Kuznetsova says psychological assistance bill could reach State Duma soon

State Duma deputy speaker Anna Kuznetsova said on October 10 that a bill on psychological assistance could be submitted to Russia’s parliament soon, while discussions with the government continue.

Speaking to RIA Novosti, Kuznetsova said the professional psychological community had supported the draft. She described the dialogue with the government as constructive and said lawmakers hoped to settle on an appropriate approach in the near future.

Kuznetsova said the lengthy and complex proposal must account for different interests and lay the foundations for psychological services that are both accessible and of good quality. The government had previously backed the bill on condition that it be revised. Her latest comments concern preparation for submission, rather than parliamentary approval or the entry into force of new rules.