Article archive / June 1, 2015
Originally published: . Volume 6, No. 6. Source pages: 8.
The psychology board held a special meeting on June 1 to entertain motions about what action they should take, given a conclusion they appeared to have already reached–that all candidate names should be included on the Louisiana Psychological Association’s list to the Governor.
Dr. Culross and Executive Director, Ms. Kelly Parker, said their reasoning was that all names should be listed, because the Memorandum of Understanding, which specified two names, was terminated last year. They said their interpretation of the statute, which is R.S. 37:2353, was that it means “all” names.
The statue notes: “All appointments shall be from a list provided by the Louisiana Psych- ological Association [LPA]. The list shall report the results of an election…”
Dr. Rita Culross said that the meeting had been called, “To discuss the results of the 2014 election that LPA reported to the Governor’s Office. It has been noted,” she said, “that LPA did not report the results of the full election to the Governor’s Office, but only reported the vote tallies for the top two candidates,” she said. She did not specify who noted this.
The board’s interpretation and conclusion was not questioned by any of the board members. Also, Dr. Culross instructed the public members not to participate. The board voted on a motion to instruct LPA to submit a new list with the names of all those running for the position.
If the new list is sent, Dr. Jesse Lambert, a member of the Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists (LAMP), will be included. Dr. Lambert received 71 votes in the election. Dr. Beverly Stubblefield received 173 votes and Dr. Karen Boggs, 132. Neither of these are in LAMP. LPA submitted the two top vote getters, as has been the typical procedure, to the governor in January or early February. No appointment has been made.
Controversy over control of the psychology board has existed for several years. LAMP members, who are licensed as medical psychologists under the state medical board may also hold a license as a psychologist under the state psychology board. Medical psychologists (MPs) have maintained a 60 percent majority presence on the psychology board due to what many consider political influence. MPs comprise onlly about 5 percent of all licensed psychologists.
The board violated open meetings law by instructing the public attendees not to participate until after the board voted and also by improper notice. (See related story this issue.)
Psychology Board at the emergency meeting, listening to Dr. Joe Comaty (facing away). L to R: Dr. Zimmermann, Ms. Parker, Dr. Culross, Dr. Burnett, and Dr. Griffith. (Photo by Susan Dardard.)
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.