Article archive / September 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 1. Source pages: 1, 3.
A group of LPA members, who are also Grassroots members, developed a resolution and petition and began an effort to seek support of others in the state regarding the regulation of psychology.
In an open letter posted to the Grassroots listserv, spokesperson Dr. Susan Dardard noted, “Concerns include that the existing law [Act 251] blurs professional boundaries, fails to differentiate between the philosophical traditions of psychology and medicine, and ignores the distinguished scientific foundation upon which psychology rests.”
She continued, “The new law also risks confusing a public that already has difficulty grasping the differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, and opens the door for legislation that would place all of psychology under
She noted that the authors of the resolution, and the follow-up petition, “believe that the best law for those trained in both the practice of psychology and in prescribing psychotropic medications would provide for two separate licenses, one that gives authority to LSBME to regulate pharmaceutical practices and one that maintains the authority of LSBEP to regulate psychological practices.”
She went on to remark that this model is one used by other professionals, when trained in two different fields.
She stated that the goal of this effort is to “re- establish psychology in Louisiana as a self- regulating profession, in which those practicing psychology are regulated by the psychology board, rather than any other profession, in this case medicine.”
“Having LPA adopt such a resolution,” she wrote, “would reaffirm that our state organization continues to have a strong commitment to the independence of the profession of psychology.”
“The belief is that this resolution will be amenable to all those taking a logical view of the matter, including the board of psychology,
the medical board, and both state organizations, without leading to conflict or opposition in those willing to give fair and thoughtful consideration.”
“The authors also believe that this resolution should be acceptable to medical psychologists whose prescribing activities would remain regulated by medicine as set forth in Act 251.”
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