March 2009 MBPA Member Speaks Out About the Economy Dr. Andy Carman recently responded to APA President Dr. Bray’s column, Psychology and the crisis in confidence, that appeared in the March 2009 APA Monitor. APA members are encouraged to go to www.apa.org and read the column for context, then read, and ponder, Dr. Carman’s thought-provoking insights and questions. Those who are interested in this topic are encouraged to contact Andy – let’s open a dialogue on this important topic. Dear Dr. Bray, In your March President's Column, I appreciate the emphasis on empowering people with a focus on what they can do, so as to counteract the fear and despair that many are feeling about our economic circumstance. What also seems crucial to consider is What is the "positive perspective" that we are to promote? 1. Is it that the individual can take action to weather the temporary downturn and that we have nothing to fear but fear itself? Or, is it that a dramatic reduction in our consumer consumption is absolutely necessary for the survival of the majority of life on this planet? 2. While it is very painful that millions have lost jobs and homes, is a dramatic reduction in consumption the best and most important change in human behavior that we can hope for in the short term? 3. Is this a regrettable downturn or a tragically delayed correction to the devastating and unsustainable bubble of "consumer confidence?” 4. Is a widespread crisis in confidence in and questioning of the political/financial structure an intelligent reaction? 5. Is individual empowerment most important or is engaging in collective action? 6. Do we promote confidence in the individual to adapt to the current system (where primarily the wealthy increase their wealth and the poor lose power and security), or do we encourage people to be empowered by their sense of justice and equity and organize collectively to create a new system that supports health, safety, and security for the many? 7. Do we encourage people to appreciate the obvious lesson that institutionalized gambling on the Wall Street house of cards is not only risky, but is also not a mature, healthy, adult way of building security for all? 8. Do we encourage people to emancipate themselves from consumer slavery in order to find happiness in family, friends, spirituality, and service to community? I hope it is clear that I would not promote pessimism about the future, but rather, appreciation of the tremendous opportunity for values clarification - that maybe we're not spending so much because we know that we don't really need so much stuff. Do we encourage consumer confidence or consumer responsibility, e.g., by contemplating what is most important, the immediate gratification of (corporate sponsored) consumer urges or choosing what is best for the health and survival of our great grandchildren? Obviously I have opinions about all of this, and I would appreciate hearing yours. Sincerely,
Andy Carman, Ph.D.
550 Water Street, Suite E-2
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 |
March 2009 MBPA Winter-Spring Party Submitted by Jennifer Kaupp, Ph.D.  Our Winter party, held in late February this year, was a tremendous success. Cheryl Jacques generously hosted MBPA members, friends, spouses and partners in her beautiful home in Larkin Valley. The company, as we've come to expect at these parties, was lively and fun. The food, a beautiful selection of finger foods -- lovingly prepared by Cheryl, her daughter-in-law, Gayle's Bakery, Jenny Kaupp, Junell Silver, and Pam Kangas -- was delicious, and perfect for the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of the gathering. Music was provided by MBPA Board member Jon Girvetz on piano, MBPA Board husband Ray Kaupp (guitar and voice), and MBPA Board wife Evie Alloy (voice). Other brave souls sang from time to time -- and between all of us, we got most of the words right! Rick Alloy was our official photographer.
 
At piano, above right: Jon Girvetz and Evie Alloy; Above: Judy Anton and Edda Schweid; Below: Art Anton and Jim Beckett  
All in all this was lovely party. It's always nice meeting new people and catching up with old friends and colleagues. However, many of you look forward to a party in early December and were disappointed to learn that the Board postponed it this year. So in response to our members' wishes, we will return to tradition, with a Holiday Party in December 2009. Again, many thanks to Cheryl for her hospitality and to all the people who helped make it a success. |
March 2009 MBPA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE By Jim Beckett, Ph.D.
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(831) 345-3619
I’m happy to report that Monterey Bay Psychological Association is very well served by a very dedicated Board of Directors who meet quarterly to consider the business of our Association. We are a friendly and mutually respectful group who seem to enjoy one another’s company. Our hope is to be as effective as we are congenial. And let me add at this point that we welcome new members and would encourage you to step forward and offer your services to serve on the Board of Directors, if you are at all inclined. This is an especially useful opportunity for new members of MBPA to become acquainted with some of your colleagues. We are dedicated this year to providing additional benefits to the membership. I am particularly eager to foster more collegiality among the members. I find that when members do get together they seem to very much enjoy the experience. Our psychotherapy practices can be isolating at times, and finding opportunities to be in touch with colleagues can be meaningful. In 2007 we effected an improvement in the communications capacity of members, both with each other and with the greater community, by upgrading our website (www.mbpsych.org). Hopefully you have discovered the usefulness of the website, and in fact are probably reading this newsletter from the website. However we are aware that some members are not comfortable with Internet use. If a member prefers to obtain a hard copy (paper version) of the newsletter and cannot download it from the website, we will be happy to print a copy and mail it to you. If you know of other members who may not have heard that we wish to accommodate them in this way, please let them know. This year we have two methods by which to serve the members better. Beginning with the Winter party, we hope to offer monthly opportunities for “get-togethers” at which we can simply come together for some kind of social event and enjoy the company. So be on the lookout for announcements of these events. Secondly we are now planning three simple Friday afternoon Continuing Education events this year. These workshops will be relatively inexpensive ($75) thanks to the generosity of the presenters, our own MBPA colleagues. We are in the process of obtaining CPA sponsorship. I know I find it much more satisfying to obtain CE units in a context of shared time with colleagues than in the increasingly used format of online courses. I learn a lot from colleagues as they share cases, questions and struggles in live sessions. So again be on the lookout for announcements of such events. Finally we have a new CLASP chairperson, Dr. Cindy Fabry. I wish to conclude by emphasizing that the work we do as therapists is difficult and draining. Self care needs to be a priority for each of us. CLASP stands ready to serve any colleague who wishes to access their service. Hopefully we can support one another in crisis as well as in our ongoing work. YES WE CAN!!!!! (heard that before??) Best wishes to all our members and please feel free to contact me with any concerns you may have. Jim Beckett, Ph.D. |
March 2009 EDITOR'S NOTE
By Jennifer Kaupp, Ph.D.
Editor, The Monterey Bay Psychologist
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831-429-9314
Hello MBPA Members –
Welcome to the Spring 2009 MBPA Newsletter. In response to suggestions from several members and with the generous help of former newsletter editor Dr. Edda Schweid, we will be mailing a condensed, hard copy version of the newsletter. The snail mail version will consist of a couple of pages with information about the Board (contact information), a calendar of events (board meetings, workshops, parties, and other time-sensitive material), and directions on how to access the website. This is a pilot project that we’ll continue as long as it is fiscally possible. The President’s message, Board reports, articles, and ads will be readily available via email and the website, and can be downloaded for those of you who prefer paper copy. We continue to look for ways to improve our electronic communication with you, via the newsletter and website (www.mbpsych.org), and value your comments and suggestions. Have a wonderful spring. Take care,
Jenny
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March 2009 Minutes / Highlights from February 6, 2009
Board of Directors Meeting Cheryl Jacques, Psy.D.
MBPA Secretary
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831-768-7681 Members Present: Jim Beckett, President
Junell Silver, Past President and Technology Chair
Cheryl Jacques, Secretary
Andy Carman, Treasurer
Jenny Kaupp, Newsletter Editor and Social Issues Forum Co-Chair
Art Anton, Program and CEU Chair
Jon Girvetz, I&R and Social Forums Co-chair
Ann Bolger, Membership
Diane Bridgeman, Disaster Response Co-chair and Public Service
Rick Allen, Disaster Response Co-chair
Myrna Glick, Forensics
Edda Schweid, MBPA member
MINUTES of 12/06/08 were approved with some revisions.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT: The proposed calendar for 2009 was reviewed and approved. Dr. Robert Lundquist of Santa Cruz Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Group requested telephone attendance at board meetings. Discussion about the feasibility of this ensued. Dr. Cindy Fabry has volunteered to be chair of CLASP. The Board appreciates this! The Board discussed how to fill the president- elect position. PAST PRESIDENT REPORT: Dr. Junell Silver reminded the Board of our enthusiasm for a monthly get-together at homes or restaurants in order to discuss topics of interest, meet local representatives, share a meal or drinks, discuss an article or present a paper, and go hiking and/or birdwatching. A once-a-month event sign-up sheet was sent around for Board members, starting in April 2009. A committee could come up with ideas of interest. There was discussion of paper vs. electronic newsletter continued. Due to limited resources, electronic means of sending the newsletter is best. TECHNOLOGY: Junell Silver noted that “Member Directory” is the preferred term for the “find a therapist” function on the website. Dr. Silver will head up a committee about a listserv. I&R: The legality of including I&R on the website and in Yellow Pages advertising was discussed. I&R will continue as is at least through 2009. Currently, I&R has about 15 members. TREASURER’S REPORT: Actual expenses and income for 2008 were presented and discussed. The 2009 budget should have fewer expenses. MEMBERSHIP: 36 full members have renewed, about one-third. The webmaster will send notices directly from the website. The Board will make phone calls to members not renewing after the latest email blast. CEU REPORT: CAMFT has contacted us about a jointly sponsored workshop titled Ethics: Right Relationship workshop. Dr. Art Anton to follow up. PROGRAMS CHAIR: Dr. Anton offered his services as Program Chair with some new operating procedures such as short programs and low overhead. Some of our members would like to present material of interest. DISASTER RESPONSE Co-Chairs: Dr. Rick Allen updated the Board about CPA disaster response activities. The state organization has been very busy. Dr. Diane Bridgeman reported that at a recent ARC and MBPA association meeting, 40 people attended. Our Red Cross chapter piloted a version of the required ARC class in “Foundations of Disaster Mental Health.” Thanks to Drs. Jacob Sidman, Gary Shoemaker and Fern Selzer, and to Anita Whalen, MFT among others, who attended. If you are interested in being part of our Disaster Response/Red Cross Disaster Mental Health team, contact Dr. Bridgeman at 831-420-1109, or
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. PUBLIC SERVICE/OUTREACH/EDUCATION: Dr. Bridgeman acknowledged the work of Dr. Tom Butz with the Homeless Garden Project. They are interested in hosting brief presentations by MBPA members on topics such as substance abuse and PTSD. Edda Schweid, Ph.D.: Member Dr. Edda Schweid attended the meeting to voice her concern that many members are not receiving email notices. She proposed several ideas about newsletter content and length. Newsletter Chair Dr. Jenny Kaupp will collaborate with Dr. Schweid on an abridged, hard copy newsletter for those members. The Board appreciates Dr. Schweid's input. Motions approved and carried: - December minutes approved.
- A monthly meeting of MBPA members to be sponsored by a Board member every month, shall occur.
- The Board moves that we look into co-sponsoring the CAMFT workshop.
- The Board approved Dr. Art Anton for Program Chair.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:00 PM. The next Board meeting is May 1, 2009: 12:15-2:00 PM at Dominican Education Building. Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Jacques, Psy.D. |
March 2009 MBPA CLASP BOARD REPORT Submitted by Cindy Fabry, Psy.D.
California Psychological Association CLASP Chair
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831-234-8087
http://www.cpaclasp.org
Hi! My name is Cindy Fabry and I’m excited to be serving as the new CLASP chair for MBPA. I’m hoping that there will be interest in joining this committee, submitting ideas for upcoming events and attending CLASP workshops, information nights, discussion groups, and fun activities. CLASP is about prevention, well-being, self care and developing a supportive community through what we create together. I am looking forward to collaborating with the membership, please reach out and get involved. Please consider becoming a CLASP provider. This is a great opportunity to work with psychologists who are in need of support, supervision, and or consultation. Our website has a link to the application. If you have any questions about the application or what being a CLASP provider entails, give me a call or send an email. Some of the upcoming CLASP events include a discussion group about financial concerns that we face as psychologists, an informative presentation from a financial advisor, designing a professional will, and a bonfire. Dates for these events TBA. I’m looking forward to meeting you and getting your ideas for ways that CLASP can be helpful! |
March 2009 CPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEE REPORT By Jennifer Garbarino, Ph.D.
CPA Board Representative
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831-661-0389
Hello again to all MBPA members. The following is a report of the happenings of our CPA board since our last newsletter. Our CPA board is continuing with business, in spite of the economic upheavals our state is going through. They are asking our members to vote to approve the final slate of officers for 2010 and the additional Silver Psi Awardee. Please take just a few seconds to vote. Just use this link…it will take you directly to the short electronic ballot. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=CbuMTXTOMJMbtgKNWp_2b_2bYA_3d_3d The CPA Convention registration is open, but our numbers are lower this year than they were last year at this time. Please plan to attend. It’s going to be a great conference, with excellent speakers and a chance to earn a bunch of CE credits while you have a good time. Please support this event; we are not in a position to lose revenue on this convention. All the information is on the CPA website: http://www.cpapsych.org/associations/6414/files/events/convention09/index.htm We had a very good board meeting in Los Angeles. Our membership renewal campaign is picking up a bit. Our success with this campaign will drive our operational budget, and thus our activities, during this year. The Board voted at the meeting to institute some new listserv policies that do two main things. (1) Add an Ethics statement to the policies to emphasize that ethical principles also apply to personal behavior on a listserv, and (2) Provide a process for suspension or termination from the listserv if the postings to the list are deemed to be in conflict with the policies we have established. There are new requirements from the IRS regarding the need for each chapter to apply for their own Tax ID number. The Leadership and Advocacy Conference will be held on March 22-24th. Our CPA is able to provide funding to support the attendance of Chapter Presidents, Division Chairs, and the GAC representatives for the full conference. Lobby Day itself will be Tuesday, March 24th. Our board is asking as many members as possible to come. Our goal, again, is to have every CPA board member here that day to go to the Capitol and speak on behalf of psychology. And bring others…we want to storm the Capitol! This is a valuable event for you as CPA leaders, so please make an effort to come. If you have questions, please look at the details on our website at: http://www.cpapsych.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=182 Through its Advocacy Program, CPA represents California psychologists before the Governor's Administration and the California Legislature and keeps its members informed of proposed legislation and government regulations that affect the practice of psychology. CPA’s government affairs and advocacy program strives to adopt laws and regulations that respect and advance the practice of psychology and the well-being of those we serve. The program protects our license and scope of practice and the confidentiality of the psychologist-patient relationship. It seeks to advance our opportunities for practice and employment without discrimination, develop and preserve critically needed mental health and psychological services in California, and enhance access to psychologists' services by the public. We have many things going on in Sacramento, as well as nationwide, regarding the role of psychologists in relation to the provision of health care services. Dr. Blanton wrote a letter on behalf of CPA’s Division of I/O Psychology, SIOP, and the APA Division of Consulting Psychology in opposition to the Governor’s creation of a Board of Mental Health. The letter accurately pointed out that a Board of Mental Health was inappropriate since many psychologists do NOT provide any mental health services. In a letter of response, the Governor confirmed that the BOP elimination was not in the budget he recently signed. He leaves the door open for implementation of the proposal later on. There will be a May revision to the budget after the May 19th Special Election. If all the ballot measures do not pass, the State will have another $6 billion in revenue to make up… so everything will be back on the table. This issue is far from over. President Obama has identified electronic health information technology (HIT) systems as a cornerstone of his health care reform plan. Congress, following the President’s leadership, recently enacted the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act as part of the economic stimulus package to encourage the development of a national, interoperable electronic health records network to provide better care to patients and introduce cost-saving efficiencies. APAPO’s advocacy efforts are guided by the principles for reform approved by the APA Council in 2007: - Everyone should have coverage that provides affordable health care for all basic services..
- Basic health care services eliminate the artificial distinction between “mental” and “physical” health, recognize the inseparable relationship between mental and physical well-being, and offer access to treatment for “mental health conditions” equivalent in all respects to access for “physical health conditions.”
- Basic health care services include the psychological treatment of physical conditions in order to maximize rehabilitation and quality of life,
- Basic health care services include appropriate prevention services that address the role that behavior plays in seven of the ten leading causes of mortality and morbidity.
As health care reform continues to take shape, APAPO is advocating for Practice in several ways. As primary care is given prominence, we want to be sure that psychologists are fully authorized to participate in the delivery of these services, and that the legislation integrates mental and behavioral services within primary care. And, as preventive services are envisioned as a way to reduce costs, we must make sure that screening for depression and other key mental health services will be included. Also, we want to make sure that mental health benefits are included and covered at parity in the national insurance pool envisioned in the reform plan. Small market reform may also emerge as a key issue. APAPO is participating in a coalition that is working to preserve state laws on consumer protections and mandated benefits like mental health parity, as we did in the 2006 debate on “HIMMA,” the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act. Psychology leaders from throughout the country will participate in the APAPO State Leadership Conference and take messages about health care reform to over 300 meetings on Capitol Hill. Our Government Relations Team has prepared two fact sheets on the issue: The APA Presidential Summit on the Future of Psychology Practice scheduled for May 14 –17, 2009, is focused on positioning psychology strategically to meet the needs of practitioners, the marketplace and the people we serve. Two broad considerations have driven our thinking and actions in designing the Summit: - To develop a greater voice and visibility for APA members so that the broader public and public policymakers will better understand how the work we do can play an even greater role in solving serious social issues.
- To develop a roadmap from current practices to new innovations so that APA members have state-of-the-art practice options.
That’s all I have for now, folks. We are living in interesting times, with many opportunities for growth and change (which, as we all know, is never an easy process). |
March 2009 MBPA DISASTER RESPONSE COMMITTEE REPORT Submitted by Diane Bridgeman, Ph.D.
831-420-1109
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At our recent combined ARC & MBPA association meeting we once again had over 40 people attend. Our guest presenter was Bruce Young from the PTSD center. Our Red Cross Chapter was asked to pilot a modified version of the required ARC class, “Foundations of Disaster Mental Health,” the first in the Country to do so. It was attended by an active group of participants who not only completed the requirement but also provided excellent feedback to National Red Cross on the course. Thanks especially to Jacob Sidman, Anita Whalen, Gary Shoemaker, & Fern Selzer, among others who attended. If you are interested in being a part of our Disaster Response/Red Cross disaster mental health team do contact me at the phone number or email noted above. Diane Bridgeman, Ph.D.
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831-420-1109 Rick Allen, Ph.D.
Co-chair, Disaster Response Committee
831-429-1340
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March 2009 MBPA PUBLIC SERVICE/OUTREACH/EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT Diane Bridgeman, Ph.D.
Chair, Public Service/Outreach/Education Committee
831-420-1109
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We want to acknowledge the very helpful pro bono work that Tom Butz, Ph.D., has given to the Homeless Garden Project. Thank you, Tom. They are still interested in a few more presenters who can address topics related to substance abuse & PTSD. The talks can be as brief - an hour - and quite informal. Please let me know if you are interested in presenting to a small group of about 6-8 staff members and volunteers. Any MBPA member interested in facilitating a group discussion with other members in an informal setting (i.e., a home or restaurant) serving appetizers or dessert, please let me know. Topics can be whatever you feel would be interesting to our membership, for example: combating isolation in a solo practice; keeping balance alive & well in our personal & professional lives; the impact of the economy on our clients, practice and our families; working with demanding clients, etc. This committee, along with our Program and Social Issues Forum Committees, is available to work with you, or several of you, in offering this type of “salon” style discussion group as a once only event, or offered periodically for those interested. |
March 2009 FORENSICS COMMITTEE REPORT Myrna J. Glick, Ph.D.
Forensic Chair
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So be sure that it's true… When you say I love you… It's a sin to tell a lie….
(Billy Mayhew, 1936, www.sylyrics.com) It may or may not be a sin to tell a lie, but if you happen to be a police officer, it may well cost you your job. [If you want the music, it is available online at this site as well. Try Billie Holiday.] Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963)[1], was a United States Supreme Court case in which the prosecution had withheld some evidence from the criminal defendant. Subsequently, the defendant challenged his conviction, arguing that it was in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Following this historic case, police officers that lie became known as "Brady cops." Because of this ruling, prosecutors are required to notify defendants and their attorneys whenever a law enforcement official involved in their case has a record of knowingly lying in an official capacity. For this reason, an officer who has lied in the course of an internal investigation, even if that lie was relatively trivial, may be subject to dismissal. One chief of police interviewed on this subject stated that the primary reason is that the officer has destroyed his usefulness as a witness against those he has arrested. The accused has the right to demand the officer’s personnel record. If that record corroborates a record of lying to a superior, it is an easy matter to impeach him as a witness. A very guilty person may well “walk” not in justice, but because of the officer’s documented history. Over time, more and more police departments and municipalities have adopted the “No Lie” policy as part of their code of conduct. In a series of online postings in the Hawaii Tribune Herald, (“Re: Police Commissioner’s new policy – no more lying,” October 15, 2008), citizens of the Big Island of Hawaii discussed the pros and cons of requiring the Chief of Police to stick to the truth, regardless of any greater goal…like crime prevention. This leads to many existential questions. For example, if police officers are required to be truthful at all times, does this preclude undercover investigations? In order to gain greater insight, the writer interviewed Edwin J. Delattre, Ph.D., by telephone. Dr. Delattre is the author of a widely used text on police ethics, Cops and Character: Ethics in Policing, (2006, Amazon. Com, 550 p.). Healso is Dean Emeritus of the Boston University School of Education and past president of St. John’s College. Dr. Delattre said that he was one of the prime movers in spreading the doctrine of the No Lie Policy, providing that the officer has lied in the course of an internal investigation. Dr. Delattre pointed out that keeping such an officer in uniform entails great risk to the public. Putting such an officer on the street means that the Chief of Police is forcing the public to trust an individual whom he himself has reason not to trust. Jeff Noble, Commander of the Irvine, CA Police Department wrote in the October 2003 issue of The Police Chief, vol.70, No. 10, pp. 1-7, that the true concern is with “improper, intentional, deceptive conduct that affects an officer’s credibility, whether that deceptive conduct consists of lying, making material omissions, or engaging in other unacceptable deliberate actions.” So, is an officer who has been caught red handed in a lie invariably fired? Apparently no. Seattlepi.com reviewed internal police investigations in the city of Seattle and State of Washington (Kamb, Lewis and Nalder, Eric, “Cops who lie don’t always lose jobs,” February 28, 2008) turned up cases of officers who had cheated on exams or falsified reports, but were sometimes not even investigated. The heavy consequences of ending an officer’s career apparently results in somewhat uneven application of the policy. Whether an officer is fired or not may depend on the specific context in which the lie occurs. As a former resident of a state where it is difficult to distinguish cops from capos, discovery of this policy and its prevalence was a bit startling. In New Jersey, citizens almost expect cops to lie. But Dr. Delattre’s point about forcing the public to trust and obey someone whose untrustworthiness has been established is very well taken. Of course, the exception may prove the rule. There is Frank Abagnale, hero or anti-hero of the film, “Catch Me If you Can.” Frank was a notorious forger and champion imposter who now consults with law enforcement agencies, keeping them one step ahead of the crooks. Frank Abagnale will be the featured speaker at the 2009 National Conference of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI). For a price, (and CEUs), catch him if you can. The 2009 National Conference will be held on October 14-16 at a fitting location, the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. |
March 2009 MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT
Hello friends and colleagues, And the winner of the free 2010 membership is ……Dr. Hanne Riegg-Luedge. Congratulations! Thank you, Dr. Riegg-Luedge and all the other members who have renewed their MBPA membership for 2009. Membership is our lifeblood. Without you, our esteemed members, we have no organization! In the last few months, membership has been concentrating on the renewal process. We are finding that our membership numbers are down considerably this year. Perhaps you have forgotten – if so, simply click on this link: www.mbpsych.org/content/2009_Membership_Renewal.pdf and print out the form, complete it and send it with your dues to Dr. Ann Bolger, 725 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. I look forward to hearing from you. At the heart of MPBA is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with the many talented mental health professionals in our community. Other benefits of MBPA membership include 1) staying informed through our newsletter, website, (and coming soon, the MBPA list-serv), and connection with the California Psychological Association; 2) attending informative seminars and workshops (some of which will fulfill continuing education requirements) and exciting social events like the party at Dr. Jacques home last month; 3) supporting and educating the community by giving public service talks through the MBPA Speakers’ Bureau, writing articles, or participating in forums; and 4) increasing the visibility of your practice, research, workshops, and talks. If you are reading this newsletter, you are receiving one of the many benefits of MBPA membership. Please renew today! Thank you. |
March 2009 PRESCRIPTION PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE REPORT Michele R. DeAntoni, Ph.D.
Prescription Privileges Chair
831-818-0762
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According to APA a majority of psychologists support our efforts to gain prescription privileges. The APA continues to develop a psychopharmacological exam for licensing prescribing psychologists. New Mexico and Louisiana now have prescription privileges, and many states are at different stages of passing Legislation. The latest Bill, SB1427, was sponsored by NAPPP and SEIU in California. The following is a link to the video of the Hearing in the Senate Health Committee: http://www.calpsych.affiniscape.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=193 To view the text of SB 1427, please click on the following link: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_1401-1450/sb_1427_bill_20080221_introduced.pdf |
SPRING 2009 SOCIAL ISSUES FORUM REPORTS Submitted by Jon Girvetz, Ph.D.
831-425-0272
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Co-chair, MBPA Contemporary Issues in Psychology Committee
American Psychological Association Practice Organization - Healthcare Reform Report Subject: Information Alert! APAPO Efforts on Health Care Reform
From: Marilyn Richmond, J.D., Assistant Executive Director for Government Relations
Re: APAPO Efforts on Health Care Reform President Obama has identified electronic health information technology (HIT) systems as a cornerstone of his health care reform plan. Congress, following the President’s leadership, recently enacted the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act as part of the economic stimulus package to encourage the development of a national, interoperable electronic health records network to provide better care to patients and introduce cost-saving efficiencies. Strong interests have pushed to implement HIT without regard to protecting the privacy of patient records. Just last year, we worked with our allies in the mental health community and fought hard to keep bills with inadequate patient protections from becoming law. In the APA Practice Organization’s first major victory on health care reform in 2009, we succeeded in ensuring the bill contained comprehensive records privacy and security provisions. Congress shares the President’s commitment to making health care reform a priority, yet beyond the passage of the HITECH Act, health care reform is not yet moving as quickly as some had anticipated. However, certain broad parameters of what the Administration and legislators envision have taken form. And our government relations team is hard at work meeting with legislators and participating in coalitions to ensure that psychology’s priorities are well-represented and included as health care reform packages begin to emerge. Health care reform is not expected to result in a single-payer system that ensures universal health coverage. Rather, employer-based health insurance coverage would be preserved. Coverage of the uninsured and underinsured would be accomplished by expanding current federal programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and creating a national insurance “exchange” to foster more options for private coverage. APAPO’s advocacy efforts are guided by the principles for reform approved by the APA Council in 2007: - Everyone should have coverage that provides affordable health care for all basic services.
- Basic health care services eliminate the artificial distinction between “mental” and “physical” health, recognize the inseparable relationship between mental and physical well-being, and offer access to treatment for “mental health conditions” equivalent in all respects to access for “physical health conditions”.
- Basic health care services include the psychological treatment of physical conditions in order to maximize rehabilitation and quality of life.
- Basic health care services include appropriate prevention services that address the role that behavior plays in seven of the ten leading causes of mortality and morbidity.
As health care reform continues to take shape, APAPO is advocating for Practice is several ways. As primary care is given prominence, we want to be sure that psychologists are fully authorized to participate in the delivery of these services, and that the legislation integrates mental and behavioral services within primary care. And, as preventive services are envisioned as a way to reduce costs, we must make sure that screening for depression and other key mental health services will be included. Also, we want to make sure that mental health benefits are included and covered at parity in the national insurance pool envisioned in the reform plan. Small market reform may also emerge as a key issue. APAPO is participating in a coalition that is working to preserve state laws on consumer protections and mandated benefits like mental health parity, as we did in the 2006 debate on “HIMMA.” Next week, Psychology leaders from throughout the country will participate in the APAPO State Leadership Conference and take messages about health care reform to over 300 meetings on Capitol Hill. Our government relations team has prepared two fact sheets on the issue: - “Fully Integrate Mental Health Services in Health Care Reform” builds on the success of last year’s mental health parity law by arguing that psychologists and psychological services should be included in every facet of reform (http://www.apapractice.org/apo/in_the_news/healthcare_reform.html#)
- “Health Care Reform: Congress Should Ensure that Psychologists’ Services Are Key in Primary Care Initiatives” elaborates on the role of psychologists in the health system (http://www.apapractice.org/apo/in_the_news/integrated_care_factsheet.html#)
Please stay tuned in the weeks and months ahead as health care reform moves to the front burner. We will need your grassroots support to ensure that Psychology’s priorities are a central component of improving our health care system. |
UPCOMING Teleconference Hospice Foundation of America’s 16th Annual Teleconference:
Diversity and End-of-Life Care
Hosted by Hospice of Santa Cruz County
Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 10:00 am-2:30 pm
Santa Cruz County Office of Education
400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz 95060
Registration: $20
Includes teleconference, lunch and local panel discussion.
Scholarships available, please call for more information.
The Live via Webcast teleconference will look at how diversity influences end-of-life decision making and the impact that culture has around the time of death and during bereavement. The event will seek to increase sensitivity by helping professionals acknowledge how their own cultural values and assumptions influence the delivery of care. The program will also discuss the challenges that may occur when cultural considerations cause ethical concerns or moral distress.
National Panel Samira K. Beckwith, LCSW, FACHE Sandy Chen Stokes, RN, PHN, MSN Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, MDiv Wanda Henry-Jenkins, MHS Richard Payne, MD Paul C. Rosenblatt, PhD Carlos Sandoval-Cros, MD Moderator: Frank Sesno, Special correspondent with CNN Local Community Panel Alice Tanimoto Occupational Therapist Dominican Rehabilitation Services Member, Watsonville Buddhist Temple Jane Schwickerath, MSW Geriatric Social Worker, Member, Diversity Center 60+ Program Committee Silvia Austerlic, MA Latino Community Liaison, Hospice of Santa Cruz County *Three contact hours will be available through Hospice Foundation of America. HFA is an approved CE provider for nurses, social workers, funeral directors, clergy, CHES, physicians, psychologists, MFTs, case managers, nursing home administrators, CNA's, HHA’s and others. CE fee is $35 on site, or $25 online after the conference at www.hospicefoundation.org. Local discussion required for CE. Parking is limited at the site. We stongly encourage you to carpool. For directions, parking information, and Registration form, download a PDF file here. |
April 2009 Coffee Connection at the CPA Convention Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18th
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM Come Connect, Communicate, and Build Community
Hosted by the CPA’s Colleagues Assistance and Support Program (CLASP) Eat, share stories, connect with old friends, meet new colleagues and start off the CPA Convention with a bang. CPA CLASP is offering a venue for those attending the convention to have a space to check in, share a cup of coffee, hook up with someone to attend the convention, laugh, check in around professional and/or personal life issues and be preventive. Having fun and building community is a great way to stay well. Please join us in the Exhibit Hall for a Continental Breakfast, Coffee, and Connection. We hope to see you there. Drop by or call Dani Beckerman, Psy.D. 831-426-4735 or email her at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
for more information. California Psychological Association’s
Colleagues Assistance and Support Program (CLASP):
Cultivating and Sustaining Wellness and Self Care
Toll Free I&R Line: 1-888-262-8293 ψ Website: http://www.cpaclasp.org |
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