Thomas E. Allen, MD and Bruce Hershfield, MD, APA Assembly Representatives
[Winter 1998; Vol.25 No. 3]
During an unusually busy meeting, the APA Assembly approved a new "practice guideline", received an important planning report, and reviewed many Action Papers, including several submitted by the MPS Representatives.
The APA "Practice Guideline on Delirium" was approved by the Assembly after a discussion about the process used to formulate it. It was pointed out that only about 10-20% of the APA guidelines are really evidence-based; the bulk of the recommendations are determined by expert consensus.
The Task Force on Strategic Planning, which was set up to "sunset" in December, l998, offered a report that was discussed in an open session before the start of the Assembly meeting and during it as well. Dr. Roger Peele of the Washington Psychiatric Society offered an alternative proposal that stirred up considerable interest. Representatives from New York and California offered an alternative to the Task Force proposal concerning the best ratio of members to Assembly representatives. It is not clear what shape the upcoming changes will take.
The Action Papers that were proposed by the MPS representatives were generally well-received. However, one that asked the APA to withdraw its official representation on the physicians' advisory council of the National Committee on Quality Assurance was defeated. Another one,which asked that the APA oppose direct marketing of prescription medications to the public, was referred to an APA council where we do not expect that it will be furthered. The Action Paper that asked that the APA extend the "drop" period (for members who have not paid their dues on time) was vigorously debated. The Chair of the APA Membership Committee, though he opposed the extension that we suggested (from 12 months to 18), agreed to make extensions for three and possibly six months if the number of "drops" appeared to be excessive. He will report back to the Assembly no later than next November on the outcome of this trial. The Assembly, which displayed great concern over membership and dues issues, adopted a proposal that the APA explore the idea of a reduction in annual dues.
Members from the MPS played important roles in this Assembly meeting. We were very pleased to see Dr. Marcio Pinheiro testify at a Reference Committee and attend a plenary session. Dr. Chester Schmidt, who is Chair of the Work Group on Codes and Reimbursements, attended the Assembly and Area Council meetings. Dr. Joseph Schwartz capably represented the Area III Early Career Psychiatrists and Dr. Constantine Lyketsos made important observations as the Liaison from the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Dr. Jeffrey Janofsky, MPS President, ably represented the American Association of Psychiatry & the Law, besides being available for discussion of issues in Maryland.
We urge MPS members to discuss their concerns with us so that we can bring them to the attention of the Assembly. Please feel free to attend the next meeting, just before the APA Annual Meeting from May 14-16, 1999, in Washington, DC.