Notice: the VPA Listserv is now in operation. If you haven't already done so, sign up by e-mailing Jessa Block at: jblock@vtmd.org. Please tell other Vermont psychiatrists about the Listserv. The Listserv can be accessed at:  vpa@vtmd.org


VERMONT PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION

 

Minutes of the Executive Committee/General Membership Meeting
August 28, 2003


 

Members Present:  Drs. Barton, Coghlan, Colby, Danielson, Emmons, Fassler, FauntLeRoy, Graves, Hedden, Jimerson, Kalibat, McKay, McMains, van Buskirk, and Weker.

Guests Present:  Marcia Goin, M.D.; Madeline Mongan, VMS

Announcements:  Upcoming VPA events include:

1.  UVM residents luncheon, September 12 (see the end of these minutes)
2.  Presentation on Risk Management in Psychiatry by Neil Mickenberg, Esq., Saturday, September 20, Mist Grill restaurant in Waterbury, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., RSVP by September 12 to Jessa Block at: Jblock@vtmd.org or (800) 640-8767.
3.  VPA Annual Fall Meeting, to be held in conjunction with the Vermont Medical Society, Saturday, October 18, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Woodstock Inn.

Discussion with Dr. Goin:  Regular business was suspended in order to allow general discussion with Dr. Goin, president of the APA. Topics included:

1. "Freedom of Mind": Dr. Goin described her unplanned meeting with a group of hunger strikers purportedly connected to the church of Scientology (denied by the group) who are demanding that the APA "prove" the biological basis of mental illnesses.

2. World Health Organization Meeting in Cairo: Dr. Goin reported on her meeting with psychiatrists from different nations, especially from the Middle East, to discuss the rehabilitation of mental health treatment services in Iraq. The discussions focused on the impact of violence on the population, especially on children.

3. Correctional Psychiatry: In the face of rapidly increasing numbers of psychiatric patients in correctional facilities as access to public psychiatric services diminishes, Dr. Goin has started a task force to address correctional psychiatric treatment needs. She reported that a California corrections study relied upon recommendations from an APA component to provide one psychiatrist per 75-100 inmates.

4. Public Education about Mental Illness:  Dr. Goin reported that along with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) and the National Mental Health Association, the APA has received funding from the Educational Foundation to provide public education.

5.  Privacy and Confidentiality:  Dr. Goin stated that the APA has been supporting the Markey bill in the House of Representatives. The bill addresses shortcomings with HIPAA, particularly with informed consent provisions; it would close the loophole allowing release of patient information for marketing purposes without explicit patient consent.

6.  Medication Prescription by Psychologists:  Dr. Goin reported that NAMI has issued a document opposing prescribing privileges for psychologists. She noted that despite predictions to the contrary, no other states have followed New Mexico in establishing such privileges.

7.  APA Support for Psychiatrists Practicing Outside of Managed Care:  Dr. Emmons initiated discussion of this topic, noting that APA has provided support and resources for psychiatrists who participate in Managed Care plans but has not provided comparable services for those who do not. Dr. Goin invited the submission of specific ideas to address this need.

Respectfully submitted,

Jonathan L. Weker, M.D.

The next VPA Executive Committee meeting will be held in conjunction with a luncheon for UVM psychiatry residents on Friday, September 12 at Burgess Auditorium, Fletcher Allen Health Care. The luncheon will begin at 12:00, to be followed by the meeting from 1:00 to 3:00; this will be followed by a social hour, location to be announced.