Originally published: . Volume 14, No. 4. Source pages: 2.
Just wanted to give you a brief thanks and pat on the back. Your story about Ron Boudreaux was brilliant and a fitting tribute to a deserving colleague. Thanks again for keeping us all in the loop and being an advocate for our work.
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. 4. Source pages: 2.
No corrections were received for last month's issue. We were told the name of the gentlemen in the group photo with Dr. Boudreaux and thank Dr. Coulter for that information. We updated the issue.
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. 4. Source pages: 3.
The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists scheduled a special board meeting for March 13, 2023. According to the agenda, the purpose of the meeting was to receive information from the LSSP committee following their committee meeting on March 9, 2023 and “consider any report and/or recommendations related to equivalency in credentialing standards of Certified School Psychologists versus Licensed Specialists in School Psychology. The Board canceled the meeting before the meeting was to take place.
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. 4. Source pages: 4.
The Medical Psychology Advisory Committee held a Business Meeting, March 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., via Live Streaming Video and Teleconference during the public session. Agenda items included: Nurse Practitioners; Changes to the Practice Act; and Notification of applicants (MP and MPAP) regarding the status of applications. The members discussed the issue of nurse practitioners asking to consult with, or refer to, medical psychologists, especially in the rural areas. They discussed changing rules to clarify Nurse Practitioners' role when referring to Medical Psychologists. Also mentioned was that legislative changes might be in order and that LAMP would have to initiate those. Members also discussed that nurse practitioners may be introducing legislation to remove the requirement for collaboration with the physicians. Dr. Warren Lowe introduced and members discussed the topic of making changes to the Medical Psychology Practice Act. He noted that the Act has been in place for 14 years. Housekeeping changes were discussed including not requiring out-of-state psychologists to go through the psychology board for a state psychology license. Dr. Lowe also said, “We missed something glaring. As it stands now, anyone that’s licensed by LSBEP can become an MP. So if they’re license specialty is in I/O psychology or experimental psychology, they can apply to be an MP if they’ve never had a course in abnormal psychology in undergraduate psychology or never seen a patient or worked with a patient. We intended it to read 'with' a specialty in clinical or counseling psychology.” Members also discussed legislative roles and responsibilities of being in public service, issues with military MPs roles and the medical board’s jurisdiction, and delays in applications being approved. The committee went into Executive Session and made two motions after the session. The first one was to defer the applicants to a later date. The second motion passed, put forth by Dr. Darla Burnett, was, “To carry a request to the full medical board asking for a rule change that eliminates the requirement that someone applying for an advanced practice as a medical psychologist must maintain concurrent licensure with both LSPEP & LSBME after they receive their MP license and it’s in good standing.” That would be an emergency rule change, members agreed.
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. 4. Source pages: 4.
In a March 23 press release, Louisiana's U.S. Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Ph.D, announced that her Parents Bill of Rights Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a a 213-208 vote. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate where it will await further action. “As a mom of two and a former educator, I believe for children to succeed, they need families and schools to work together as partners throughout the learning process,” Letlow said. “After spending nearly a year and a half working to pass this bill, I’m grateful that we’re finally able to advance this critical legislation.” According to the legislative digest, the bill establishes various rights of parents and guardians regarding the elementary or secondary school education of their children. Local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools must comply with the requirements of the bill in order to receive federal education funds. Specifically, the bill requires schools to notify parents and guardians of their rights regarding the education of their children. These rights include the right to: • review the curriculum of their child's school; • meet with each teacher of their child at least twice each school year; • review the budget, including all revenues and expenditures, of their child's school; • inspect the books and other reading materials in the library of their child's school; • address the school board of the LEA; • receive information about violent activity in their child's school; and • know if their child is not grade-level proficient in reading or language arts at the end of 3rd grade.
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. 4. Source pages: 4.
On March 28, Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement on the mass shooting at Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville, Tennessee, which claimed the lives of three children and three adults, two of whom were native Louisianans according to media reports "Donna and I ask the entire state of Louisiana to pray for the families of Cynthia Peak, Katherine Koonce, and all the victims of Monday's senseless, evil mass shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. When we send our loved ones off to school to learn or teach, we should never have to worry if they will make it home alive."
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. 4. Source pages: 5.
Representative Boyd filed HB 175 which will prohibit the carrying of firearms into hospitals, mental health facilities, or community health centers with exceptions for employees with concealed handgun permits and security officers. Present law (R.S. 14:402.1) provides for the crime of taking contraband into hospitals, any intoxicating beverage, controlled dangerous substance, or firearm. The proposed law retains present law, but amends the firearm provision to prohibit the carrying of any firearm into a hospital as well as any mental health facility or community health center, regardless of whether the person is otherwise prohibited from possessing the firearm. Proposed law provides exceptions to the firearm prohibition.
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. 4. Source pages: 5.
Rep. Selders has filed a bill which prohibits the death penalty from being imposed upon any person with a severe mental illness, HB 328. Present law prohibits the death penalty from being imposed upon any person with an intellectual disability and provides for definitions and procedures to be followed after a capital defendant claims to have a intellectual disability. HB 328 amends present law to also prohibit the death penalty from being imposed upon any person with a severe mental illness. Further provides that the procedures to be followed for a capital defendant who claims to have an intellectual disability shall also be applied to a capital defendant who claims to have a severe mental illness. The proposed law provides that a person has a severe mental illness if both of the following conditions are applicable: (1) Before a claim of severe mental illness is raised, the person has been diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions: (a) Schizophrenia or any other psychotic disorder. (b) Bipolar disorder. (c) Major depressive disorder. (d) Delusional disorder. (e) Post-traumatic stress disorder. (f) Traumatic brain injury. (2) At the time of the offense, the condition or conditions described in proposed law, despite not meeting the standard set forth in present law (R.S. 14:14) to establish a defense of insanity, significantly impaired the person's capacity to do any of the following: (a) Appreciate the nature, consequences, or wrongfulness of his conduct. (b) Exercise rational judgment in relation to his conduct. (c) Conform his conduct to the requirements of the law.
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. 4. Source pages: 6.
HB 181 by Rep. DeVillier 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 present law provides that certain healthcare professionals, licensed or permitted in accordance with present law, may execute an emergency certificate only after an actual examination of a person, who is alleged to have a mental illness or be suffering from a substance-related or addictive disorder and, after the determination made by the healthcare professional, is considered to need immediate care and treatment in a treatment facility. The present law also provides that the actual examination of the person may be conducted by a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner via telemedicine, utilizing video conferencing technology. HB 181 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. Present law provides that if the actual examination by the psychiatrist is conducted via telemedicine, the 72-hour independent examination by the coroner shall be conducted in person. HB 181 extends present law to allow deputy coroners or assistant coroners to conduct the 72-hour independent examination. Present law provides that when the coroner or his deputy examines the person and executes an emergency certificate and a reexamination of the person and reexecution of a certificate is necessary to ensure the validity of the certificate, both the first examiner and the reexaminer shall be entitled to the fee for the service. The proposed law extends present law to include instances when assistant coroners examine the person and execute an emergency certificate, and a reexamination of the person and reexecution of a certificate is necessary to ensure the validity of the certificate. Present law provides that where the coroner or his deputy executes the first emergency certificate, the second emergency certificate shall not be executed by the coroner or his deputy. Proposed law extends present law to include instances when the assistant coroner executes the first emergency certificate.
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. 4. Source pages: 6.
HB 353 by Rep. Marcelle provides relative to student behavior, discipline, and behavioral and mental health. Elements of the bill include: The present law provides for exemptions from compulsory school attendance, including when children are mentally, physically, or emotionally incapacitated to perform school duties as certified in writing. The proposed law adds that a student may be absent for up to three days in any school year related to the student's mental or behavioral health, that such absences shall not require a certification in writing in order to be excused, that the child may make up missed school work, and that the child shall be referred to school support personnel following the second day of absence. Present law requires instruction on mental health and lists the minimum information to be included. Proposed law adds the difference between mental and physical health and the management of stress and anxiety to the list. Present law provides for in-service training for school
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. 4. Source pages: 6.
HB 348 by Rep. Jenkins revises procedures for the reporting and investigation of threats of terrorism or violence at schools. Present law requires each public school governing authority to adopt a policy for the investigation of threats of violence or terrorism. The present law requires school employees who learn of a threat of violence or threat of terrorism to immediately report the threat: (1) To a local law enforcement agency if the threat is credible and imminent. (2) To the school administrator if the threat does not meet that threshold. HB 348 instead requires employees to report all threats to law enforcement and to the administrator (if the employee is not the administrator). Requires the administrator, immediately upon being informed of the threat, to inform persons who are targets of the threat and take all necessary measures to protect their life and safety. The present law requires a law enforcement agency receiving a threat notification to begin an investigation not later than the first day that school is in session after the report is received. The proposed law instead requires law enforcement to begin the investigation immediately.
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. 4. Source pages: 11, 12.
Dr. Tyree Mitchell, Assistant Professor at the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development at Louisiana State University, has created a fascinating yet practical book about trust and global relationships. In Searching for Trust in the Global Economy, Mitchell and coauthor Dr. Jeanne Brett, Dewitt W. Buchanan Distinguished Professor of Dispute Resolution and Organizations, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, tackle the fundamental issue of doing business worldwide. They answer the question of just how new business owners develop the trust necessary to be productive and creative with associates on the other side of the world. The authors deal with the connections between trust and cooperation, and how information is shared in a context of competition. They affirm that people around the world understand the importance of trust, but that there are significant and major differences between cultures in how trust is developed. Delving into these differences constitutes the majority of Searching for Trust in the Global Economy. The two authors interviewed managers from across four regions of the world. This included East Asia, the Middle East/South Asia, Latin America, and the West. They focused on new business developers' views about actions and standards that managers use when searching and developing trust with collaborators across the globe. Along with the book, Mitchell and Brett first published a scholarly article about their initial research in the International Journal of Conflict Management. They also published a practitioner article in the Harvard Business Review, " How to Build Strong Business Relationships — Remotely," in May 2022. The authors built on the literature about trust but also included the cultural differences that have to do with a particular characteristic of cultures–the looseness and tightness variable. While exploring the differences and similarities between people in the different regions of the world, the authors found that there is an important similarity–person-to-person interaction is, for all people, central in the decision for an individual to trust another. In Searching for Trust in the Global Economy the authors lay out the key actions that they viewed emerged when individuals decide who and what to trust. These key actions are due diligence, brokering, testing, and goodwill building. The authors define due diligence as searching for information that has to do with the person’s reputation. Brokering is defined as seeking assurance of the partner’s trustworthiness by way of a third-party. The authors explain testing as getting a potential partner to act or react to a question or statement, and this then generates firsthand information and experience so that the individual can evaluate trustworthiness.
The last action is goodwill building. This is interacting and getting to know the partner, and it can range from a few minutes of small talk to extended time spent together. Searching for Trust also covers what the authors call "CORR" standards for deciding to trust. These standards are competence, openness, respect, and rapport. The competent standard includes the partner’s expertise and track record for getting things done and the quality of the work. Openness is how honest and willing to share information the new partner appears. Respect is defined as the ability to show regard despite differences and honor those differences that may arise. Rapport, the final standard, is defined as “felt affinity and shared values.“ The authors explain that the trust can be understood from the perspective of differences between tight and loose cultures. Tight cultures have many social norms that people are supposed to follow and there are clear expectations about how individuals are to act. Loose cultures provide a higher degree of freedom and allow the individual to behave in ways that may not fit norms. Loose cultures are more accepting and tolerant than tight cultures which are more disapproving when people do not comply with norms. Brett and Mitchell map trust on this matrix of characteristics, pointing to the World Values Survey trust data. They explain that the West scores at about +.8 on trust along with East Asia which scores at about +.7. In contrast, Latin America scores in the low range at about –.8 and the Middle East/South Asia scores at about –.6 on trust. These characteristics give the framework for the rest of the book and for providing the reader with recommendations on how to deal with business relationships. The authors begin with Middle East/South Asia and title the chapter “Respect rules.” The area is low trust, heterogeneous, and with a tight culture. They note that due diligence and brokering are key early actions in this area. Goodwill building is a necessary element of establishing personal relationship along with hospitality and respect, the authors explain.
In Chapter 4 the authors have gathered information on Latin America where rapport is a requirement. They recommend to build rapport by accessing shared values, and the authors point out that the culture is low trust and culturally loose. For the high trust culture of East Asia, the authors note that the dominant core characteristic for trust building is competence. They recommend the first step to be brokering. For the West, which is loose with high trust, the key is to be open to sharing information, explain the authors. How did Dr. Mitchell originally come up with the idea about trust that led to his project on the topic? "There were several reasons why I wanted to write Searching for Trust in the Global Economy," he said. "When I was a visiting scholar at Northwestern University before I came to LSU, my colleague and friend, Jeanne Brett, and I were interviewing managers from all around the world about how they search for trustworthy business partners and what ultimately influences their decisions to trust potential business partners," said Dr. Mitchell. "We ended up interviewing 82 managers from 33 different countries. After presenting our work at a major international conference, publishing a peer-reviewed journal article on the topic, and publishing a paper in Harvard Business Review about our work, we still had so much to share about what we learned about searching for trust around the world," he said. "The topic is important, as business relationships characterized by trust are important for global economic development," said Dr. Mitchell. "The topic is also unique, as there are books on cultural etiquette, books on culture with maybe a chapter on trust, and entire books on trust written primarily from a Western perspective. We captured such valuable insights from international perspectives that we felt could help people all around the world build strong business relationships characterized by trust." In Dr. Mitchell's opinion, what are the most important takeaways from his research/book? "When you look at most of the research and theory on trust, a fair amount of it approaches trust from a Western perspective, which is somewhat problematic when you want to understand trust in different parts of the world. Research from the World Values Survey shows that trust is relatively high in the West in comparison to Latin America and the Middle East/South Asia," said Dr. Mitchell. "So, when you ask Americans if most people can be trusted, the answer is more often yes than no, relatively speaking. We found fascinating differences when we asked managers about the ways they searched for information to make the trust decision and the criteria they were using for decisions. "Trust is the foundation for strong working relationships, but the way people from different cultures search for and decide to trust varies," said Dr. Mitchell. "Searching for Trust in the Global Economy describes these cultural differences from the perspective of 82 managers from 33 different countries in four regions of the world." Scholars, practitioners, and organizations have praised the book for its accessibility and nuanced approach to a commonly discussed topic, said Dr. Mitchell. For example, Michele Gelfand, Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Professor of Psychology by Courtesy, at Stanford University, an innovative research in the area of loose–tight phenomena praised the effort.
"Searching for Trust in the Global Economy is a must-read for anyone who is trying to build trust across cultural boundaries," she said. "Written by the foremost authorities on the topic, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of not only the key ways people around the world differ in their decision to trust, but why these differences have evolved in the first place. Filled with surprising insights that are based in the best science, along with practical advice on how to build new relationships across cultures, this book will forever change the way you view the world and make you more culturally intelligent." Zhi-Xue Zhang, Director, Institute of Social Science Survey, and Professor, Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, said, "Based on solid literature and insights from recent interviews with managers across four regions of the world, Jeanne and Tyree provide extremely useful information about the CORR standards for deciding to trust – competence, openness, respect, and rapport. The book is timely in that it offers managers practical tools and tips for building trust, which is the scarce currency of both business and human life in the contemporary world." And Elizabeth McCune, Director of Employee Listening, at Microsoft, said, "This book lays out an insightful cultural framework that provides a practical approach to unpacking the complexity of building trust across cultures. As a scientist- practitioner specializing in survey methodology, I’m eager to apply this framework toward creating trust with employees across the globe such that they feel safe and empowered to share their much-needed voices." Dr. Tyree Mitchell completed his predoctoral fellowship at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and received his PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from DePaul University. His research focuses on group processes and intergroup relations in organizations, specifically within leadership, team, and negotiation contexts. His research has been funded by major funding agencies, such as the National Science Foundation, and has been published in high- impact peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Journal of Applied Psychology) and featured in popular press outlets (e.g., Forbes, Harvard Business Review). What have been the most enjoyable parts of publishing the book? "The rich interviews with insightful managers from all over the world and writing about those interviews with a dear friend and colleague," said Dr. Mitchell.
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. 3. Source pages: 5.
by Susan Andrews, PhD
What is the fastest way to relieve stress? Countless methods of stress reduction exist, and different techniques work for every individual. Most of the well-known ways to reduce stress, however, are not “quick.” It is hard to imagine stopping in the middle of a high-pressured job interview or deposition and excusing yourself to meditate. Those great old methods of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and exercise work but we all need something more immediate and accessible. There are so many things to consider, like what works best for you, what type of stress you are dealing with, and most of all, how good are you at recognizing when you are stressed and need some relief.
One of the fastest ways to control the rise of cortisol and the host of other stress- induced body systems is to engage one or more of your common senses – sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, or movement. Or, even better yet, you can engage the most important and powerful bridge to your body and your mind – your imagination.
Imagination is so powerful that it needs no definition. Discovering when sense and associated technique works best for you is today’s goal. Please do some experimenting to see which technique works best for you. Step One is to recognize the signs of stress. Tired is different from stress. Are your muscles tense or sore? Is your stomach cramped or aching? Are you holding your breath? Are your hands in fists? Or, are your jaws clenched? Do you get quickly keyed up when stressed or depressed and withdrawn? Some people actually freeze when stress reaches a really high point.
So, which senses do you turn to, sound or music, exercise or other types of movement, vision like a much-loved photo of a special place or like my cat, who relaxes to such a point that she almost slides off. Let’s look at some examples of simple stress relief exercises for each of the senses.
Sight: • • Look at a cherished photo in your mind – if in a meeting Enjoy the beauty of nature, a park or your own backyard in your imagination Smell • • Imagine a scent you enjoy if you cannot do it that moment Identify smells in the area while remaining in the situation Touch Pet a dog or a cat or something you have in your pocket that is soothing to touch • • Give yourself a subtle neck massage
Taste • • Indulge yourself in a small piece of dark chocolate or treat you brought with you Sip a hot cuppa or a refreshing cold drink like cold water Movement • • Breathe and focus on your breathing Tighten and release your muscles from head to foot or v.v. while you sit or stand in the meeting Sound • Hum in your head or imagine a favorite tune • Listen for sounds around you If all else fails, just take a break and a cat nap.
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. 3. Source pages: 5.
BOARD MEETING AGENDA Thursday, January 19, 2023 and Friday, January 20, 2023 1. 2. GENERAL DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: a. Rulemaking Status/update from Dr. Moore and Ms. Monic regarding Occupational Licensing Review Commission hearing. b. Draft Response to LAPS inquiry received 1/16/2023 c. Valerie Dominique, CPA, New Contract with HTP d. Job description for Executive Counsel (In House/Prosecuting) e. ASPPB Mid-year Meeting, Denver, CO; April 20-23, 2023 (Designate 2 funded attendees) f. LSBEP TRAVEL POLICY | Vote on exemption from PPM49
DAY 2: Friday, January 20, 2023 ASPPB Presentation to LSBEP regarding the validity and other issues concerning the EPPP (Part I and Part II): Dr. Mariann Burnetti-Atwell, Dr. Matthew Turner, Dr. Hao Song
GENERAL DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS: a. Review and discuss training for new rules b. Reschedule Awards Ceremony for April ’23 or July ‘23 c. Letter from ethics attorney – Opinion on Dr. Sam Presentation at ASPPB d. ATAP Administering select projective test if adequately trained e. Technology – IT Quotes for Upgrades (Sparkhound and Covalent Logic) 1:00 – 2:00 Working lunch – Training for Board Members, Staff and Workgroup Participants by Amy Groves Lowe (1 hour) – Anti-trust – Staff and Board Member roles in investigating matters concerning the unauthorized practice of psychology by unlicensed individuals, reporting violations, actionable findings, and other related anti-trust issues including rulemaking, denial of licensure and when to involve an attorney.
LONG RANGE PLANNING DISCUSSION: c. Executive Director Report: (i) Operations /Updates/Temporary Registrations and Updates on progress of old business. d. Finance (i) Update on Accounts Receivables including update on litigation/complaints accounts receivable – Drs. Gormanous, Moore & Ms. Monic e. Complaints – Drs. Gormanous, Moore & Ms. Monic (i) Compliance Report (ii) Ethics litigation review f. Continuing Professional Development – Drs. Harness & Sam g. Jurisprudence Examination – Drs. Harness & Holcomb h. Legislative and Regulatory Oversight – Mr. McNeely, Drs. Gormanous & Dr. Holcomb i. Liaison to Professional Organizations and Boards – Drs. Holcomb & Gormanous j. Long Range Planning – Drs. Gormanous & Moore k. Oral Examination – Drs. Moore, Harness & Sam l. Public and Professional Outreach – Mr. McNeely & Dr. Gormanous m. Supervision and Credentials – Drs. Moore & Sam n. Ad hoc/Other: o. Recruitment/Search – Executive Counsel – Drs. Gormanous, Sam, Mr. McNeely & Ms. i. Masters Level License/Credentialing ii. Ethics Code Revisions iii. Program Competency Issues iv. Examination Issues: Assessing; Competence/EPPP/ EPPP2 or other option vs. Oral Examination v. Rule Changes and the “Great Cliff” in psychology education: Continued use of Specialties vs HSP/General Applied vi. Open discussion for consideration of other emerging issues
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. 3. Source pages: 15.
Groups watching LPA gives dissenting opinion BA Commission Report Goes to Louisiana
Senate
The Behavior Analysts Licensure and Regulation Study Commission submitted its final report to President of the Louisiana Senate for a February 1 deadline. The report contains recommendations for the licensure and regulation of behavior analysts, including scope of practice, definitions of three levels of practitioners, and the decision for a merged board arrangement with the Licensed Professional Counselors. The final report also included a dissenting opinion from the Louisiana Psychological Association.
Psychologist Designed Teacher
Assessment Program Moves into Full
Swing Across State
by Suzanne Booth, MA, Psychology Times Intern
The value-added assessment portion of Louisiana’s teacher evaluation system developed by school psychologist and LSU professor, Dr. George Noell and colleagues, is taking full effect across Louisiana this year. The program, derived from the earlier Value-Added Teacher Preparation Program Assessment Model, began in 2003 when Noell and colleagues created a complex, nested, multivariate evaluation design. The purpose was to examine how teacher performance as indexed by student academic gains was related to teacher preparation.
Members from Behavioral Health
Step Up for Violence Prevention
Professionals from various behavioral health groups have formed a coalition to promote safety in Louisiana by strengthening early identification of those at risk of violence. The group, named the Louisiana Coalition for Violence Prevention, includes members of the psychology and behavioral health community, a cross section of leaders from school psychology, counseling, and social work.
Steering group member Dr. John Simoneaux told the Times, “Recognizing that it is our responsibility, we want mental health professionals in Louisiana to ensure that we are trained in scientifically sound techniques for identifying and intervening with potentially dangerous individuals.” N.O. Psychologist’s Research Key U.S. Senator Coburn Takes Science’s
Flag to Social Security Administration
The U.S. Senator known for confronting government waste
and inefficiency, Oklahoma’s Dr. Tom Coburn, took up the banner for psychological science recently when he challenged the Social Security Administration’s anti-scientific approach to detecting malingering in its disability claims.
Senator Coburn had help in understanding the science behind these complex issues from New Orleans clinical and neuropsychologist, Dr. Michael Chafetz.
Chafetz and his colleagues have been studying malingering in disability claimants and publishing research in the area since 2006, some-thing that the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not do for itself.
Dr. Tucker’s Program Finds New
Home at Bossier Sherriff Facility
Psychologist Dr. Susan Tucker and her nationally recognized treatment program survived the state cutbacks, despite the closing of Forcht Wade Correctional Center in Keithville, Louisiana, this past July. “It took a while,” Dr. Tucker explained to the Times, “but the entire staff moved to the new facility.” The staff and their innovative programs relocated to the Bossier Sherriff’s Office, Medium Correctional Facility, located between Benton and Plain Dealing, LA.
Dr. Thomason First in LA To Use
Data-Referenced EEG Technology
Making national headlines in NY Times, Huffington Post and Fox News is a company that provides an objective, physiologically based measure using EEG results and norms to help doctors and nurses choose the right medications for their patients. The Times spoke with Dr. David Thomason, a medical prescriber practicing in Monroe, Louisiana, who is part of the network of providers trying out this new technology, and the only person listed in Louisiana by the company, CNS Response, Inc.
Dr. Phil Griffin Grabs Top
Votes In LSBEP Election
Dr. Phil Griffin received the top number of votes in the LSBEP election that closed on January 25, 2013. Griffin won the top spot by capturing 81 of the 166 total votes cast by licensed psychologists in the state, or about 49 percent of those voting. Also hoping to serve on the board, which would be for a second term if appointed, is Dr. Joe Comaty, a medical psychologist who recently retired from the state Office of Behavioral Health. Comaty received 46 votes, or 28 percent of the vote. Dr. Lynn Schechter, a psychologist in private practice in Baton Rouge, received 39 votes or 23 percent.
Dr. Steele Appointed to Marriage and Family Therapy Advisory Committee In December Governor Jindal announced two appointments to
the Advisory Committee for Marriage and Family Therapy including Dr. Kathryn “Kathy” Steele, of Metairie. Dr. Steele is an Assistant Professor in Psychology and Counseling at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and serves as the Director of Clinical Practice at NOBTS.
Dr. Robert Marier, Director of the state medical board at commission meeting. (Photo by M. Dooley)
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.