Thursday, December 11, 2003

Psychologists persevere in the states
Article in the latest APA Monitor - "With bleak budget situations in the states, psychologists faced uphill advocacy battles this year. But in many states--even those in economic hard times--advocates trudged on to legislative victories. 'This was a very tough year financially,' says Michael Sullivan, PhD, assistant executive director for state advocacy in APA's Practice Directorate. 'State legislatures didn't have money to spend. So it's been a mixed picture for psychology.' Psychology leaders say a great deal of credit for the legislative victories goes to state psychological associations."  
  

'Capitolizing' on member advocacy efforts
A year end summary in the latest APA Monitor of 2003 psychology-related legislative action, compiled by the APA's Public Policy Office.  
  

Medical privacy lands in court
Philadelphia Inquirer story on a legal challenge to HIPAA focusing on its privacy stipulations - "The privacy rule created by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson gives patients power to approve release of medical information to employers and life insurers. But patients have no say about how the information is used or shared by health plans, billing companies, and some groups doing business with medical providers, such as consultants, lawyers or drug companies. That's why patients are now asked to sign the HIPAA consent forms. While patients may refuse to sign the HIPAA form, their likely option is finding another doctor. Since the rule took effect, privacy advocates say, most doctors or medical providers refuse to assume civil and criminal liability for wrongly disclosed patient information and require patients to sign."