Article archive / January 2024
Originally published: . Volume 15, No. 1. Source pages: 5.
July 21, 2023 Published Dec. 8, 2023
•The 2023 Regulatory Update and Training, Part I and II have been published. 144 individuals completed the course evaluation and received credit for Part I; 89 individuals completed the course evaluation and received credit for Part II. •The Board is now accepting Registration of an Assistant To A Psychologist Applications and has received materials and criminal background checks on approximately 50 individuals to date. •Renewal Update – Opening Renewals included: a.789 Licensed Psychologists i. 409 Reporting CPD ii. 200 May qualify for a reduced fee or Psychologist Emerit: Retired if criteria met. b.34 Licensed Specialists in School Psychology c.12 Provisionally Licensed Psychologists d.As of 7/19/2023 COB Outstanding Renewals included 207 Licensed Psychologists, 15 LSSP, 8 Provisional.
•As of May 31, 2023: The budget is stable, and the board has funds to operate through the end of FY 2022- 23. The Board's cash on hand is reported to be $250,287.77, with an additional $36,492 in receivables (this total does not include debt owed to the Board in matters older than 2 years old: $40,622.25 (P16-17-11C – Eric Cerwonka), $119,991.98 (P15-16-03C – Eric Cerwonka), and $63,952.29 (P12-13-10C, P13-14- 04C, P13-14-05C Glenn Ahava). Your budgeted expenses for FY 2022- 23 are estimated to be: $440,856. There is one month remaining in this fiscal year, and the majority of expenses, particularly contracts, are either at or below what is expected. Therefore, the board should end the year at or just over budget. The Board has met their rulemaking goals in FY 2022-23. This should have a positive impact on revenue in FY2023- 24. The Board is well staffed, with three full-time employees. Staff productivity is up, even with the added projects of registration of ATAP’s and continuing professional development. Additionally, it is worth noting that financial statements are not available for June due to slow invoicing by contractors/vendors. […]
•Roll out new rules and regulations, with outreach communications and training. Focus on adopting new processes and procedures to implement Legislative Performance Audit recommendations including adopting a disciplinary matrix. Implement financially sustainable options for technology to be utilized in the application and renewal process which may either counter (or reduce) the cost of employees, workload and related expenses for processing applications, and/or counter (or reduce) the cost of real-estate needed to store paper files. Consider setting a goal to achieve and maintain a reserve balance to cover deferred liability plus unexpected expenses (e.g., hearing costs, lawsuits, major technology developments, moving) plus 3-6 months of operating expenses. Consider creating policy guidelines for Board approval to tap your reserve and then rebuild that amount.
•Settlement of State of Louisiana Through the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, of the Louisiana Department of Health vs. Dr. Jeremy Blunt, Psy.D., Stitches For Life, Inc., Docket: C-73317827, 19th JDC – Mr. Wagner reported on the status of the settlement of State of Louisiana Through the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, of the Louisiana Department of Health vs. Dr. Jeremy Blunt, Psy.D., Stitches For Life, Inc., Docket: C-73317827, 19th JDC. Following this report, Dr. Harness moved that the Board accept the Stipulated Judgement as a settlement and in lieu of prosecution. Following an opportunity for discussion, the matter was put to a vote. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote of the members present as follows: In favor: (5) Moore, Harness, Sam, Holcomb and Woods- Smith; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (1) McNeely.
Jurisprudence Examination Committee – Dr. Holcomb reported that it is taking longer than he expected to draft new items for the Jurisprudence Examination. He is continues to evaluate and work on new questions to pilot and is focusing awareness on implicit bias and item writing.
10. Liaison to Professional Organizations – Dr. Holcomb reported on the presentation to the Louisiana Psychological Association, stating that he was happy to be a part of the presentation. Ms. Monic reported on being invited to speak with the Baton Rouge Area Society of Psychologists, which talk was approved by Drs. Gormanous and Moore. The Board
requested that they be advised of future requests for speakers by professional psychology organizations.
11. Long Range Planning Committee – Dr. Moore reported that the current January Meeting date falls on January 19th and explained that in the past the Board has met for a full day on the Thursday prior, then 1⁄2 a day on Friday culminating in the awards luncheon. The Board agreed to this schedule for planning the agenda and luncheon.
Referrals to the District Attorney pursuant to La. R.S. 37:2360 – Mr. Wagner explained his interpretation of the statutory provision LA R.S. 37:2360; which establishes that it is a misdemeanor to violate the provisions of Title 37 Chapter 28. He explained the Board’s previous reading of the statute as forbidding disclosure to anyone other than the District Attorney created a situation whereby the disclosure was meaningless due to some D.A.’s office’s requiring a citation from law enforcement accompany the Board’s referral. Mr. Wagner asked that the Board affirm their updated understanding of LA R.S. 37:2360 so that, when the Board directs staff to act under LA R.S. 37:2360, it understands that interim steps and disclosures are required to be made by staff to carry out Board’s intent to seek prosecution by the District Attorney. Dr. Sam moved that the board affirm understanding of the process for turning matters over to the District Attorney. Following an opportunity for discussion, the matter was put to a vote. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote of the members present as follows: In favor: (5) Moore, Harness, Sam, Holcomb and Woods- Smith; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (1) McNeely.
Motion by Dr. Sam that LSBEP adopt a policy regarding length of time between various meetings and the receipt of an initial draft of completed minutes by LSBEP staff to ensure that timely recording is given to reduce the disruption of progress and increase follow-up of tasks and assignment. – The Board discussed this matter and motion by Dr. Sam. Following opportunity for discussion, adopted a policy that staff ensure minutes are drafted within a month of each meeting. The Board considered the motion. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote of the members present […]
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