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Government Relations Report - June 2010
Your Government Relations team has been extremely busy this year. We have been working on several issues which directly impact our membership. The three significant issues are:
* stipend for national certified school counselors
* clarifying appraisal privileges for LPCs
* introducing legislation to more specifically describe what LPCs can diagnose
We have been working with Senator Ben Nevers on SB 489 which would require the Dept of Education to reimburse local school boards for salary supplements paid to certain nationally board certified school personnel (including school counselors). Sen. Nevers is very passionate about this issue, and has been a great advocate for LCA. This bill was heard in the Senate Education committee on April 22. David Tatman testified on behalf on LCA. Mike Gootee and Cindy Nardini, GR Co-chairs were at the committee meeting and registered their support for the bill. SB 489 is being held in the Senate Finance Committee awaiting the state budget.
LCA was asked to collaborate with the LPC Board to study the issue of appraisal. A committee consisting of three members of LCA and three board members began working on this issue in May 2009. The LPC Board hired an attorney with expertise in health care law who assisted in this process. This group’s work culminated in November 2009, with the LPC Board writing an updated position statement on appraisal and meeting with the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP). The psychology board is pleased with the position of the LPC Board. We are hopeful that this will mean fewer complaints filed by the LSBEP and increased understanding of LPCs as to what our law allows in the area of appraisal (See March 2010 LPC Board Newsletter for details www.lpcboard.org).
LCA has also been working with Senator Willie Mount (Lake Charles) and Representative Fred Mills (Parks) on SB 213/HB 742. This bill further defines the ability of LPCs to diagnose. The government relations team has worked tirelessly on this issue – meeting with representatives from Louisiana Psychological Association, LSBEP, and Senator Mount and her legislative aid. As this newsletter is being printed we continue to work with the psychologists to find common language that will work for both professions. All parties involved, including the legislators, are tired of the turf battle that has persisted for years. We have no other opposition to this bill.
These are the three most significant issues we are covering, but there have been many other bills that The Tatman Group have tracked and worked on on behalf of LCA. We encourage you to read the Legislative Updates that our lobbyists send via e-mail on a regular basis. We also want to thank each of you who have become active advocates for your profession. Many of you have made contacts with your legislators. This kind of grass root efforts is critical to the success of an association. Please continue to act on any legislative alerts sent out by LCA or The Tatman Group.
Below is a specific summary of meetings held regarding this legislative session:
May 15, 2009 LCA representatives meet with LPC Board
June 19, 2009 LCA GR meet with LPC Board
June 26, 2009 Meeting with attorney, Dickie Patterson, LPC Board and LCA representatives
July 13, 2009 Meeting to plan for OMH and DHH meeting
July 16, 2009 Meeting at DHH Baton Rouge Office
August 21, 2009 LPC Board Meeting with Dickie Patterson & LCA Reps. Preparation to meet with Psychology Board
August 28, 2009 LCA GR meet with D. Tatman and D. Patterson
September 9, 2009 LPC Board and LCA GR meet
October 27, 2009 Conf Call LPC Board and LCA GR
November 6, 2009 Meeting between Psy Board, LPC Board and LCA GR
January 15, 2010 LPC Board Meeting with D. Patterson
February 5, 2010 LPC Board and LCA GR
February 15, 2010 LPC Board and LCA GR
February 24, 2010 LCA representatives with with Senator Mount
February 26 – March 19 GR presentation at LCA Town Hall Meetings
March 26, 2010 Meeting with Psych Board, LPA, LPC Board, and LCA GR
March 30, 2010 Meeting with Sen. Mount in Baton Rouge
April 6, 2010 LCA GR and LPA GR meet with Senate lawyer Greg Waddell
April 21, 2010 Conference Call LCA GR, D. Tatman, & D. Patterson
April 22, 2010 Meeting with Senator Mount in Baton Rouge – LCA GR, D. Tatman, &D. Patterson
April 22, 2010 Attended Senate Education Committee Hearing re: SB 489
May 12, 2010 Meeting with Sen. Mount in Baton Rouge
May 25, 2010 Conference Call LCA GR and LPC Board
May 27, 2010 Initial meeting to write Senate resolution and define goals
June 1, 2010 Conference Call LCA GR and LPC Board
This listing does not attempt to list the numerous e-mails and phone calls back and forth between GR, LCA leadership, LPC Board, lobbyist, and attorney to address |
