If you're licensed in one state and want to see Rula clients in another, a licensure compact may be a great option. If you're eligible, you can expand your practice to additional states without getting a separate license in each one, which means more opportunities to connect with clients and receive referrals. This article explains what compacts are, details about PSYPACT authorization, and what to expect when you submit your compact information to Rula.
What is a licensure compact?
A licensure compact is an agreement between participating states. It gives eligible providers another way to practice across state lines. Instead of getting a separate full license in every state, you can use your existing home-state license plus compact authority (an authorization for PSYPACT) to practice in other participating states.
A few things to keep in mind:
- A compact extends your home-state license. It doesn't replace it, and it is not the same as a full state license. It's a separate form of practice authority, and you need to keep your home-state license active and in good standing for your compact authority to remain valid.
- Not every provider qualifies. Each compact has its own eligibility requirements, set by the compact itself.
- At Rula, compact authority applies to telehealth only. You can't use compact authority to see in-person clients through Rula.
- Compact credentials carry their own application and annual renewal fees, paid directly to the compact. Make sure you are up to date with the related requirements.
Why use a compact with Rula?
Practicing through a licensure compact lets you see clients in more states without getting a separate license in each one. That means more opportunities to connect with clients and receive referrals, and more ways to fill your schedule and grow your practice.
Which compacts does Rula support?
Rula currently supports PSYPACT, with more compacts on the way.
| PSYPACT | |
| Who it's for | Psychologists, LCP, LP |
| How it works | You receive authority to practice telehealth across participating PSYPACT states. |
| What you'll submit to Rula | Your PSYPACT credential information [APIT number] |
| Where to apply | PSYPACT website - This link provides a helpful chart to walk you through the application process! |
Participating states change over time. A state can join a compact before Rula supports compact practice there, so a state being on a compact's list doesn't always mean you can see Rula clients there. You can check the PSYPACT website for more details on which states are included in the compact licensure at this time.
How the process works at Rula
There are six steps from getting your compact to seeing clients in a new state.
Step 1: Get your compact privilege (you do this). Check that you're eligible and apply through the compact's official website. Rula can't apply on your behalf or confirm your eligibility.
- PSYPACT: https://psypact.org
Step 2: Submit your compact information in the provider portal (you do this). Add your APIT number and select the states where you'd like to see clients. Please note that you will be eligible in all PSYPACT states, but you can choose which states to accept new clients from and which to pause. More information on how to do it below!
Step 3: Enter your PSYPACT APIT information into the license section of your CAQH profile (you do this). Add your compact details. More information on how to do it below.
Step 4: Rula verifies your compact (Rula does this). Rula reviews your information to confirm your compact authority.
Step 5: Rula completes credentialing and insurance enrollment (Rula does this). Rula credentials you for each state and enrolls you with the insurance plans that accept compact-based practice. This is the same enrollment process Rula uses for any provider joining a new state.
Step 6: Add your availability and start receiving referrals (you do this). Add more availability to your calendar to increase the chance of receiving referrals from clients in your new states.
How to submit your compact information
Before you start, have the following ready:
- Your active home-state license information
- Your compact credential or privilege details, such as your APIT number
In the Rula provider portal:
- Log in to the Rula provider portal.
- Go to your Profile Tab and click Practice locations.
- Under Telehealth, click Add PSYPACT
- Add your APIT number provided by PSYPACT and confirm if you are currently employed by any payors outside of your license home-state.
- Click Next.
- Rula will credential you in all states supported by PSYPACT, however, you can choose which states to accept new clients from. Select the state(s) where you want to accept new clients from. (You can update this later as well!)
- You can view reimbursement rates for each state in the provider portal before you submit.
- You will now be prompted to update your CAQH profile if you haven’t done so already.
Tip: Double-check your credential numbers before you submit. Missing or incorrect information can slow down verification.
In your CAQH profile:
Log in to CAQH ProView at provider.caqh.org
In the upper left corner, Under Credentials, you will add your PSYPACT authority as a new license. Enter the issuing organization (PSYPACT), using APIT before your number (APIT-######), and the issue and expiration dates.
Once you save and re-attest, you will need to go to your Documents section and upload a copy of your E.Passport certificate.
At the bottom of your Documents page, you will see Select Document Type. Choose State License, and then select Upload.
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Confirm Rula is listed as an authorized audience for your profile so we can verify your compact information.(It is always best to Authorize All so any health payer we are contracted with will not have issues viewing your profile data.)
Remember that “All” is only those who are in healthcare administration. The general public is not able to see any of your CAQH data.
Tip: All data in your CAQH profile, including your E.Passport, must be maintained. If you do not, it could lead to delays in processing, inability to treat clients, and potential termination.
What happens after you submit
You won't be bookable immediately. Rula needs to verify your compact authority and finish credentialing and insurance enrollment first. Verification is usually quick. Insurance enrollment takes longer and depends on each insurance company, and it can take weeks to a few months.
You may need to take a few more steps. Depending on the state and insurance plans, Rula may ask you to send additional documentation. We will reach out directly through credentialing@rula.com or through our partner Certify (outreach@certifyos.com).
Watch your provider portal and email for requests so your application doesn't stall.
Not every insurance plan accepts compact-based practice. Having compact authority in a state doesn't mean you'll be able to see clients with every insurance plan there. Plans have their own requirements, so the plans available to you may differ from those available to providers with a full license in the state. You’ll be able to see which plans accept PSYPACT in each state in the Rula provider portal.
Keep your credentials current. If your home-state license or compact credential expires or lapses, your ability to see clients in your compact states may be affected. You should always renew any license prior to expiring, and update your CAQH profile when renewed
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need my home-state license?
Yes. A compact works alongside your qualifying home-state license and doesn't replace it.
Does Rula help me apply for a compact?
No. You're responsible for researching eligibility and applying through the compact's official website. After you have your credential or privilege, you can submit it to Rula.
Can I use a compact to see clients in person?
No. Compact practice through Rula is for telehealth only.
Which states can I practice in through Rula?
Rula supports compact practice in a set of participating states, and the list can change over time. You'll see the states available to you when you add your compact information in the provider portal. To see which states participate in each compact overall, visit the PSYPACT website.
Can I choose which states I practice in, or will I be enrolled in all of them?
When you submit your compact information, you will be credentialed and enrolled in all PSYPACT states, however you can choose the states where you want to accept new clients or pause accepting new clients.
Can I start seeing clients as soon as I submit my compact information?
Not necessarily. Rula still needs to verify your compact and complete credentialing and insurance enrollment before you're bookable in the new state.
How long does it take to become bookable?
It varies. Verification is relatively quick, but insurance enrollment depends on each insurance company and state, and can take weeks. You may also need to complete a few follow-up steps, which can affect timing.
Will I need to do anything else after I submit?
Possibly. Rula may ask you to take additional steps. Check your provider portal and email for requests or updates.
Will using a compact affect my home-state license?
Using a compact doesn't replace or change your home-state license, but you do need to keep it active and in good standing. For questions about how a compact interacts with your specific license, contact your licensing board.
Do I need to tell my licensing board about my compact?
Requirements vary by board and compact. Check with your home-state licensing board and the compact's website for any reporting requirements.
I'm having trouble entering my compact details in the provider portal. What should I do?
You can ask to connect with a Rula Support agent through the “Ask a question…” field at the bottom of the help center. Include a screenshot of the error and the step where you got stuck.
My compact information was rejected or has been pending for a while. Who can help?
You can reach out to the Rula Credentialing team at credentialing@rula.com. In your subject line, enter PSYPACT Question, and it will get routed to the right team so we can easily assist you.
Where can I find the status of my compact verification?
In the Rula provider portal! Once credentialing is complete, you will be alerted that you’re credentialed with PSYPACT via the Practice location tab in the provider portal.
What if my home state isn't part of PSYPACT?
You aren't eligible for PSYPACT practice authority. Standard state licensure is the path to seeing clients in other states.
What happens if I move to a new home state?
Your compact authority is tied to your home-state license. If your home state changes, you'll need to re-establish by obtaining a full license in your new state and/or confirm your compact credential before you can keep seeing clients through PSYPACT.
Does getting PSYPACT authority cost anything?
Yes. PSYPACT charges application and renewal fees, paid directly to the compact.
Where to learn more
- PSYPACT: eligibility requirements, participating states, and how to apply
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Your home-state licensing board: questions about how a compact applies to your license
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