Several issues dominated discussion at the session. Most relevant to Div. 20 are joint membership in APA and APAPO and master’s level training in psychology.
Joint membership in 501c(3) and 501c(6) organizations
Council heard a motion to restructure the 501c(3) and 501c(6) associations such that all members would pay a single dues assessment that would support both the parent (APA) and practice associations (APAPO). Under this plan, beginning with the 2019 dues cycle, all APA members will automatically be members of both organizations, with APAPO becoming the “APA Institute for Psychology.” A workgroup will be formed to develop implementation plans, with an emphasis on integration of interests and priorities across the two groups. It was emphasized that there would be no dues increases for several years, though the length of time, the amount of increases and the allocation of funds are yet to be determined. Presentations focused on APA’s current low expenditures on lobbying relative to reference professional groups and the utility of this new organizational arrangement for remedying that deficit and expanding advocacy efforts. Extended discussion addressed mechanics of the change, long-range effects on funding and the impact on advocacy for science and education. After a proposed amendment to “explore” the change was defeated, the motion to undertake the reorganization passed by an overwhelmingly large margin. We will continue to monitor developments as this issue proceeds further and will be able to report back in August as the specifics become clearer.
Master’s level training in psychology
Council’s preference to address the issue directly and immediately was indicated by the fact that a motion to refer the question of accrediting master’s level programs in psychology to the Board of Educational Affairs, Board of Professional Affairs and Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice was voted down. An amendment to pursue accreditation of master’s programs only in areas already accredited by APA (clinical, counseling, school) passed by a large margin. Small group discussion then addressed first steps APA should consider and uniform titling of master’s prepared practitioners, with consensus regarding the need to involve state/territorial/provincial associations, “protecting” the title psychologist, the importance of a title that is palatable to master’s level clinicians and emphasis on a supportive/collaborative role rather than competition with doctoral level practitioners.
Transparency of decisions
After much discussion, a motion to require publication of individual votes on each vote taken on Council and all boards and committees was deferred for further wordsmithing.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Multicomponent Behavioral Treatment of Obesity and Overweight in Children and Adolescents
These guidelines were discussed at length. Foci included the lack of strong empirical evidence in support of the guidelines, the poor representation of culture and context in existing evidence, the nature of scientific evidence in general and the need for psychology to have a “seat at the table” in directing treatment of weight-related concerns. A subtitle to the motion, reflecting the need for further research, led to passage of the guidelines by a large margin.
A series of reports from APA officers were received, as follows:
- CEO Arthur Evans presented strategic priorities for 2018: increase visibility of APA and psychology, increase public understanding of psychology as a service, preparing the discipline and the organization for the future and expanding APA’s advocacy capacity and effectiveness. In other business, Evans also noted that the search for a Chief Diversity Officer, first proposed in 2005, has now formally begun, in part as a response to the work of the Council Diversity Work Group.
- Treasurer Jean Carter reported that refinance of APA’s central office building created a $25 million Strategic Investment Fund, sequestered within the long-term portfolio. It will be used for high-impact advances for the public good and the Association, guided by strategic plan and budget priorities.
- President Jessica Henderson Daniel updated the Council of Representatives on the APA Citizen Psychologist initiative™, including plans for presidential citation of persons who work outside their usual professional contributions to improve the local, national and international well-being.
In other business, Council received a report from the Council Diversity Work Group, approved a resolution on pregnant and postpartum girls and women with substance disorders, was updated on activities of the APAPO, engaged in extended discussion of proposed changes to budgeting authority and after multiple motions and amended motions, voted to postpone further consideration until August, 2018. Council also heard a progress report from the workgroup on Application and Dissemination of the Multicultural Guidelines, celebrated award of a presidential citation for Citizen Psychologist Arline Bronaft and voted to amend minutes of February 2017 Council of Representatives (COR) minutes to correct an error discovered on review of audiotapes after approval at the August 2017 meeting.
Additionally, at the request of the Committee on Aging, we hosted two tables at a COR lunch to discuss aging-related issues and were encouraged by the enthusiasm expressed by those in attendance. Included in our discussions were the “aging” of APA, ways to combat ageism, practice concerns among clinicians and the need to include aging in guidelines addressing diversity issues. These issues will be further pursued with CONA moving forward.
We are more than happy to share additional details with the division, so please feel free to contact us with questions or concerns.