Article archive / August 1, 2016
Originally published: . Volume 7, No. 8. Source pages: 8.
Complaints Coordinator LSBEP Changes Fees, Adds Possible Second Position
Dr. Chris Garner, the new Complaints Coordinator for the state psychology board, requested that the psychology board reconsider the terms of his contract, according to the May minutes.
Previously, Dr. Gary Pettigrew, who retired recently from ten years in the position, received $100 per case, for a total of between $4,000 and $4,900 per year. In contrast, the legal fees for complaints appeared to be well over $100,000 for 2015.
According to the May minutes, the board reviewed and approved Dr. Garner’s proposal of “$100/hour, payable upon completion of a review of a Request for Investigation, with a preliminary and final recommendation to the LSBEP, such review shall not exceed $200 per case.” And, “$100 per hour for all meetings, including meetings with attorney and preliminary hearings.” The members discussed that the total paid was not to exceed $12,000 year.
In a related story, the board members decided to create a second position for Complaints Coordinator, to support Dr. Garner in case of heavy workload or unavailability of Dr. Garner. This discussion took place at the LSBEP June 17 meeting. The board members said they would contact another of the candidates who applied.
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