Director, Regulatory Affairs & Payer Policy

American Psychological Association•Washington, DC

10h•$113,500 - $174,000•Remote

About The Position

The Health Policy and Healthcare Financing Department is responsible for leading clinical and operational advancements of the profession to increase viability and impact of psychology practice now and in the future. Activities include leading APA’s work within the AMA’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) and RVS Update Committee (RUC) process, leading strategy and advocacy regarding financing of psychology practice in the U.S., and working within policy and advocacy arenas to increase the influence, visibility, and value of psychology within the health care system. This role serves as a subject matter expert on federal and state agency regulations, with particular emphasis on policies issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Provides expert interpretation of regulatory requirements affecting psychological practice, reimbursement, and access to care across Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, the Indian Health Service, and commercial insurance programs. Works collaboratively across the Association to support the development and implementation of health care policy strategies and to strengthen the visibility, influence, and participation of psychologists within federal, state, and commercial payer systems.

Requirements

Education = J.D. or Master's Degree in a health-related field (MPH, MPA, etc.). (Master’s Degree required; JD desirable)
Experience = 8 years’ experience in federal regulatory analysis, health insurance adjudication, and health policy.
Strong advocacy skills and prior federal or state lobbying experience desired.
Strong communication skills and ability to develop relationships with key partners across industry.
A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy; well-developed interpersonal skills; a collaborative working style; and excellent judgment.
Demonstrable expertise in understanding federal and state health care systems, health policy, and health care regulations.
A problem-solving and growth-oriented mindset; the ability to prioritize and reprioritize work.
Ability to solve complex problems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email programs, virtual meetings, and federal and state agency technology interface.

Nice To Haves

JD desirable
Strong advocacy skills and prior federal or state lobbying experience desired.
Understanding in psychological practice a plus.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates advanced ability to work both independently and collaboratively with regulators, policymakers, consultants, payers, and other high‑level professionals. Serves as a trusted expert representing the Association’s interests in the development, interpretation, and implementation of federal, state, and commercial health care regulations affecting psychological practice.
Effectively communicates and engages with APA members, governance groups, boards and committees, external stakeholders (including regulators and consultants from diverse disciplines), and APA staff across units and levels. Translates complex regulatory and policy issues into clear, actionable guidance that supports informed decision‑making across the Association.
Conducts comprehensive analysis of federal, state, and commercial insurance regulations related to psychology and broader health care policy. Leads the development of coordinated, multi‑pronged strategies to respond to proposed and final agency rules, ensuring APA’s positions are evidence‑based, persuasive, and aligned with organizational priorities.
Prepares formal comment letters and regulatory submissions on behalf of the Association to advance psychologists’ visibility, roles, and reimbursement within federal and state programs.
Collaborates with internal partners to create member education resources, training materials, and communication tools that help psychologists navigate evolving policies and regulatory requirements.
Responds to inquiries from members, divisions, and State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Associations (SPTAs) concerning federal, state, and commercial insurance programs and health policy issues. Provides timely, expert guidance that supports advocacy, compliance, and practice needs across the field.
Advises and consults with APA staff on regulatory and health policy matters to strengthen the role of psychologists and psychological science across federal, state, and commercial payer systems. Proactively identifies opportunities to influence program design, reimbursement structures, and regulatory frameworks to expand psychologists’ participation in health care systems.
Responds to requests for federal and state regulatory analyses; assists, advises, and educates SPTAs, APA members, divisions, and governance on key policy developments, trends, and strategic implications.
Supports broader Association initiatives and emerging priorities, contributing expertise to cross‑functional projects, strategic planning efforts, and member‑facing programs as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.