Article archive / October 1, 2011
Originally published: . Volume 3, No. 2. Source pages: 1, 4, 7.
Louisiana psychologists are forming a Political Action Committee (PAC) to defend the psychology licensing law from a number of political threats that some believe will come as part of the 2012 Sunset process, Dr. Alicia Pellegrin, told the Times last week.
The move comes as a response to the steps already occurring because of the Sunset law (R.S. 49:190) that automatically terminates all boards on a regular basis. The legislature must then “re-create” the board after an
evaluation about its value to the public and if it is really needed.
Dr. Pellegrin, a psychologist from Baton Rouge who currently serves on the Louisiana Psychological Association executive council, volunteered to lead the development of the PAC.
In an interview with the Times, Pellegrin said “…if the community works together then psychology can be rightly seen as a powerful and authoritative voice in matters of general public interest including science, education, and public welfare, and not as just another segment of mental health.”
“For the first time in a long time, we each have an opportunity to play an active role in redefining Psychology in our state,” she said.
During the Sunset process the licensing law becomes vulnerable to special interests efforts. Also during the process the law can be modernized. Since Sunset requires the board be examined for redundancy some in the community report they are wary because of issues regarding the dual regulation of the practice of psychology that occurred with Act 251.
Threats also come from other special interest groups who may use the re-creation phase as an opportunity to make changes in areas of practice, such as psychological testing, said some sources.
LSBEP Chair Dr. Tony Young and board member Dr. Lee Matthews attended the September meeting of the executive council of Louisiana Psychological Association to discuss Sunset issues, and respective roles of the board and the state association, according to sources.
Dr. Darlyne Nemeth who served on the psychology board during the Sunset process in the 80s, recently sent a request to members of the regional group, Baton Rouge Area Society of Psychologists, asking for donations to the PAC.
Dr. Pellegrin said to the Times, “…we must ensure that the legislature establishes public policy that takes advantage of our unique and specialized education, training, and abilities.” And “One of the most important ways that we can do this is by having a strong presence in our state government, particularly in the legislative process.”
Left: Drs. John Fanning and Alicia Pellegrin discuss concerns of the psychological community. Dr. Pellegrin is leading efforts to promote psychology’s positive influence and image in the legislature.
(L) Attorney Kevin Hayes, of the firm Adams and Reese, speaks with current LPA President Dr. Phillip Griffin at a Baton Rouge convention. Psychologists are renewing their efforts in governmental relations with Mr. Hayes’ help.
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