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California Psychological Association
Governmental Affairs Council Report
by
Gilbert Newman, Ph.D., ACPA Representative
Advocacy Day:
CPA's annual Advocacy Day took place on February 24th.
Alameda County representatives included Gilbert Newman, Leslie Parke,and
several Wright Institute students. Assemblyman Leland Yee, Ph.D.,
delivered the keynote address and discussed his media violence bill
(which, incidentally, failed to pass out of committee). The event was a
great success. Psychologists from throughout the State met with their
respective legislators to encourage them to support the Governor's budget
but to not to allow MediCal reimbursements to be lowered further. The
Governor's budget passed and the MediCal reductions were not included.
Some of the advocates also voiced concern about Senator Perata's bill to
permit social workers to have diagnostic and assessment privileges. CPA
opposes this bill and argues that such privileges would not be responsibly
executed unless the training and education of social workers reflects
these areas which presently, it does not. Lastly, the psychologists asked
the legislators to support psychologists rights to practice to the full
extent of their scope and training - an issue that is relevant to the
non-implementation of a bill from last year that would permit
psychologists to have treatment planning privileges in state hospitals
(see Psychology Shield below).
About 12 legislators joined nearly 150 CPA members for a reception at the
end of the day and CPA Lobbyist Carl London and his band supplied thevening's entertainment.
Director of Governmental Affairs Search:
Perhaps the most newsworthy item is that the Deputy Director of
Governmental Affairs, Matthew Wheeler, decided to take a job in Ward
Connerly's office. Chuck Faltz, the Director of Professional Affairs at CPA, has scanned over 40 applications and will begin interviewing 7 candidates in the coming weeks.
Board of Psychology:
The BOP is in the process of amending the supervisory regulations. The
new regs will reflect the formalization of the agreement between the
supervisor and the supervisee. I submitted comments on the proposed
supervisor agreement form (to remove "Mental Health" from the form's
title).
Another proposal for regulation changes would increase the number of hours
of distance learning for continuing education used toward license renewal
during each cycle. Detailed information about these proposals can be
accessed through the BOP's website (or you are welcome to call me).
Legislation:
SB 1853 - As you may recall, the Perata bill which would permit social
workers to have diagnostic and assessment authority (without requiring any
training or education for such activities) has been a concern to the
legislative team at CPA. I sent a letter protesting the bill and have
spoken with Perata's health legislation assistant, Erin Nimela. She
appeared to understand my argument against the bill but admitted that
Senator Perata has a close relationship with Social Workers. She could not tell
me exactly what was driving the bill but stated that the social work lobby
was trying to find a way to expand or support their MediCal and other
third party billing. Ms. Nimela assured me she would continue to consult
with CPA's lobbyist, Carl London and would also keep me informed of the
bill's progress. We are watching this one carefully.
AB 2793 - This bill, introduced by Nakanishi, was considered as a direct
attack on the right of psychologists to practice their profession.
Basically, the bill would classify most of the common psychological
disorders as "molecular and biologic" and furthermore, the bill would only
authorize the treatment of such illnesses by licensed physicians.
Fortunately, the CPA leg team confronted the author and the other
co-sponsors about the implications of the bill. CPA also joined forces
with several other professional groups in opposition to the bill. We are
expecting to defeat this bill.
AB 2571 - This is a bill reintroduced by Longville after CPA defeated the
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Licensure Act (AB 1100) in January. AB 1100 would increase the
representation of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors on the Board of
Behavioral Sciences through a restructuring of the composition of the
Board. CPA is watching this bill carefully.
SB 1365 - This is a bill sponsored by CPA friend, Wes Chesbro. The bill
would help prevent unnecessary institutionalization of developmentally
disabled patients.
SB 1913 - Another bill just introduced that will require psychologists who
are using a language other than English to post information in those
languages about how to contact the BOP. The bill seems innocuous and CPA
will recommend that the Board make the message they require available in a
downloadable version in several common languages.
Psychology Shield:
This is the legal fund that has been organized to challenge the State to
implement the law which would allow psychologists to write treatment plans
in State hospitals. There have been several developments. The entity
will soon incorporate (I was appointed the Vice-chair) and the legal team
is currently preparing their arguments. I am not at liberty to give many
details at this time, but the process is moving very well and is strongly
supported by the Practice Organization at APA.
PAC Event at the Annual Convention:
The Night at the Races PAC Dinner and wagering event was very successful
in terms of attendance and in terms of being a fun event. A good number
of people attended the event and enjoyed the simulated horse racing,
blackjack, craps and other games of chance. There were numerous prizes
and the PAC earned over $2,500 after expenses. Assembly members Mark
Wyland, George Plescia, and Ray Haynes attended both the dinner and the
gambling - they seemed to have a blast! Several attendees encouraged me
to replicate the event for next year's convention.
Gilbert H. Newman, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Training
The Wright Institute
2728 Durant Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-841-9230 x110
Fax: 510-841-0167
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