The independent medical examination (IME) is a medical evaluation performed by a medical professional on a patient they have never treated. The goal is for the medical professional to assess the patient’s condition, as well as the patient’s past treatment, through a new, objective lens. The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPact), which is part of IME, is an agreement pertaining to mental health and psychological care. It allows psychologists in participating jurisdictions to practice across state lines, either through telepsychology or temporary in-person practice.
PsyPact is relatively new, having been created in 2015 and only been operational since July 2020. As such, the rules of PsyPact are often changing. As of June 2023, 40 states and territories have enacted PsyPact, vastly expanding access nationwide. A few states are not yet in effect but will be in the coming months. To see if your state has joined the PsyPact, view the map below, created by PsyPact:
Now that PsyPact is operational, you can submit your application to either serve as a PsyPact psychologist or to receive mental healthcare services.
The new PsyPact rules will impact Americans as a whole, but will more specifically benefit veterans. Military groups, such as the Society for Military Psychology, have pushed for this legislation as they believe it has the potential to help our nation’s soldiers and veterans. The PsyPact helps to ensure that active-duty soldiers can receive the full range of psychological services in the United States.
Our law firm can work with PsyPact to get Independent Medical Exams for clients. This helps combat a lack of access to mental health services and service decrements in rural and remote localities. Regardless of geographic isolation, you will likely have access to an exam as long as your state belongs to PsyPact.
For more detailed information about PsyPact and how it may benefit you or your family, contact Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law LC.
