Article archive / June 1, 2011
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 10. Source pages: 1, 6.
Three psychologists and numerous counselors testified against the omnibus bill at the May 18 Senate Committee.
Dr. Greg Gormanous, retired Chair of LSU-A, speaking for himself said, “…in other jurisdictions who have tried this, the results have been less protection of the public…” When Senator Mount questioned him about the ongoing disputes he said, “Scope of practice… It’s just something that happens in contracting, it happens in non-health care, it happens everywhere. […] … legislation has politics, water is wet, and scope of practice is an issue where people disagree.”
Dr. Phillip Griffin, speaking as President-Elect of LPA said, “Psychology is a proud profession. We’re very proud to have our autonomous, doctoral practice. We’re proud to have our autonomous board that has been in existence since 1964 without any kind of incident whatsoever.” He said, “Boards license and regulate professionals. They do that to protect the public. They do it in the public interest. Boards aren’t created to resolve conflict between disciplines.”
The president of the counselors’ association, Dr. Brenda Roberts of Lake Charles testified about the background between the two groups, saying, “Some psychologists have wanted to restrict our ability to practice our profession.” She stated that the proposed omnibus board could “exacerbate the problem.”
Cindy Nardini from Alexandria, and Co- Government Relations for Louisiana Counselors Association, said, “It was our perception and understanding that the majority of the conflict was related to psychological testing and appraisal…” and not about diagnosis.
Betty Jean (B.J) Cayton, an LPC and retired professor from McNeese, commented on the “handful of people who have power in the state agency,” as contributing to the problems, and noted that it has become “an absolutely abusive relationship.”
Dr. John Fanning, representing Grassroots Psychology, spoke against the consolidated board saying, “Other states have tried omnibus boards, and results are typically not very satisfactory.” He mentioned problems with the ratio of board members to those supervised, and that a consolidated board might lead to regular attempts by both groups to overturn it.
He said he worked with LPCs, and then interjected, “I deny ever having abused any of them!” The comment drew laughter from those in the chamber and also from Senator Mount who said, “We can just tell, you’re such a nice guy.”
On May 25, after behind the scenes negotiations on SB 268, most spoke with less passion, but in favor of the measure, or at least not in opposition.
Michael Goodee, Government Relations for the Louisiana Counseling Association, spoke and said that the bill was “very workable.”
Dr. Gary Gintner, Associate Professor from LSU Department of Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice provided information regarding best practices and standards for LPCs. He said that it was important to clarify the law because of Louisiana’s poor rating in mental health.
Dr. Jessica Brown, Legislative Chair for LPA, said she was at the meeting to speak in favor of the bill. Dr. Robert Storer who reviewed his own training at the masters level, then at the PhD level, said, “You can’t know what you don’t know.” And, “This substitute bill has enough provisions, enough safeguards that I can speak in favor of it.”
Dr. Tony Young, Vice-Chair of LSBEP represented the psychology board, and Dr. Gloria Bockrath Chair of the counselor board, presented themselves for information. Dr. Young noted that Chair Dr. Joe Comaty was not able to be present, because he was out of the country on vacation. Comaty has been a strong proponent of the psychology licensing law in this matter.
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