Article archive / January 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 5. Source pages: 1, 4.
The executive committee of LPA held a special meeting on Sunday, December 13th to hear suggestions from members “concerning the future of the association,” as stated by President Dr. Judith Levy in her memo inviting members to attend. The meeting was held in Baton Rouge at the Marriott. Approximately 35 people attended the two-hour long session.
Besides the president, Past President Dr. Darla Burnett, President-Elect Dr. Kelley Ray, Dr. Cathy Castille, (Treasurer), and Dr. Jessica Brown (Secretary) attended. Dr. John Simoneaux (Professional Affairs), Executive Director Ms. Gail Lowe, and Mr. Alan Jennings, (parliamentarian), attended. Dr. Jim Quillin, Chair of Legislative Affairs and considered to be involved in the design and negotiation of Act 251, and Dr. Warren Lowe, Chair of Medical Psychology, were among those absent.
Members were allowed to speak for up to 3 minutes on any topic. Some individuals spoke several times. The format did not provide for debate or discussion, and no vote was taken. Through the two-hour meeting, members expressed concerns about Act 251, the EC’s actions in regard to the passage of the bill, dual regulation of psychology in Louisiana, concerns about lobbying arrangements, concerns with protecting psychology’s interests, and views about the internal conflicts in LPA.
Dr. Levy presided over the meeting, opening by asking members if they wanted to subcontract with LAMP for the services of the lobbyists. This was an unexpected topic. Dr. Simoneaux then said that he had encouraged the EC to put this before the association, feeling that members had a right to be involved in this decision.
Dr. Mike Chafetz said, "Subcontracting is a bad idea. If the interests of LPA and LAMP were identical, there would be no need for LAMP." Dr. Bryan Gros noted that the relationship between LPA leaders and LAMP was at the center of the association’s problems.
Dr. Bruce McCormick referred to issues concerning protecting psychology, as did Dr. Linda Upton. Dr. Darlyne Nemeth noted that there have been other effective lobbyists for LPA over the years.
“Act 251 has implications far beyond Louisiana,” said Dr. Jeanne George, and suggested that an APA task force be formed, “including representatives from every state that are currently considering legislation for prescriptive authority."
Tone of the meeting was respectful but strong views were expressed. Several people commented, "I came only to listen but feel I want to speak up now." Conversations continued afterward in smaller groups.
The meeting was announced with less than 30 days notice needed, so no formal motions were heard or voted on. Previously Dr. Levy tentatively set the date for November 21st. However, this date did not allow the needed thirty days for voting.
Some members had posted on Listserv that since the meeting was not designed to make meaningful changes that they would not attend. Grassroots, an organization of those concerned about Act 251, sent its executive committee, but did not request its members to attend.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.