Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 8. Source pages: 4.
VIA LINK is supplying a hurricane dashboard to act as the state’s official source of information and assistance for residents before, during, and after hurricanes, according to the news release. VIA LINK’s role is to receive incoming 211 calls, texts and messages, keep resource directories current and updated, and be ready to assist all those who rely on the 211 system in Southeast Louisiana. This year, VIA LINK is able to offer a new tool to organizations and local, state, and national leaders to help further improve decision-making capabilities in the aftermath of a major storm – their high-tech Hurricane Dashboard.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 8. Source pages: 5.
On July 10, Gov. Edwards signed legislation creating Louisiana's first statewide Chief Resilience Officer (CRO), a high level policy position dedicated to enhancing coordination across government to proactively address all types of environmental hazards. The position was established within the Office of the Governor by legislation authored by Rep. Jerome Zeringue and signed into law by Gov. Edwards, said the news release authors. "The concept of resilience means doing everything we can to avoid the cost of disasters to our people, to our land, and to our way of life," said Gov. Edwards. "This is an urgent need not just for our coastal region, but for the entire state, which feels the effects of hurricanes, storms, and land loss on a yearly basis. This new position will ensure that successive governors continue to prioritize this issue and seek funding to help our communities as they prepare to thrive in the future." "My goals in bringing this legislation were to help make state government more efficient and effective when it comes to seeking funding and as it crafts policies that can make our state more resilient and better able to address the needs of our communities," said Rep. Jerome Zeringue. "What we learned while working on coastal issues is that you can be much more effective when you are competing for funding when you speak with a single voice and with the authority of the Governor's Office, something crucially important with the unprecedented levels of federal funding for resilience projects available today." The CRO position within the Office of the Governor will add capacity and a policy focus to the existing response and recovery functions carried out by the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the Office of Community Development's Disaster Recovery Unit. Modeled from the job description of the Executive Assistant to the Governor for Coastal Activities, the Chief Resilience Officer will coordinate across all state agencies and seek public input to develop and then advocate for the state's resilience priorities. The CRO will participate across multiple planning efforts such as the Coastal Master Plan, State Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Watershed Plan to ensure their continuity and alignment. The CRO will take on pressing issues that affect multiple regions, state agencies, or governmental missions; and the CRO will convene both an interagency coordination team to improve communication and alignment within government, and a public-facing Interagency Resilience Task Force to gather public input on the state's resilience priorities. By February of each year, the Chief Resilience Officer will also produce a report outlining the state's major resilience priorities. In 2020, Governor Edwards joined ten other states by naming a Chief Resilience Officer to advance a cross-agency, holistic approach to the challenges and opportunities associated with the impacts of environmental hazards in Louisiana's coastal area. That work produced vulnerability assessments and adaptation options from 12 state agencies and cross- agency recommendations which included the creation of a statewide and multi- hazard resilience position within the Office of the Governor.
Camille Manning-Broome, President and CEO at the Center for Planning Excellence, said, "This position provides for more nimble decision making across state government and collaboration among public and private actors at the local, state, and federal levels that can make valuable contributions to our governance system … as well as an opportunity to work closely with communities to adapt programs and policies to address the complex constellation of risk and challenges they are facing."
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 8. Source pages: 12.
Gone Fishing–
We never tire of Dr. Tom Stigall’s photography.
Antelope Canyon Navajo land near Page, Arizona
The dramatic formations in Antelope Canyon are due to the erosion of Navajo Sandstone. Over time, passageways have formed with deep corridors, flowing shapes, and mysterious light sources that create intense patches of illumination.
Tom named the large photo, “Lightbeam from Above.”
“There are several places in the canyon where these occur when the sun is in just the right position,” Tom said. “ The landscape in this part of the country is spectacular and begs to be photographed.”
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 8. Source pages: 15.
10 Years Ago … What The Psychology Times was reporting on in July 2013
BA Board Named
Governor Jindal announced the appointments to the newly created Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board on July 19. According to the press release, five members from across the state will be serving. All five are appointed to serve as a behavior analyst, and were nominated by the Louisiana Behavior Analysis Association. [They are: Emily Bellaci, Cassie Bradford, Ellen Brocato, Kathy Chovanec, Jennifer Longwell. Also, Marc Zimmermann, PhD, who currently serves as Vice Chair on the state psychology board, will serve as an Ex Officio member.
Researchers Attend APA, Get Drenched by Flossie
Researchers from around the state are enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of Honolulu, Hawai’i, while they attend the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, July 31 to August 4. However, they are also in the middle of tropical depression, Flossie, which is dumping rain on them as if they were still in our beloved, wet Louisiana. Those presenting at this year’s conference include Tulane’s Dr. Stacy Over-street and Dr. Bonnie Nastasi, University of Louisiana Monroe’s Dr. Karen Kopera-Frye and Dr. Bill McCown, Dr. Darlyne Nemeth, Dr. Lee Matthews, Loyola’s Dr. Janet Matthews, Drs. Greg Gormanous and Warren Lowe, Dr. Kelly Ray, and a number from LaTech including Drs. Guler Boyraz, Mary M. Livingston, Walter Buboltz, Janelle McDaniel, and Steve Jenkins.
Dr. Scaramella New NIH Chair
University of New Orleans (UNO) Psychology Professor, Dr. Laura Scaramella has been named Chairperson of a National Institute of Health (NIH) peer review group. She will oversee the Psychosocial Development, Risk and Prevention study section of the Center for Scientific Review, according to a July UNO press release. The news release noted that the group that Scaramella will lead is a type of gateway for NIH grant applications and for the review for their scientific merit.
New Proposed CE Changes Published in July Register
The state psychology board published their Notice of Intent laying out proposed changes to the continuing education rules, in the July issue of the Louisiana Register. After almost three years of discussions about these changes, prompted by recommendations from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and first discussed in 2011, the board is presenting what may be the final proposal for these changes.
Dr. Gintner Highlighted in NP
Dr. Gary Gintner, LSU Associate Professor and Program Leader of the Counseling Program at Louisiana State University, was featured in the lead story for the July/August issue of The National Psychologist, a newspaper for practitioners with national circulation.
LSU’s Dr. Buckner Helps Discover New Treatments for Dual Diagnosis
Dr. Julia Buckner and her team at Louisiana State University’s Anxiety and Addictive Behaviors Laboratory & Clinic have begun work to develop a new treatment for those struggling with a combination of anxiety and marijuana dependency. Buckner has been awarded a research grant for $632,442 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for her project, “Integrated CBT [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy] for Cannabis Dependence with Co- occurring Anxiety Disorders.” The work is one of the first attempts to find a more effective therapy for those who suffer with both anxiety and marijuana (cannabis) dependency.
Dr. Tucker Appointed
Susan Tucker, Chief Psychologist and Assistant Warden at the Bossier Sherriff Medium Correctional Facility in Plain Dealing, has been appointed by the governor to Louisiana’s Commission on Addictive Disorders. The commission is a 13-member board with the goal of helping to promote healthy lifestyles for Louisiana citizens by developing ideas and programs that increase public awareness. The members work to help to prevent the abuse of alcohol, drugs, and compulsive gambling.
Mixed Opinions On New DSM-5
Earlier this year, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) released the newest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-5. The Times spoke with Dr. William McCown of the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM), Dr. Tony Young of Louisiana Tech, and Dr. Gary Gintner, to learn more about the controversial changes surrounding the new DSM-5.
Changes Coming for Baton Rouge Speech & Hearing
Dr. Brian Esteve and his colleagues at Baton Rouge Speech & Hearing Foundation are getting ready for big changes coming in 2014. Esteve is the full-time psychologist and behavior analyst on staff, and joined by part-time psychologists, Dr. Jane Morton, who oversees home-based ABA services, and Dr. Emily Boudreaux who provides a variety of evaluation and therapeutic services and who specializes in developmental disabilities.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 9.
Selected Items from Jan '23 Minutes of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP)
Thursday, January 19, 2023 and Friday, January 20, 2023 FINAL APPROVED: April 21, 2023 Finally published May 8, 2023
d. Job description for Executive Counsel (In House/Prosecuting) […][See June issue or Minutes for items 1 to 4.]
5. initiate or facilitate the initiation of subpoenas
6. represent the Board in proceedings before other administrative tribunals, boards, or commissions and state district and appellate courts
7. assist the Executive Director with review of and response to public records requests
8. develop and conduct educational compliance training for board members, staff and licensees related to statutory and regulatory requirements
9. conduct a continuous study of applicable law and judicial decisions that may impact the practice of psychology and/or the responsibilities and duties of the Board to regulate the practice of psychology
10. review and advise the Board on policies and procedures that may impact the practice of psychology and/or the responsibilities and duties of the Board to regulate the practice of psychology in consultation with the Executive Director
11. provide legal advice to the Board and any Board Committee pertaining to any matter that may impact the practice of psychology and/or the responsibilities and duties of the Board to regulate the practice of psychology in consultation with the Executive Director
12. draft and/or review new legislation that may impact the practice of psychology and/or the responsibilities and duties of the Board to regulate the practice of psychology in consultation with the Executive Director
13. assist the Executive Director with preparing and/or overseeing compliance with statutorily mandated reports as assigned by the Executive Director
14. perform any other related duties that may be assigned by the Executive Director or Board.
[…]
COMMITTEES, COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND LIAISON/AD HOC/OTHER REPORTS
a. LSSP Committee Report – Dr. Hebert and Ms. Kelley Pursell appeared before the Board to provide an annual summary report to the LSBEP, advising that the Committee has met in New Orleans, LA for the past two quarterly meetings, they continue to thoroughly review application files for licensure and provide recommendations to the Board related to licensure and issues impacting the regulation of LSSP’s such as Medicare reimbursement issues in the school system. Dr. Hebert also expressed his gratitude on behalf of himself and the LSSP Committee, for the Board approving travel reimbursement for Committee Members to attend meetings.
d. Finance – (i) Update on Accounts Receivables including update on litigation/complaints accounts receivable – Drs. Gormanous, Moore & Ms. Monic – Ms. Monic discussed options previously presented to the Board regarding contracting with the Attorney General for debt collection. The Board reviewed the contract for debt collection with the Attorney General’s office. Dr. Sam moved that the Board negotiate an Interagency Agreement with Office of the Attorney General for the Collection of Outstanding Receivables, including the terms of payment to the Attorney General in the amount of 25% of the actual debt collected, and to authorize Ms. Monic to effectuate the agreement. Following opportunity for discussion, the motion was put to a vote. The motion passed by unanimous roll-call vote as follows: In favor: (6) Gormanous, Moore, McNeely, Harness, Sam and Holcomb; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (0).
f. Continuing Professional Development – Dr. Sam stated that she would like to be empowered to start searching for the next presenter for a Board sponsored CPD. The Board affirmed this delegation without objection. Dr. Gormanous asked Dr. Sam to also include follow up with APA’s Dr. Akbar & Dr Awad.
b. LONG RANGE PLANNING DISCUSSION:
[…]iii. Program Competency Issues- The Board briefly discussed the changes to APA’s accrediting standards related to how programs assess competency. Dr. Moore reported that these changes were already addressed in the current proposed rules.
iv. Examination Issues: Assessing Competence/EPPP/EPPP2 or other option vs. Oral Examination – The Board discussed this topic, and considered the information learned in the presentation today by Dr. Marianne Atwell-Burnetti, Dr. Matthew Turner and Dr. Hao Song. Dr. Holcomb stated he still had questions pertaining to implementation, test validity, Dr. Harness had questions about admission and score transfer. Dr. Harness also stated that she believed that part 2 of the EPPP would be an option for replacing the Oral Examination. Dr. Gormanous requested that outstanding or unanswered questions be sent to Ms. Monic to compile, and the Board could follow up with ASPPB representatives to get them answered. Dr. Holcomb floated the idea of a phase-out approach. Dr. Sam was concerned about a motion including a phase-out approach due to concerns about impacts on the licensure of currently licensed individuals who have not taken the EPPP Part 2 being able to become licensed in Louisiana at a later date. Following opportunity for discussion, Mr. McNeely moved that the Board adopt the EPPP (Part 2) in place of the Oral Examination by 2026; further that such steps should include but not be limited to legislative changes and appropriate engagement with persons and entities; further that staff be empowered to begin reviewing the regulations and statutes that will be impacted for proper implementation. Following opportunity for discussion, the motion was put to a vote. The motion passed by majority roll-call vote as follows: In favor: (4) Gormanous, Moore, McNeely, and Harness; Against: (2) Sam and Holcomb; Abstained: (0); Absent: (0)
Action: Monic & Gormanous organize workgroup to begin compiling data for Board consideration.
v. Rule Changes and the “Great Cliff” in psychology education: Continued use of Specialties vs HSP/General Applied – The Board discussed the continued use of specialties, how specialties are currently assess in an Oral Exam, and the decision today by the Board to adopt the EPPP (Pt.2) to replace the Oral Examination by 2026. Dr. Moore moved to charge the SPP committee with reviewing statutory and regulatory changes that would need to be made to drop specialty titles, including Clinical Neuropsychology, and bring recommendations back to the board. Following opportunity for discussion, the motion was put to a vote. The motion passed by unanimous roll- call vote as follows: In favor: (6) Gormanous, Moore, McNeely, Harness, Sam and Holcomb; Against: (0); Abstained: (0); Absent: (0)
Action: SPP Committee Members (Moore and Sam) research the continued use of Specialties, models for licensure and credentialing, impacts of dropping board recognized specialties. Docket SPP Committee Meeting to discuss and finalize a recommendation to bring to the Board.
Dr. Michelle Moore at a past meeting of the state board. She is next in line to serve as Chair.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 15.
Industrial-organizational psychologist, Dr. Mkay Bonner, (L) and husband Sgt. Mark Johnson, Public Information Officer and Crimestoppers with the Monroe Police Department, talk with Dr. John Simoneaux (R) at the recent meeting of the Louisiana Coalition for Violence Prevention. Ms. Michelle Faust, LCSW, and regional administrator for DCFS listens to the discussion.
The Louisiana Coalition for Violence Prevention hosted a meeting and training session for key community members on Friday, June 28 in Baton Rouge. The event was held at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation on North 4th Street. Approximately 40 attendees from around the state represented psychology, counseling, social work, school psychology, psychiatry, law enforcement, legal, ministry, and research scientists. The participants listened to a presentation about violence, titled “Preventing Violence in Louisiana: Information, Ideas, and Inspiration,” and participated in a group discussion about the issues for the state. “Violence is a mental health problem,” said Dr. John Simoneaux, the main presenter at the meeting and Coalition steering committee member.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 15.
The legislative session ended June 6 with last minute work on the state budget, HB 1. In what sources say was a compromise between House Democrats and House Fiscal Conservatives, and then between the House and Senate, the legislature passed the $25 billion budget.
Governor Jindal then used his line-item veto stripping $46 million from next year’s budget, mostly from higher education and health services, said a June 25 report for Times Picayune (NOLA.com).
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 15.
The first meeting of the School Specialist Task Force was held June 28 at the state psychology board in Baton Rouge.
The group began work on a survey that will guide them in certain areas. Task force chair, Dr. Rita Culross told the Times, “The purpose of the survey is to seek input from school psychologists certified through the State Department of Education and psychologists licensed through LSBEP [Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists] on the possible regulation of school specialists through LSBEP.”
Dr. Carmen Broussard (L) and Dr. Conni Patterson discuss ideas at the recent meeting of the LSBEP task force to study the possible regulation of specialists in school psychology. Broussard is an associate professor at Nicholls and Patterson is a professor at Tulane.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 15.
Dr. Suzanne Chabaud, Louisiana licensed clinical and developmental psychologist, hosted individuals from around the country for the second Adult Children of Hoarders Summit held June 19 to 24 in New Orleans. Chabaud is Director of the Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Institute of Greater New Orleans and expert in 33 episodes of the award-winning A&E television show, Hoarders.
Through her work on Hoarders, Dr. Chabaud became attuned to the challenges of children raised in hoarded homes.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Dr. Joy Osofsky testifying at Congressional hearing in D.C. (Congressional photo)
Dr. Joy Osofsky, Professor of Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Public Health, Head of Division of Pediatric Mental Health, and Ramsay Endowed Chair in Psychiatry at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, was an invited witness at the U.S. Senate hearing of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
The hearing was held on June 8 in Washington, and the topic was, "Why Are So Many American Youth in a Mental Health Crisis? Exploring Causes and Solutions."
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (L) from Louisiana is the Ranking Member and Senator Sanders (R) is the Chair of the HELP Committee. Sen. Cassidy invited Dr. Osofsky to testify. (Photo courtesy of Congress.)
Also testifying was Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Mrs. Katherine Neas, the Deputy Assistant Secretary with the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education; Mrs. Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, Commissioner with the Connecticut State Department of Education; and Dr. Joshua Garcia, Superintendent with Tacoma Public Schools, Tacoma, Washington State.
Dr. Osofsky was the expert in mental health, and, besides the Surgeon General, the other witnesses were in education.
"I was invited by Senator Cassidy from Louisiana who is the Ranking Member and Senator Sanders who is the Chair of the HELP Committee," said Dr. Osofsky. "It was quite an experience!"
In her testimony, Dr. Osofsky said:
"Since 2016, we have had the opportunity to work with Senator Cassidy to identify and support community and state agencies that can work individually and collaboratively in supporting the mental health needs of children and families including cross-state efforts. We have been pleased to support his efforts to increase mental health support in schools and communities.
"The Bipartisan Safe Communities Act and SUPPORT Act would expand community based behavioral health services and access to mental health care services in schools and communities in both rural and urban areas. This Act would also provide funding for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to improve trauma informed training, treatment, and services for children, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma."
Dr. Osofsky also testified about the "Effects of Trauma on Youth," saying:
"Youth are exposed to trauma in many ways, for example, experiencing abuse and neglect, exposure to domestic violence, substance use, and community violence. Youth are also exposed to natural and technological disasters and, in the past 3 years, to the COVID-19 pandemic with its many effects on children and families, including parental and caregiver loss. There is much evidence that exposure to trauma affects development in different ways. For very young children, exposure to abuse and neglect can impact on their brain development. For all children, their cognitive, social, and emotional development can be affected by abuse and neglect (Center for the Developing Child at Harvard, 2023).
"Many studies have shown that children who are exposed to adverse life experiences (ACEs) early in their lives are at significant risk for developing serious and long-term problems, both medical and psychological, later in development. Trauma-informed and trauma-responsive interventions and evidence-based mental health treatments have been developed to help youth who have been exposed to trauma. It is crucial to recognize that recovery from trauma and development of resilience with meaningful, consistent relationships which means that parent and caregiver availability and support, in addition to mental health services, will help children and adolescents recovery from trauma exposure and also support resilience (Masten, 2021).
"The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to increased risk of mental health problems for several reasons. Children of all ages, including adolescents, are likely to develop well with consistency in their schedules, positive relationships with a parent or caregiver in a supportive environment, and, as they grow older, consistent peer relationships. Few of these positive supports for youth development were in place during the COVID -19 pandemic."
Dr. Osofsky (on the right) was the expert in mental health, speaking about the effects of trauma on children. Besides the Surgeon General, the other witnesses were in education. (Photo courtesy of Congress.)
Dr. Osofsky covered topics of "The Mental Health Impact of Natural and Technological Disasters on Youth Compared to the COVID-19 Pandemic," "Integrating Mental Health Support in School and Community Settings," and "Providing Mental Health Support in Collaboration with Community Groups."
Her complete verbal and written testimony, and the testimony of the other witnesses, can be found at: https://www.help.senate.gov/hearings /why-are-so-many-american-youth-in- a-mental-health-crisis-exploring- causes-and-solutions
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 2.
At the end of April, Dr. Clifton Mixon, a young psychologist who works in Ochsner's gender care clinic, posted on the Louisiana Psychological Association listserv, encouraging people to lobby against HB 648, which would ban sex-change surgery and hormone blockers for minors.
I felt that psychologists could support LGBTQ+ children struggling with gender dysphoria without supporting medical, potentially permanent interventions. There is no research method to provide predictive validity on lifelong consequences of these procedures.
But most of all, I wanted organized psychology to stay out of medicine's fight, and mind its own business. I was afraid that Dr. Mixon, who leads the LPA Legislative Committee along with another Ochsner employee, would drag us in to a highly political, controversial issue that has nothing to do with psychology. So, I waited, hoping someone else would object, but no such luck. I finally replied with the following:
I am concerned about the powerful forces at work in this area that can confuse and distort our scientific reasoning.
Supporting trans children does not necessarily mean supporting surgery or chemical interventions for minors. Some of those supporting these bills–that have been passed across several states now–believe that the medical industrial complex is exploiting these children for financial gain. That possibility cannot be dismissed.
Psychologists must keep strict control of ourselves when we have a conflict of interest, financial or political.
For this, I was disciplined––losing my right to post for 30 days. A letter from the Communications Committee Chair, Dr. Parkinson, another young psychologist, said I violated the rules, because "There is no evidence provided regarding the alleged nefarious actors involved or exploitation from reputable sources."
I violated another rule, "being unsupportive or disrespectful" because, Dr. Parkinson wrote, "This comment was construed by Dr. Mixon and others on the listserv as disrespectful and negative towards a member's character and motives for sharing an opportunity for advocacy. Dr. Mixon has explicitly expressed previously that he does not have a conflict of interest, but rather has asserted that he is an expert in the area about which the call for advocacy was made."
It dawned on me that these young psychologists may not be cognizant of the medical–pharmaceutical industrial complex. They may even have been captured by it, the fate of an embedded group.
In the 70s, we were regularly warned about the problems with the medical model, treating the symptom. The concern remains: Medical Nemesis: The Expropriation of Health, by Ivan Illick; Unaccountable, What Hospitals Won't Tell You and How Transparency Can Revolutionize Healthcare, by Dr. Marty Makary; or Overdiagnosed, Making People Sick in the Pursuit of Health, by Dr. H. Gilbert Welch, et al. Some attribute the atrocious ranking of health in the U.S. to the medical industrial complex.
It also dawned on me that these young psychologists don't understand what it means to have a financial conflict of interest. It has nothing to do with character, but rather with context. One either has a financial interest or doesn't. The resulting bias is often unconscious.
To assert that a person has no conflict of interest, is not the correct assertion. Dr. Mixon does not hide the fact that he is employed by Oschner's gender affirming care clinic, so he has a financial relationship. He can only assert that he does not allow it to bias his judgment. But he cannot be the judge of that, since the bias can be unconscious.
That is why rules of the Louisiana State Ethics Board, as one example, prohibit appointed officials from not only voting on the matter when they have a financial relationship, but from even participating in the discussion.
While I wish I'd have crafted it better, did I somehow harm my colleagues by expressing my opposing views? Did I somehow confuse their thought processes and lead them astray?
Or did centralized power oppress my dissenting voice?
I disagree that I broke the rules, but if I did, the rules need to change. Open debate with differing views is the correct way to move toward consensus, and help us avoid motivated reasoning.
Free speech is a core principle of psychology and an essential element of problem-solving in a healthy society.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 3.
In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, found that a strict interpretation of the 14th Amendment, prohibits favoring individuals based on race.
The case had to do with the admissions practices of Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. The court said that Harvard’s selection program discriminated against students of Asian origin by giving preferential consideration to black, Hispanic, and Native American students.
Gov. John Bel Edwards provided a comment on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action in college admissions:
“All colleges and universities are better and stronger because of their diversity, and having students from all backgrounds enriches the experiences of everyone. That is why increased diversity should always be our goal. While this decision by the U.S. Supreme Court may weaken that effort across the nation, the fact is that here in Louisiana all qualified students are admitted to our public universities and community and technical colleges. This is as it should be since education is the greatest pathway to improving a person’s quality of life. Our state remains committed to expanding educational opportunities for everyone.”
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 3.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has published "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community," an advisory on the growing epidemic of loneliness.
A Surgeon General’s Advisory is a public statement that calls the American people’s attention to an urgent public health issue and provides recommendations for how it should be addressed.
Murthy, writes, "Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished."
The report includes key data, such as:
• Between 2003 and 2020, the time the average American spent with friends decreased by two-thirds, time spent in social engagements dropped by one- third, and time spent in isolation rose by 17%.
• During 2020, 21% of people reported “severe loneliness” compared to just 6% prior to the pandemic.
• The rate of loneliness among young adults has increased every year between 1976 and 2019.
• Polls conducted in 1972 showed that roughly 45% of Americans felt they could reliably trust other Americans; however, that proportion shrank to roughly 30% in 2016.
• In 1960, single-person households accounted for only 13% of all U.S. households. In 2022, that number more than doubled, to 29% of all households.
• In 2018, only 16% of Americans reported that they felt very attached to their local community.
"Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation," Murthy says, "we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis. This Surgeon General’s Advisory shows us how to build more connected lives and a more connected society."
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 5.
The Medical Psychology Advisory Committee held a Business Meeting on June 23, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., via Live Streaming Video and Teleconference during the public session.
According to the public agenda the committee discussed the following topics under old business:
• Approval of Minutes
• Consultation with Nurse Practitioners
• Retaining Psychology license until granted Medical Psychology advanced license
• Laws and Rules Discrepancy
According to the agenda the committee discussed new business of the following:
• Billing Codes
• CE Broker – Ethics requirement
• Buprenorphine
• Deficiencies in Licensure Application
Topics listed under the executive session included the following:
• Licensure and Certification
• Attorney Advice – under La. R.S. 42:17(A) (10), as needed
The recording of the session is available on the medical board's website.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.
Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 7. Source pages: 5.
HB 181 by Rep. DeVillier has been signed by the Gov. and takes effect August 1. Act 363 will allow coroners, deputy coroners, and assistant coroners to execute an emergency certificate via actual examination or telemedicine examination and establishes provisions for such persons.
The new law provides that the actual examination of the person may be conducted by any medical professional listed in proposed law, including coroners, deputy coroners, and assistant coroners, via telemedicine.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.