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

 

November 19, 2004

 

Members present: Danielson, Fassler, Graves, Kalibat, Lasek, Siegel

 
MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT: Bob Thorn, Executive Director of Counseling Service of Addison County, the CMHC in Middlebury, joined us by speakerphone. He is concerned about the under funding of psychiatry in CMHCs. Medicaid reimbursement doesn’t cover salary and costs. This contributes substantially to the annual deficit. He states: “At some point we will lose the ability to absorb these losses. Psychiatry is at risk. Psychiatry isn’t on anyone’s priority list.” He urges us to take action to remedy this situation and specifically recommends that we meet with Charles Smith and Paul Jarris. We, in turn, asked him to take this issue to the CMHC Council. We need data on the adequacy of psychiatric staffing in CMHCs. He said that he would do so.

 

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF CMHCs: We reviewed a letter from Charles Smith to Thomas Koch ad James Leddy, Co-chairs of the Legislature’s Mental Health Oversight Committee. A response is pending.

 

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY: We will wait to do this because APA is redoing theirs. Meanwhile, the Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center [AHEC] has a website that features a directory of Mental Health Professionals. You can be listed on line at www.ptophelp.org.

 

CANCELLATION OF DECEMBER 16 DINNER MEETING: We couldn’t afford it.

 

NEXT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING: Friday December 17, 1:30-4:30 in Montpelier.

  

Respectfully submitted,

  Francis Kalibat MD,President