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 Meeting

 

December 17, 2004

 

Members Present:  Drs. Barton, Danielson, Graves, Kalibat, McMains and Weker

Minutes:  The minutes of the previous Executive Committee Meeting were not reviewed.

Announcements:

1.  VPA Executive Committee Meeting Schedule for 2004-2005 (tentative):

 

    a.  Friday, January 21:  1:30-4:30 p.m., VMS, Montpelier

    b.  Friday, February 18: 1:30-4:30 p.m., VMS, Montpelier

    c.  Thursday, March 17: Dinner Meeting (southern Vermont; specific location to be determined)

    d.  Saturday, April 16:  Executive/Annual Meeting (location to be determined)

 

2.  The American Red Cross will be sponsoring training sessions for working in disaster situations. Dr. Barton will provide further information.

 

Reports: 

No reports were presented.

 

Old Business:

1.  Financial Sustainability of Community Mental Health Centers:  Dr. Kalibat reported that the VPA Executive Committee will be meeting with Charles Smith, Secretary of Human Services in January. The Executive Committee considered issues that might be raised, including:

    a.  CMHC funding;

    b.  medication costs;

    c.  the vulnerability of psychiatrist positions in the mental health system;

    d.  the inadequacy of funding to the private psychiatric community for assuming care of those no longer able to be served by CMHC’s and

    e.  assuring that structural revisions in the Agency of Human Services result in adequate attention to treatment of psychiatric patients.

 

2.  The Future of Vermont State Hospital:  The Executive Committee discussed options being considered for the functions presently served by VSH. The Executive Committee will check with David Fassler, MD, who’s the VPA’s representative to the VSH planning committee; it will also review the official proposals put forward by the planning committee and determine what position to take.

 

3.  VPA Membership:  Dr. Weker presented a list of APA members who need to pay their 2004 dues prior to December 31 in order not to lose their APA membership. The Executive Committee will notify those members. Additionally, the Executive Committee plans to convene a “focus group” of non-members and former members to better understand psychiatrists’ concerns and reservations about the APA and the VPA.

 

New Business:

1.  Involuntary Commitment:  Dr. Barton reported an experience that raised the issue of police involvement in an involuntary commitment situation.

 

2.  APA Assembly update: Drs. Weker and Graves discussed recent Assembly Activity and solicited ideas for action papers. One idea that emerged was to propose a reduction in dues for retired and partially retired psychiatrists.

 

3.  Meeting with Vermont Psychiatric Survivors: Dr. Kalibat has invited representatives of VPS to meet with the Executive Committee to explore on what issues common ground might be found.

 

4.  Dr. Barton requested that Dr. McMains send out an updated procedure about commitment.  Dr. Barton discussed problems that arose in Rutland as an example of agencies and systems poorly coordinating with each around this issue that stimulated this request.

 

The meeting was adjourned.

 

                            Respectfully submitted,

 

                            Jonathan L. Weker, M.D.

 

The next VPA Executive Committee will be held on Friday, January 21 at 1:30 p.m. at the Vermont Medical Society, 134 Main Street, Montpelier.