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

February 20, 2004

 

Members Present:  Drs. Coghlan, Danielson, Deppe, Fassler, FauntLeRoy, Graves, Lile, and Weker; and Jessa Block, VMS.

 

The meeting was preceded by a luncheon program addressing mental health and the law in Vermont, with emphasis on the newly-implemented drug court in Rutland.

 

Minutes: The minutes of the January Executive Committee Meeting were approved.

 

 

Announcements: 

 

           1. VPA Annual Meeting: Friday, March 19, Trapp Family Lodge. Executive Committee meeting will start at 10 a.m., followed by general membership meeting at 12 noon and a presentation on Disaster Training for Psychiatrists from 1-4:30.
The APA Area I Council Meeting takes place at the Trapp Family Lodge on March 19-20, starting with a cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m. (hosted by the VPA) followed by dinner at 7 p.m. VPA members (plus one guest each) are invited to join the Area I Council to both the cocktail hour and the dinner. The cost of the dinner is $50 per person. If interested in attending the dinner, contact Jessa Block at jblock@vtmd.org

2. The VPA welcomed Bud Lile, M.D., a psychiatrist newly arrived in Rutland.

3. The VPA will hold a Risk Management Seminar for Psychiatrists, to be presented by Neil Mickenberg, Esq. on Saturday, May 22 in the Manchester area. Specific location will be announced. Those interested in attending may contact Jessa Block at the VMS.

4. Dr. Fassler reported that Barbara Cimaglio has been named director of the Agency of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs (ADAP).

5. Ms. Block reported that Scott Strenio has been named director of Medicaid.
 

  

Reports:  

No reports were presented.

Old Business:

 

1. Advertising in VPA Forums: a request by the Vermont Association for Psychoanalytic Studies to publicize a meeting to VPA members led to discussion of guidelines. The Executive Committee decided that the VPA would make available its membership list, without charge, to publicize events meeting the following criteria:

a. The sponsoring organization is non-profit;
b. The sponsoring organization is Vermont-affiliated;
c. The event being publicized is educational and relevant to psychiatry;
d. The sponsoring organization had no financial ties to any corporate entity; and
e. The sponsoring organization would provide its membership list to the VPA if requested.

2. VPA Membership: The Executive Committee discussed issues concerning membership retention. The Committee will become involved in reaching out to members whose dues status is in arrears.

3. Vermont State Hospital: The Executive Committee discussed ongoing developments at VSH. Dr. Fassler noted the possibility of future changes in the funding stream related to possible changes in Medicaid funding policies that could have an impact on where and how state hospital functions will be conducted in the future.

4. FAHC Inpatient Psychiatry: Dr. Fassler has represented the VPA at meetings regarding the planning of the new units. He reported that the estimated price tag is $20 million for 28 beds, and described the architectural considerations. Completion of the unit is anticipated for the end of 2005.

5. Extending the Medicaid Formulary Exemption for Medications for the Severe and Persistently Mentally Ill: Ms. Block reported that this provision was approved by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Drs. Stuart Graves and Frank Kalibat testified in favor of extending the exemption. Ms. Block stated that the issue is likely to go to the Senate floor next week, and that it then might face greater scrutiny in the House.

6. VPA Constitution and By-Laws: Dr. Danielson presented the proposed revision of the VPA Constitution and By-Laws. In compliance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Executive Committee voted to bring the revised Constitution and By-Laws before the general membership at the Annual Membership and Business Meeting in March.

 

New Business:

 

1. VPA Dues: Dr. Fassler reported that the VPA is operating on a deficit basis, and is currently being kept solvent by time-limited grants from the APA. In view of the fact that VPA dues had been decreased several years ago from $250 to the present $200, it was moved, seconded and approved that VPA annual dues be increased to $225.

2. Potential Candidates for APA Distinguished Fellows: The APA has notified the VPA of those VPA members who are eligible to apply to be Distinguished Fellows. Members interested in pursuing this possibility are invited to contact Ms. Block.

3. Legislation: Ms. Block reported on the following legislative actions:

a. Ritalin: A bill requiring parental informed consent for Ritalin use was not proposed for consideration by the House Health and Wealth Committee prior to "crossover" of bills from the House to the Senate. Consideration is still possible but unlikely in this session.

b. Prescription Monitoring Program Model Act: The House and Senate Health and Welfare Committees are discussing a nationally-promulgated model act that would track prescription drugs in order to detect illicit diversion of those drugs. Interest in this matter originated with the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Paul Jarris. It appears unlikely that any actual legislation along these lines will be introduced this year.

4. (To be taken up at the next Executive Committee meeting): Patient Access Difficulties to Mental Health Centers.

 

The meeting was adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jonathan L. Weker, M.D.