MISSISSIPPI BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY

P. O. Box 20

Jackson, MS 39205

www.psychologyboard.ms.gov

601-576-2577

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, by proclamation dated March 14, 2020, issued by Tate Reeves, Governor of the State of Mississippi, a state of emergency was declared pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. Section §33-15-11, in order to address the high risk for an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, identified as COVID-19, in the state of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Proclamation has invoked the emergency powers of the Governor pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. Section §33-15-11(c)(1) to temporarily suspend or modify any rule or regulation of a state agency which would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Board of Psychology as an agency of the state of Mississippi wishes to comply with the Governor's proclamation and take those steps necessary to address access to needed medical care, including mental health care, to the citizens of the state of Mississippi during this time of emergency; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi State Board of Psychology recognizes that face to face visits may increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission; and

WHEREAS, Rule 4.7(b) of the Board's Rules and Regulations requires duly licensed psychologists in other jurisdiction holding Temporary Practice Certificates to practice no more than thirty (30) days during a consecutive twelve-month period within the state; and

WHEREAS, the Board recognizes that enforcement of Rule 4.7(b) may result in unnecessary patient travel and interruption in patient care during the state of emergency;

NOW THEREFORE, the Mississippi Board of Psychology will suspend enforcement of Rule 4.7(b) to allow duly licensed psychologists from other jurisdictions holding a valid Temporary Practice Certificate issued by this Board to practice in this state until such time as the state of emergency is lifted by the Governor of the State of Mississippi; and

FURTHER, the Mississippi Board of Psychology shall expedite applications for Temporary Practice Certificates to allow qualified applicants temporary privileges in Mississippi; and

FURTHER, the Mississippi Board of Psychology encourages psychologists licensed in the state of Mississippi to practice telepsychology in an effort to prevent risk to patients, to limit patient travel, to maintain continuity of services, and to improve access to needed services. The practice of psychology shall be construed without regard to the means of service provision, including face-to-face, telephone, internet, and telehealth; and

FURTHER, licensees must continue to follow all HIPAA regulations related to providing Telepsychology health services and should contact the Board of Psychology in the jurisdiction in which they wish to practice to inquire about the licensing requirements of that jurisdiction;

SO ORDERED AND APPROVED by the Mississippi Board of Psychology, this the 17^th day of March, 2020.

MISSISSIPPI BOARD OF PSYCHOLOGY

By: ___________________________________

Dr. Steve Ellis, Chair

For and on Behalf of the Board