (3). 545 546 ARTICLE VIII 547 ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES INVESTED IN A COMPACT STATE'S PSYCHOLOGY 548 REGULATORY AUTHORITY 549 (1) In addition to any other powers granted under state 550 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 23 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S law, a compact state's psychology regulatory authority s hall 551 have the authority under this compact to: 552 (a) Issue subpoenas, for both hearings and investigations, 553 which require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the 554 production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a compact state's 555 psychology regulatory authority for the attendance and testimony 556 of witnesses, or the production of evidence from another compact 557 state, shall be enforced in the latter state by any court of 558 competent jurisdiction, according to that court's practice and 559 procedure in considering subpoenas issued in its own 560 proceedings. The issuing state psychology regulatory authority 561 shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage, and other 562 fees required by the service statutes of the state where the 563 witnesses or evidence are located; and 564 (b) Issue cease and desist or injunctive relief orders to 565 revoke a psychologist's authority to practice 566 interjurisdictional telepsychology or temporary authorization to 567 practice. 568 (2) During the course of any investigation, a psychologist 569 may not change his or her home state licensure. A home state 570 psychology regulatory authority is authorized to complete any 571 pending investigations of a psychologist and to take any actions 572 appropriate under its law. The home state psychology regulatory 573 authority shall promptly report the conclusions of such 574 investigations to the commission. Once an investigation has been 575 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 24 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S completed, and pending the outcome of such investigation, the 576 psychologist may change his or her home state licensure. The 577 commission shall promptly noti fy the new home state of any such 578 decisions as provided in the rules of the commission. All 579 information provided to the commission or distributed by compact 580 states related to the psychologist shall be confidential, filed 581 under seal, and used for investigat ory or disciplinary matters. 582 The commission may create additional rules for mandated or 583 discretionary sharing of information by compact states. 584 585 ARTICLE IX 586 COORDINATED LICENSURE INFORMATION SYSTEM 587 (1) The commission shall provide for the development and 588 maintenance of a Coordinated Licensure Information System and a 589 reporting system containing licensure and disciplinary action 590 information on all psychologists to whom this compact is 591 applicable in all compact states as defined by the rules of the 592 commission. 593 (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of state law to 594 the contrary, a compact state shall submit a uniform data set to 595 the coordinated database on all licensees as required by the 596 rules of the commission, including: 597 (a) Identifying information; 598 (b) Licensure data; 599 (c) Significant investigatory information; 600 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 25 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (d) Adverse actions against a psychologist's license; 601 (e) An indicator that a psychologist's authority to 602 practice interjurisdictional telepsychology or temporary 603 authorization to practic e is revoked; 604 (f) Nonconfidential information related to alternative 605 program participation information; 606 (g) Any denial of application for licensure, and the 607 reasons for such denial; and 608 (h) Other information that may facilitate the 609 administration of this compact, as determined by the rules of 610 the commission. 611 (3) The coordinated database administrator shall promptly 612 notify all compact states of any adverse action taken against, 613 or significant investigatory information on, any licensee in a 614 compact state. 615 (4) Compact states reporting information to the 616 coordinated database may designate information that may not be 617 shared with the public without the express permission of the 618 compact state reporting the information. 619 (5) Any information submitted to t he coordinated database 620 which is subsequently required to be expunged by the law of the 621 compact state reporting the information shall be removed from 622 the coordinated database. 623 624 ARTICLE X 625 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 26 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT 626 COMMISSION 627 (1) COMMISSION CREATED. —The compact states hereby create 628 and establish a joint public agency known as the Psychology 629 Interjurisdictional Compact Commission. 630 (a) The commission is a body politic and an 631 instrumentality of the compact states. 632 (b) Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against 633 the commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a 634 court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of 635 the commission is located. The commission may waive venue and 636 jurisdictional defenses to the extent that it adopts or consents 637 to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. 638 (c) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to be a 639 waiver of sovereign immunity. 640 (2) MEMBERSHIP, VOTING, AND MEETINGS. — 641 (a) The commission shall consist of one voting 642 representative appointed by each compact state who shall serve 643 as that state's commissioner. The state psychology regulatory 644 authority shall appoint its delegate. This delegate shall be 645 empowered to act on behalf of the compa ct state. This delegate 646 shall be limited to: 647 1. The executive director, the executive secretary, or a 648 similar executive of the compact state's psychology regulatory 649 authority; 650 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 27 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 2. A current member of the state psychology regulatory 651 authority of a compac t state; or 652 3. A designee empowered with the appropriate delegate 653 authority to act on behalf of the compact state. 654 (b) A commissioner may be removed or suspended from office 655 as provided by the law of the state from which the commissioner 656 is appointed. Any vacancy occurring in the commission shall be 657 filled in accordance with the laws of the compact state in which 658 the vacancy exists. 659 (c) Each commissioner shall be entitled to one vote with 660 regard to the promulgation of rules and creation of bylaws and 661 shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the 662 business and affairs of the commission. A commissioner shall 663 vote in person or by such other means as provided in the bylaws. 664 The bylaws may provide for commissioners' participation in 665 meetings by telephone or other means of communication. 666 (d) The commission shall meet at least once during each 667 calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in 668 the bylaws. 669 (e) All meetings shall be open to the public, and public 670 notice of meetings s hall be given in the same manner as required 671 under the rulemaking provisions in article XI. 672 (f) The commission may convene in a closed, nonpublic 673 meeting if the commission must discuss: 674 1. Noncompliance of a compact state with its obligations 675 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 28 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S under the compact; 676 2. Employment, compensation, or discipline of or other 677 personnel matters, practices, or procedures related to specific 678 employees, or other matters related to the commission's internal 679 personnel practices and procedures; 680 3. Current, threatened , or reasonably anticipated 681 litigation against the commission; 682 4. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase or sale of 683 goods, services, or real estate; 684 5. An accusation of any person of a crime or a formal 685 censure of any person; 686 6. Information disclo sing trade secrets or commercial or 687 financial information which is privileged or confidential; 688 7. Information of a personal nature where disclosure would 689 constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; 690 8. Investigatory records compiled f or law enforcement 691 purposes; 692 9. Information related to any investigatory reports 693 prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the commission or 694 other committee charged with responsibility for investigation or 695 determination of compliance issues pursuant to t he compact; or 696 10. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by 697 federal or state statute. 698 (g) If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed 699 pursuant to this subsection, the commission's legal counsel or 700 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 29 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S designee shall certify that the meeting ma y be closed and shall 701 reference each relevant exempting provision. The commission 702 shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters 703 discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate 704 summary of actions taken, of any person participat ing in the 705 meeting, and the reasons therefor, including a description of 706 the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with 707 an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and 708 documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject 709 to release only by a majority vote of the commission or order of 710 a court of competent jurisdiction. 711 (3) BYLAWS.— 712 (a) The commission shall, by a majority vote of the 713 commissioners, prescribe bylaws or rules to govern its conduct 714 as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and 715 exercise the powers of the compact, including, but not limited 716 to: 717 1. Establishing the fiscal year of the commission; 718 2. Providing reasonable standards and procedures: 719 a. For the establishment and meet ings of other committees; 720 and 721 b. Governing any general or specific delegation of any 722 authority or function of the commission; 723 3. Providing reasonable procedures for calling and 724 conducting meetings of the commission, ensuring reasonable 725 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 30 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S advance notice of all meetings, and providing an opportunity for 726 attendance of such meetings by interested parties, with 727 enumerated exceptions designed to protect the public's interest, 728 the privacy of individuals involved in such proceedings, and 729 proprietary information, including trade secrets. The commission 730 may meet in closed session only after a majority of the 731 commissioners vote to close a meeting to the public in whole or 732 in part. As soon as practicable, the commission must make public 733 a copy of the vote to close th e meeting which reveals the vote 734 of each commissioner with no proxy votes allowed; 735 4. Establishing the titles, duties and authority, and 736 reasonable procedures for the election of the officers of the 737 commission; 738 5. Providing reasonable standards and pro cedures for the 739 establishment of the personnel policies and programs of the 740 commission. Notwithstanding any civil service or other similar 741 law of any compact state, the bylaws shall exclusively govern 742 the personnel policies and programs of the commission; 743 6. Promulgating a code of ethics to address permissible 744 and prohibited activities of commission members and employees; 745 and 746 7. Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of 747 the commission and the equitable disposition of any surplus 748 funds that may exist after the termination of the compact after 749 the payment or reserving of all of its debts and obligations. 750 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 31 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (b) The commission shall publish its bylaws in a 751 convenient form and file a copy thereof, and a copy of any 752 amendment thereto, with the app ropriate agency or officer in 753 each of the compact states. 754 (c) The commission shall maintain its financial records in 755 accordance with the bylaws. 756 (d) The commission shall meet and take such actions as are 757 consistent with the provisions of this compact a nd the bylaws. 758 (4) POWERS.—The commission has the power to: 759 (a) Promulgate uniform rules to facilitate and coordinate 760 implementation and administration of this compact. The rules 761 shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in 762 all compact states; 763 (b) Bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in 764 the name of the commission, provided that the standing of any 765 state psychology regulatory authority or other regulatory body 766 responsible for psychology licensure to sue or be sued under 767 applicable law is not affected; 768 (c) Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds; 769 (d) Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, 770 including, but not limited to, employees of a compact state; 771 (e) Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix 772 compensation, define duties, grant such individuals appropriate 773 authority to carry out the purposes of the compact, and 774 establish the commission's personnel policies and programs 775 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 32 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, 776 and other related personnel matters; 777 (f) Accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of 778 money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and to 779 receive, utilize and dispose of the same; provided that at all 780 times the commission shall strive to avoid any appe arance of 781 impropriety or conflict of interest; 782 (g) Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations 783 of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use, any property, 784 real, personal, or mixed; provided that at all times the 785 commission shall strive to av oid any appearance of impropriety 786 or conflict of interest; 787 (h) Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, 788 abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, 789 or mixed; 790 (i) Establish a budget and make expenditures; 791 (j) Borrow money; 792 (k) Appoint committees, including advisory committees 793 consisting of commission members, state regulators, state 794 legislators or their representatives, and consumer 795 representatives, and such other interested persons as may be 796 designated in this compact and the bylaws; 797 (l) Provide and receive information from, and to cooperate 798 with, law enforcement agencies; 799 (m) Adopt and use an official seal; and 800 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 33 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (n) Perform such other functions as may be necessary or 801 appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact consistent 802 with the state regulation of psychology licensure, temporary in -803 person, face-to-face practice, and telepsychology practice. 804 (5) EXECUTIVE BOARD. — 805 (a) The executive board shall have the power to act on 806 behalf of the commission according to t he terms of this compact, 807 and shall consist of the following six members: 808 1. Five voting members who are elected from the current 809 membership of the commission by the commission; and 810 2. One ex-officio, nonvoting member from the Association 811 of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. 812 (b) The ex-officio member must have served as staff for or 813 a member of a state psychology regulatory authority and shall be 814 selected by its respective organization. 815 (c) The commission may remove any member of the executive 816 board as provided in its bylaws. 817 (d) The executive board shall meet at least annually. 818 (e) The executive board shall have the following duties 819 and responsibilities: 820 1. Recommend to the entire commission changes to the rules 821 or bylaws, this compact legislation, or fees paid by compact 822 states, such as annual dues, and other applicable fees; 823 2. Ensure compact administration services are 824 appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise; 825 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 34 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S 3. Prepare and recommend the budget; 826 4. Maintain financial re cords on behalf of the commission; 827 5. Monitor compact compliance of member states and provide 828 compliance reports to the commission; 829 6. Establish additional committees as necessary; and 830 7. Other duties as provided in rules or bylaws. 831 (6) FINANCING.— 832 (a) The commission shall pay, or provide for the payment 833 of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, 834 and ongoing activities. 835 (b) The commission may accept any and all appropriate 836 revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, equ ipment, 837 supplies, materials, and services. 838 (c) The commission may levy and collect an annual 839 assessment from each compact state or impose fees on other 840 parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of 841 the commission and its staff which must be in a total amount 842 sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for 843 which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate 844 annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula 845 to be determined by the commission, which sh all promulgate a 846 rule binding upon all compact states. 847 (d) The commission may not incur obligations of any kind 848 before securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall 849 the commission pledge the credit of any of the compact states, 850 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 35 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S except by and with the authority of the compact state. 851 (e) The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all 852 receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of 853 the commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting 854 procedures established under its bylaw s. However, all receipts 855 and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be 856 audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and 857 the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of 858 the annual report of the commission. 859 (7) QUALIFIED IMMUNITY, DEFENSE, AND INDEMNIFICATION. — 860 (a) The members, officers, executive director, employees, 861 and representatives of the commission shall be immune from suit 862 and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, 863 for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal 864 injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any 865 actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that 866 the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis 867 for believing occurred, within the scope of commission 868 employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing 869 in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person 870 from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or 871 liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton 872 misconduct of that person. 873 (b) The commission shall defend any member, officer, 874 executive director, employee, or representative of the 875 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 36 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability 876 arising out of any actual or alleged a ct, error, or omission 877 that occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, 878 or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim 879 is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the 880 scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; 881 provided that nothing herein may be construed to prohibit that 882 person from retaining his or her own counsel; and provided 883 further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did 884 not result from that person's intentional or will ful or wanton 885 misconduct. 886 (c) The commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any 887 member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative 888 of the commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment 889 obtained against that person arising out of any actual or 890 alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope 891 of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that 892 such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within 893 the scope of commission employment, duties, or res ponsibilities; 894 provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did 895 not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct 896 of that person. 897 898 ARTICLE XI 899 RULEMAKING 900 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 37 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (1) The commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers 901 pursuant to the criteria set forth in this article and the rules 902 adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments become binding as of 903 the date specified in each rule or amendment. 904 (2) If a majority of the legislatures of the compact 905 states reject a rule by enactment of a statu te or resolution in 906 the same manner used to adopt the compact, such rule shall have 907 no further force and effect in any compact state. 908 (3) Rules or amendments to the rules shall be adopted at a 909 regular or special meeting of the commission. 910 (4) Before promulgation and adoption of a final rule or 911 rules by the commission, and at least 60 days in advance of the 912 meeting at which the rule will be considered and voted upon, the 913 commission shall file a notice of proposed rulemaking: 914 (a) On the website of the c ommission; and 915 (b) On the website of each compact state's psychology 916 regulatory authority or the publication in which each state 917 would otherwise publish proposed rules. 918 (5) The notice of proposed rulemaking shall include: 919 (a) The proposed time, date, and location of the meeting 920 in which the rule will be considered and voted upon; 921 (b) The text of the proposed rule or amendment and the 922 reason for the proposed rule; 923 (c) A request for comments on the proposed rule from any 924 interested person; and 925 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 38 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (d) The manner in which interested persons may submit 926 notice to the commission of their intention to attend the public 927 hearing and any written comments. 928 (6) Before adoption of a proposed rule, the commission 929 shall allow persons to submit written data, facts , opinions, and 930 arguments, which shall be made available to the public. 931 (7) The commission shall grant an opportunity for a public 932 hearing before it adopts a rule or amendment if a hearing is 933 requested by: 934 (a) At least 25 individuals who submit comment s 935 independently of each other; 936 (b) A governmental subdivision or agency; or 937 (c) A duly appointed person in an association that has at 938 least 25 members. 939 (8) If a hearing is held on the proposed rule or 940 amendment, the commission shall publish the place , time, and 941 date of the scheduled public hearing. 942 (a) All individuals wishing to be heard at the hearing 943 shall notify the executive director of the commission or other 944 designated member in writing of their desire to appear and 945 testify at the hearing at l east 5 business days before the 946 scheduled date of the hearing. 947 (b) Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each 948 person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity 949 to comment orally or in writing. 950 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 39 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (c) A transcript of the hearing is not required, unless a 951 written request for a transcript is made, in which case the 952 person requesting the transcript shall bear the cost of 953 producing the transcript. A recording may be made in lieu of a 954 transcript under the same terms and conditions as a t ranscript. 955 This subsection does not preclude the commission from making a 956 transcript or recording of the hearing if it so chooses. 957 (d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as 958 requiring a separate hearing on each rule. Rules may be grouped 959 for the convenience of the commission at hearings required by 960 this section. 961 (9) If a written notice of intent to attend the public 962 hearing by interested parties is not received, the commission 963 may proceed with promulgation of the proposed rule without a 964 public hearing. 965 (10) Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close 966 of business on the scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not 967 held, the commission shall consider all written and oral 968 comments received. 969 (11) The commission shall, by majority vote o f all 970 members, take final action on the proposed rule and shall 971 determine the effective date of the rule based on the rulemaking 972 record and the full text of the rule. 973 (12) Upon determination that an emergency exists, the 974 commission may consider and adopt an emergency rule without 975 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 40 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, provided that 976 the usual rulemaking procedures provided in the compact and in 977 this section shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon 978 as reasonably possible, but no later than 90 days after the 979 effective date of the rule. For the purposes of this subsection, 980 an emergency rule is one that must be adopted immediately in 981 order to: 982 (a) Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or 983 welfare; 984 (b) Prevent a loss of commi ssion or compact state funds; 985 (c) Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an 986 administrative rule that is established by federal law or rule; 987 or 988 (d) Protect public health and safety. 989 (13) The commission or an authorized committee of the 990 commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted rule or 991 amendment for purposes of correcting typographical errors, 992 errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. 993 Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of 994 the commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by 995 any person for a period of 30 days after posting. The revision 996 may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a 997 material change to a rule. A challenge shall be made in writing 998 and delivered to the chair of the commission before the end of 999 the notice period. If a challenge is not made, the revision will 1000 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 41 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S take effect without further action. If the revision is 1001 challenged, the revision may not take effect without the 1002 approval of the commission. 1003 1004 ARTICLE XII 1005 OVERSIGHT; DEFAULT, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND TERMINATION; 1006 DISPUTE RESOLUTION; AND ENFORCEMENT 1007 (1) OVERSIGHT.— 1008 (a) The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of 1009 state government in each compact state shall enforce this 1010 compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to 1011 effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of 1012 this compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall have 1013 standing as statutory law. 1014 (b) All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact 1015 and the rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a 1016 compact state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact 1017 which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the 1018 commission. 1019 (c) The commission shall be entitled to receive service of 1020 process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to 1021 intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to 1022 provide service of process to the commission shall render a 1023 judgment or order void as to the commission, this compact, or 1024 promulgated rules. 1025 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 42 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (2) DEFAULT, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND TERMINATION. — 1026 (a) If the commission determines that a compact state has 1027 defaulted in the performance of its obligations or 1028 responsibilities under this compact or the promulgated rules, 1029 the commission shall: 1030 1. Provide written notice to the defaulting state and 1031 other compact states of the nature of the default, the proposed 1032 means of remedying the default, and any other action to be taken 1033 by the commission; and 1034 2. Provide remedial training and specific technical 1035 assistance regarding the default. 1036 (b) If a state in default fails to remedy the default, the 1037 defaulting state may be terminated from the compact upon an 1038 affirmative vote of a ma jority of the compact states, and all 1039 rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact shall 1040 be terminated on the effective date of termination. A remedy of 1041 the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations 1042 or liabilities incurred d uring the period of default. 1043 (c) Termination of membership in the compact shall be 1044 imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have 1045 been exhausted. The commission shall submit a notice of intent 1046 to suspend or terminate a defaulting compact state to the 1047 state's governor, the majority and minority leaders of the 1048 state's legislature, and each of the compact states. 1049 (d) A compact state that has been terminated is 1050 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 43 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities 1051 incurred through the effective date of termination, including 1052 obligations that extend beyond the effective date of 1053 termination. 1054 (e) The commission may not bear any costs incurred by the 1055 state that is found to be in default or has been terminated from 1056 the compact, unless ag reed upon in writing between the 1057 commission and the defaulting state. 1058 (f) The defaulting state may appeal the action of the 1059 commission by petitioning the United States District Court for 1060 the state of Georgia or the federal district where the compact 1061 has its principal offices. The prevailing party shall be awarded 1062 all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney 1063 fees. 1064 (3) DISPUTE RESOLUTION. — 1065 (a) Upon request by a compact state, the commission shall 1066 attempt to resolve disputes related to th e compact which arise 1067 among compact states and between compact and noncompact states. 1068 (b) The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for 1069 both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes that 1070 arise before the commission. 1071 (4) ENFORCEMENT.— 1072 (a) The commission, in the reasonable exercise of its 1073 discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this 1074 compact. 1075 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 44 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (b) By majority vote, the commission may initiate legal 1076 action in the United States District Court for the state of 1077 Georgia or the federal district where the compact has its 1078 principal offices against a compact state in default to enforce 1079 compliance with the provisions of the compact and its 1080 promulgated rules and bylaws. The relief sought may include both 1081 injunctive relief and damag es. In the event judicial enforcement 1082 is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of 1083 such litigation, including reasonable attorney fees. 1084 (c) The remedies herein are not the exclusive remedies of 1085 the commission. The commission may pursu e any other remedies 1086 available under federal or state law. 1087 1088 ARTICLE XIII 1089 DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL 1090 COMPACT COMMISSION AND ASSOCIATED RULES; WITHDRAWAL, AND 1091 AMENDMENTS 1092 (1) The compact shall become effective on the date o n 1093 which the compact is enacted into law in the seventh compact 1094 state. The provisions that become effective at that time shall 1095 be limited to the powers granted to the commission relating to 1096 assembly and the promulgation of rules. Thereafter, the 1097 commission shall meet and exercise rulemaking powers necessary 1098 to the implementation and administration of the compact. 1099 (2) Any state that joins the compact subsequent to the 1100 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 45 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S commission's initial adoption of the rules shall be subject to 1101 the rules as they exist on the date on which the compact becomes 1102 law in that state. Any rule that has been previously adopted by 1103 the commission shall have the full force and effect of law on 1104 the day the compact becomes law in that state. 1105 (3) Any compact state may withdraw from thi s compact by 1106 enacting a statute repealing the same. 1107 (a) A compact state's withdrawal does not take effect 1108 until 6 months after enactment of the repealing statute. 1109 (b) Withdrawal does not affect the continuing requirement 1110 of the withdrawing state's psy chology regulatory authority to 1111 comply with the investigative and adverse action reporting 1112 requirements of this act before the effective date of 1113 withdrawal. 1114 (4) Nothing contained in this compact shall be construed 1115 to invalidate or prevent any psychology licensure agreement or 1116 other cooperative arrangement between a compact state and a 1117 noncompact state which does not conflict with the provisions of 1118 this compact. 1119 (5) This compact may be amended by the compact states. An 1120 amendment to this compact will not become effective and binding 1121 upon any compact state until it is enacted into the law of all 1122 compact states. 1123 1124 ARTICLE XIV 1125 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 46 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY 1126 This compact shall be liberally construed so as to 1127 effectuate the purposes thereof. If this compact shal l be held 1128 contrary to the constitution of any state member thereto, the 1129 compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the 1130 remaining compact states. 1131 Section 2. Subsection (10) of section 456.073, Florida 1132 Statutes, is amended to read: 1133 456.073 Disciplinary proceedings. —Disciplinary proceedings 1134 for each board shall be within the jurisdiction of the 1135 department. 1136 (10) The complaint and all information obtained pursuant 1137 to the investigation by the department are confidential and 1138 exempt from s. 119.07( 1) until 10 days after probable cause has 1139 been found to exist by the probable cause panel or by the 1140 department, or until the regulated professional or subject of 1141 the investigation waives his or her privilege of 1142 confidentiality, whichever occurs first. The department shall 1143 report any significant investigation information relating to a 1144 nurse holding a multistate license to the coordinated licensure 1145 information system pursuant to s. 464.0095 , and any significant 1146 investigatory information relating to a psycholo gist practicing 1147 under the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to the 1148 coordinated licensure information system pursuant to s. 1149 490.0075. Upon completion of the investigation and a 1150 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 47 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S recommendation by the department to find probable cause, and 1151 pursuant to a written request by the subject or the subject's 1152 attorney, the department shall provide the subject an 1153 opportunity to inspect the investigative file or, at the 1154 subject's expense, forward to the subject a copy of the 1155 investigative file. Notwithstanding s. 45 6.057, the subject may 1156 inspect or receive a copy of any expert witness report or 1157 patient record connected with the investigation if the subject 1158 agrees in writing to maintain the confidentiality of any 1159 information received under this subsection until 10 day s after 1160 probable cause is found and to maintain the confidentiality of 1161 patient records pursuant to s. 456.057. The subject may file a 1162 written response to the information contained in the 1163 investigative file. Such response must be filed within 20 days 1164 of mailing by the department, unless an extension of time has 1165 been granted by the department. This subsection does not 1166 prohibit the department from providing such information to any 1167 law enforcement agency or to any other regulatory agency. 1168 Section 3. Subsection (5) of section 456.076, Florida 1169 Statutes, is amended to read: 1170 456.076 Impaired practitioner programs. — 1171 (5) A consultant shall enter into a participant contract 1172 with an impaired practitioner and shall establish the terms of 1173 monitoring and shall incl ude the terms in a participant 1174 contract. In establishing the terms of monitoring, the 1175 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 48 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S consultant may consider the recommendations of one or more 1176 approved evaluators, treatment programs, or treatment providers. 1177 A consultant may modify the terms of monitorin g if the 1178 consultant concludes, through the course of monitoring, that 1179 extended, additional, or amended terms of monitoring are 1180 required for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare 1181 of the public. If the impaired practitioner is a psychologist 1182 practicing under the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact 1183 pursuant to s. 490.0075, the terms of the monitoring contract 1184 must include the impaired practitioner's withdrawal from all 1185 practice under the compact. 1186 Section 4. Subsection (7) is added to section 490.004, 1187 Florida Statutes, to read: 1188 490.004 Board of Psychology. — 1189 (7) The board shall appoint an individual to serve as the 1190 state's commissioner on the Psychology Interjurisdictional 1191 Compact Commission, as required under s. 490.0075. 1192 Section 5. Subsection (4) is added to section 490.005, 1193 Florida Statutes, to read: 1194 490.005 Licensure by examination. — 1195 (4) A person licensed as a psychologist in another state 1196 who is practicing pursuant to the Psychology Interjurisdictional 1197 Compact under s. 490.0075, and only within the scope provided 1198 therein, is exempt from the licensure requirements of this 1199 section. 1200 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 49 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Section 6. Subsection (4) is added to section 490.006, 1201 Florida Statutes, to read: 1202 490.006 Licensure by endorsement. — 1203 (4) A person licensed as a psychologist in another state 1204 who is practicing pursuant to the Psychology Interjurisdictional 1205 Compact under s. 490.0075, and only within the scope provided 1206 therein, is exempt from the licensure requirements of this 1207 section. 1208 Section 7. Section 490.009, Florida Statutes, is amended 1209 to read: 1210 490.009 Discipline. — 1211 (1) The following acts constitute grounds for denial of a 1212 license or disciplinary action, as specified in s. 456.072(2) or 1213 s. 490.0075: 1214 (a) Attempting to obtain, obtaining, or renewing a lic ense 1215 under this chapter by bribery or fraudulent misrepresentation or 1216 through an error of the board or department. 1217 (b) Having a license to practice a comparable profession 1218 revoked, suspended, or otherwise acted against, including the 1219 denial of certificat ion or licensure by another state, 1220 territory, or country. 1221 (c) Being convicted or found guilty, regardless of 1222 adjudication, of a crime in any jurisdiction which directly 1223 relates to the practice of his or her profession or the ability 1224 to practice his or he r profession. A plea of nolo contendere 1225 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 50 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S creates a rebuttable presumption of guilt of the underlying 1226 criminal charges. However, the board shall allow the person who 1227 is the subject of the disciplinary proceeding to present any 1228 evidence relevant to the underl ying charges and circumstances 1229 surrounding the plea. 1230 (d) False, deceptive, or misleading advertising or 1231 obtaining a fee or other thing of value on the representation 1232 that beneficial results from any treatment will be guaranteed. 1233 (e) Advertising, practicing, or attempting to practice 1234 under a name other than one's own. 1235 (f) Maintaining a professional association with any person 1236 who the applicant or licensee knows, or has reason to believe, 1237 is in violation of this chapter or of a rule of the departm ent 1238 or, in the case of psychologists, of the department or the 1239 board. 1240 (g) Knowingly aiding, assisting, procuring, or advising 1241 any nonlicensed person to hold himself or herself out as 1242 licensed under this chapter. 1243 (h) Failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation 1244 placed upon a person licensed under this chapter. 1245 (i) Willfully making or filing a false report or record; 1246 failing to file a report or record required by state or federal 1247 law; willfully impeding or obstructing the filing of a report or 1248 record; or inducing another person to make or file a false 1249 report or record or to impede or obstruct the filing of a report 1250 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 51 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S or record. Such report or record includes only a report or 1251 record which requires the signature of a person licensed under 1252 this chapter. 1253 (j) Paying a kickback, rebate, bonus, or other 1254 remuneration for receiving a patient or client, or receiving a 1255 kickback, rebate, bonus, or other remuneration for referring a 1256 patient or client to another provider of mental health care 1257 services or to a provider of health care services or goods; 1258 referring a patient or client to oneself for services on a fee -1259 paid basis when those services are already being paid for by 1260 some other public or private entity; or entering into a 1261 reciprocal referral agreement. 1262 (k) Committing any act upon a patient or client which 1263 would constitute sexual battery or which would constitute sexual 1264 misconduct as defined in s. 490.0111. 1265 (l) Making misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent 1266 representations in the practice of any pro fession licensed under 1267 this chapter. 1268 (m) Soliciting patients or clients personally, or through 1269 an agent, through the use of fraud, intimidation, undue 1270 influence, or a form of overreaching or vexatious conduct. 1271 (n) Failing to make available to a patient or client, upon 1272 written request, copies of test results, reports, or documents 1273 in the possession or under the control of the licensee which 1274 have been prepared for and paid for by the patient or client. 1275 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 52 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S (o) Failing to respond within 30 days to a written 1276 communication from the department concerning any investigation 1277 by the department or to make available any relevant records with 1278 respect to any investigation about the licensee's conduct or 1279 background. 1280 (p) Being unable to practice the profession for which he 1281 or she is licensed under this chapter with reasonable skill or 1282 competence as a result of any mental or physical condition or by 1283 reason of illness; drunkenness; or excessive use of drugs, 1284 narcotics, chemicals, or any other substance. In enforcing this 1285 paragraph, upon a finding by the State Surgeon General, the 1286 State Surgeon General's designee, or the board that probable 1287 cause exists to believe that the licensee is unable to practice 1288 the profession because of the reasons stated in this paragraph, 1289 the department shall have the authority to compel a licensee to 1290 submit to a mental or physical examination by psychologists or 1291 physicians designated by the department or board. If the 1292 licensee refuses to comply with the department's order, the 1293 department may file a petition for enforcement in the circuit 1294 court of the circuit in which the licensee resides or does 1295 business. The licensee may shall not be named or identified by 1296 initials in the petition or in any other public court records or 1297 documents, and the enforcement proceedings shall be closed to 1298 the public. The department shall be entitled to the summary 1299 procedure provided in s. 51.011. A lic ensee affected under this 1300 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 53 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S paragraph shall be afforded an opportunity at reasonable 1301 intervals to demonstrate that he or she can resume the competent 1302 practice for which he or she is licensed with reasonable skill 1303 and safety to patients. 1304 (q) Performing any treatment or prescribing any therapy 1305 which, by the prevailing standards of the mental health 1306 professions in the community, would constitute experimentation 1307 on human subjects, without first obtaining full, informed, and 1308 written consent. 1309 (r) Failing to meet the minimum standards of performance 1310 in professional activities when measured against generally 1311 prevailing peer performance, including the undertaking of 1312 activities for which the licensee is not qualified by training 1313 or experience. 1314 (s) Delegating profe ssional responsibilities to a person 1315 whom the licensee knows or has reason to know is not qualified 1316 by training or experience to perform such responsibilities. 1317 (t) Violating a rule relating to the regulation of the 1318 profession or a lawful order of the dep artment previously 1319 entered in a disciplinary hearing. 1320 (u) Failing to maintain in confidence a communication made 1321 by a patient or client in the context of such services, except 1322 as provided in s. 490.0147. 1323 (v) Making public statements which are derived f rom test 1324 data, client contacts, or behavioral research and which identify 1325 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 54 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S or damage research subjects or clients. 1326 (w) Violating any provision of this chapter or chapter 1327 456, or any rules adopted pursuant thereto. 1328 (2)(a) The department, or in the case o f psychologists, 1329 the board, may enter an order denying licensure or imposing any 1330 of the penalties in s. 456.072(2) against any applicant for 1331 licensure or licensee who is found guilty of violating any 1332 provision of subsection (1) of this section or who is fo und 1333 guilty of violating any provision of s. 456.072(1). 1334 (b) The board may take adverse action against a 1335 psychologist's authority to practice interjurisdictional 1336 telepsychology or his or her temporary authorization to practice 1337 under the Psychology Interju risdictional Compact pursuant to s. 1338 490.0075, and may impose any of the penalties in s. 456.072(2) 1339 if a psychologist commits an act specified in subsection (1) or 1340 s. 456.072(1). 1341 Section 8. Paragraph (h) is added to subsection (10) of 1342 section 768.28, Florida Statutes, to read: 1343 768.28 Waiver of sovereign immunity in tort actions; 1344 recovery limits; civil liability for damages caused during a 1345 riot; limitation on attorney fees; statute of limitations; 1346 exclusions; indemnification; risk management programs. — 1347 (10) 1348 (h) For purposes of this section, the individual appointed 1349 under s. 490.004(7) as the state's commissioner on the 1350 HB 953 2022 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. hb0953-00 Page 55 of 55 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission, when serving 1351 in that capacity pursuant to s. 490.0075, and any administrator, 1352 officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the 1353 Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact Commission, when acting 1354 within the scope of his or her employment, duties, or 1355 responsibilities in this state, is considered an agent of the 1356 state. The commission shall pay any claims or judgments pursuant 1357 to this section and may maintain insurance coverage to pay any 1358 such claims or judgments. 1359 Section 9. This act shall take effect July 1, 2022. 1360