Navigating Interjurisdictional Practice
Psychology and Regulation Trends
Understanding Ethical and Regulatory Obligations
The recently published article, “Navigating Interjurisdictional Practice: Understanding Ethical and Regulatory Obligations” by Mariann Burnetti-Atwell, PsyD, Jana N. Martin, Ph.D., and Janet P. Orwig, MBA, CAE; is important for psychologists because it addresses a structural shift in how interjurisdictional psychological services are delivered, the unique opportunities it presents, and the challenges not found in in-person delivery.
At its core, the paper matters because telepsychology is no longer a niche modality. Telepsychology has become a routine part of practice, accelerated by the COVID-19 era and sustained by patient demand and technological accessibility. As psychologists increasingly work across state and national boundaries, the traditional model, where a clinician practices within a single, clearly defined jurisdiction, no longer reflects reality. This shift from working within the state to working across states creates a gap between how psychologists practice and how psychology is regulated. The article directly targets that gap.
A central reason the paper is significant is its clarification of the legal and regulatory complexity underlying interjurisdictional work. Psychological practice in the United States is primarily governed at the state level, meaning each jurisdiction has its own licensing laws, mandatory reporting rules, and standards of care. When a psychologist provides services across state lines, they are no longer accountable to just one regulatory system but may be accountable to several at once. The paper illustrates that failing to understand these overlapping systems is not merely an administrative issue; such a gap can result in legal liability, ethical violations, or loss of licensure. By clearly mapping these obligations, the article transforms what might feel like an abstract concern into a concrete professional matter and offers steps to practice.
Interjurisdictional Practice Challenges
Equally important is the article’s emphasis on ethics as an evolving, context-dependent responsibility rather than a fixed set of rules. Traditional ethical principles, competence, informed consent, confidentiality, and continuity of care do not disappear in telepsychology, but they become more complex. For example, competence now includes technological literacy and the ability to assess whether a client is suitable for remote care. Confidentiality extends beyond office privacy to include encryption, platform security, and data breach planning. Emergency management requires knowledge of resources in a client’s distant location, not just the clinician’s local network. By reframing familiar ethical principles in this expanded context, the article helps psychologists understand that interjurisdictional practice is not simply “the same work on a screen,” but a qualitatively different professional activity.
Key Ethical Challenges
- Knowledge of and compliance with legal, licensing, and regulatory requirements
- Competence
- Informed consent
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Continuity of care and emergency services
The paper is also important because it highlights risks that are easy to overlook in day-to-day practice. Verifying a client’s physical location at each session, understanding differences in age-of-consent laws, or knowing how mandatory reporting thresholds vary by state are not intuitive tasks, yet they are essential for compliance. These compliance-related details are precisely what can lead to ethical complaints or legal consequences if ignored. By identifying these “hidden” responsibilities, the article functions as a preventive guide rather than a reactive one.
Another major contribution is its focus on preparedness and systems thinking. The authors argue that ethical interjurisdictional practice is not achieved through isolated decisions but through deliberate infrastructure: informed consent documents tailored to telepsychology, established emergency protocols, consultation networks, and ongoing education. This system-based approach shifts the psychologist’s role from a solely clinical actor to a professional who must also design and maintain a compliant practice system. For many clinicians, especially those trained before the rise of telehealth, this expansion of the psychologist’s role represents a significant but necessary evolution of professional identity.
The document also addresses broader implications for access to care. Interjurisdictional telepsychology has the potential to reach underserved populations, including rural communities and areas lacking specialized services. However, the paper makes clear that increased access should not come at the expense of ethical rigor or patient safety. This important balance, between expanding care and maintaining standards, is one of the defining challenges of modern psychology, and the article provides a framework for navigating it responsibly.
Finally, the paper is important because it models a proactive stance toward a rapidly changing field. Rather than treating regulatory complexity as a barrier, it encourages psychologists to engage with it through consultation, continuing education, and collaboration with licensing boards and professional organizations. This perspective is essential for the profession’s future, as technological change will likely continue to reshape practice faster than regulations can keep pace.
In summary, this article clarifies that interjurisdictional telepsychology is not simply an extension of traditional work, but a domain that requires new competencies, heightened ethical awareness, and active engagement with regulatory systems. That understanding will help psychologists minimize risks and better equip them to deliver safe, effective, and compliant care in an increasingly borderless clinical landscape.
About the Authors:
Mariann Burnetti-Atwell, PsyD
Mariann Burnetti-Atwell, PsyD, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). She leads initiatives that strengthen psychology regulation and support public protection. Since 2018, she has guided ASPPB in advancing its mission and expanding its leadership and influence within the psychology community.
Dr. Burnetti-Atwell also served as Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Corizon Health, overseeing behavioral health programs across multiple states. In her previous roles with Missouri’s Departments of Corrections and Social Services, she developed innovative mental health programs for incarcerated and underserved populations. Additionally, Dr. Burnetti-Atwell served on the Missouri State Committee of Psychologists appointed by two Missouri Governors. In this capacity, she contributed to the regulation of psychological practices within the state, ensuring adherence to high professional standards.
Dr. Burnetti-Atwell’s extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, coupled with her strategic vision and leadership acumen, continues to drive ASPPB’s success and influence in the psychology community.
Dr. Burnetti-Atwell actively contributed to the Missouri State Committee of Psychologists, helping regulate psychological practices within the state.
Jana N. Martin, Ph.D.
After years of independent practice, hospital work, and outpatient clinic work, Dr. Jana Martin became CEO of The American Insurance Trust (The Trust) in 2010. As CEO, she has worked to provide more support services for policyholders, such as expanding clinical and risk management consulting and educational resources and products for every level of psychologists’ careers. Dr. Martin was co-chair of the Task Force on the Development of Telepsychology Guidelines for Psychologists and was co-editor with Drs. Campbell and Millán on A Telepsychology Casebook: Using Technology Ethically and Effectively in Your Professional Practice (2018). She has been commended by the American Psychological Association with a Presidential Citation for exemplary work as a modern-day practitioner. She is a recipient of the Rosalee G. Weiss Award for Outstanding Leaders in Psychology from the American Psychological Foundation. Dr. Martin is nationally recognized and has published and presented numerous times within the professional psychological community.
Janet Orwig, MBA, CAE
Janet Orwig has served as the executive director of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) since 2015. In her position, she supports the Compact’s governing body, the PSYPACT Commission. Janet manages the day-to-day operations of PSYPACT, including implementing compact and regulatory compliance. She plays an integral part in developing new services and programs, securing and managing large government grants, and furthering stakeholder relations. Her 30-year career in association management includes experience in customer service, communications, public relations, advocacy, strategic planning and implementation, leadership development, and project and program management. Janet earned her Paralegal Certificate and undergraduate degree from Huntingdon College and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix. She is also a Certified Association Executive (CAE).
