|
NCAPP - The Year In Review
|
As we begin to close in on July, I would like to take this opportunity to look back at all that has been accomplished in the past year at NCAPP. Last summer, a new board of directors took over the reins of the organization. Since this time, we have organized focus groups, presented a position paper on proposed changes in the Psychology Practice Act to the Psychology Board, spearheaded a letter writing campaign to the governor about perpetual supervision of LPAs, hosted a Spring Meeting, and (if you are reading this) have restarted the organization's newsletter.
As I'm sure all of you know, this is a critical time for LPAs. We are being squeezed out of government agencies, denied reimbursement by many insurance companies, and are now competing with counselors in providing psychological evaluations. Even the Red Cross has to turn away LPA volunteers offering their valuable services. Social workers and counselors are able to practice independently and are recognized as qualified mental health providers by major insurers such as Medicare while LPAs are not. As LPAs, we are burdened with lifelong supervision which has caused us to be devalued in the market place. The federal government no longer includes LPAs as candidates in their job listings. The for-profit remnants of the state's mental health system can employ counselors and social workers without the need to pay for costly supervision. Counselors now administer psychological tests that were once the sole realm of psychologists. If this trend continues, LPAs could be obsolete within a decade.
But there is reason to be hopeful. Afterall, LPA's have received rigorous training in evidence-based practices and are fully capable of providing mental health services in a wide range of settings. In the most recent push, NCAPP has received some support from LPs in an effort to collaborate with policy makers. NCAPP and LPAs in North Carolina need your help!
What can you do? Build relationships with your legislators. Renew your membership. Contact your legislators. Consider an additional donation. Write your legislators.Ask your supervisor and other PhDs to write letters of support. Visit your legislators. Volunteer to serve on a committee. Reach out to other LPAs who may not be members of NCAPP. Your Board is working to ensure your future and needs your help to succeed!
Lisa Mehaffey
President
|
|
Spring Meeting
| |
The Spring Meeting of the NCAPP membership was held on Saturday, April 9th at the Moose Café in Greensboro. Despite the rainy, cool day the meeting enjoyed the warmth of members renewing ties and the energy of making new connections. After a brief introduction of Board Members and outline of the agenda, members enjoyed a lunch while continuing to share concerns and experiences.
Once lunch was concluded, Lisa Mahaffey, NCAPP President, led the gathering through several topics. Elaine Crummett presented information regarding the ability for LPC's to conduct assessments under the rules of the Licensed Professional Counselors Act and the American Counselor Association Code of Ethics. No longer is assessment, including "psychological assessments" under the sole domain of Psychology which may have further impact on the viability of LPA's.
Lisa presented the report on the Legal Options Regarding Supervision Requirements for Licensed Psychologists Associates as researched by the law firm Mel Black and Associates. The meeting was then opened to general discussion of concerns and possible actions. One of the central ideas reflected was how the field of Psychology, at both the LP and LPA level, is being marginalized by the rise of other, less expensive mental health providers. The path through the legislature is probably the only path for permanent resolution to eliminate perpetual supervision but is being made even more hostile as other professions begin to oppose independent practice by their associates, such as the AMA opposing the efforts of Physician's Assistants and Nurse Practioners, and the ADA opposing Dental Hygenists.
Further remediation of the rules governing supervision was discussed, such as proposing a 4th tier where supervision would be reduced to "as needed, with a minimum of 1 time a year." Also the idea of addressing reimbursement issues, and hence the main issues impacting jobs, pay and professional viability, through the NC Insurance Commission to change the insurance panels from excluding qualified, licensed professionals due solely to the ability to practice independently. These alternative measures may also allow "common ground" with LPs. It was suggested that although past attempts to engage LP's and NCPA may have met with opposition to our cause, the change in the broader mental health field may allow us to approach them anew.
|
|
|
|
2011 Membership Renewal | |
It's time to renew your NCAPP membership. We are pursuing exciting developments in the push for independence and other issues that impact LPAs.
Stay informed
Give your support
Be part of the solution
Renew by June 30
To renew online, go to the membership form. Be sure to update your contact information. |
|
|
NCAPP Board Members
| Lisa Mahaffey
President
Lyn Treadway
Vice President, Membership
Elaine Crummett
Secretary
Dawn Thomas
Treasurer
Greg Horn
Communications
Pamela Corbett
Karen Stewart
|
|
| Follow NCAPP on Facebook and Twitter |
|  
|
|
Job opening | | |
Colony Behavioral Health Group, PLLC is seeking a Psychologist, LPA, LCSW, LPC or LMFT to join their growing practice. The position offers flexible hours (part time to full time) and includes liability insurance, a fully furnished office, computer, office and testing supplies, and administrative support for handling billing, referrals, and scheduling.
Colony Behavioral Health Group, PLLC
2807 Neuse Blvd., Suite 5
New Bern, NC 28562 |
|
Make a donation
| | Support NCAPP and North Carolina LPAs by making a donation. Simply, go the the NCAPP website, and click the "join now" button to make a payment through paypal.
|
|
|
