Electronic Spring 2025 | Issue 62
APA Area IV Legislative Conference and Winter Meeting
By: Susan Scherer
On February 8th and 9th of this year, about 50 representatives from twelve north central states and multiple APA components met at the O’Hare Sheraton Suites Hotel.
Attendees from Illinois included Dr. Ken Busch, the Area 4 Representative to the Assembly Executive Council for many years, and Dr. Shastri Swaminathan, Parliamentarian to the Assembly, after a number of years as an Assembly representative from Illinois.
The four current Illinois representatives to the Assembly attended this conference including: Dr. Arden Barnett, Dr. Linda Gruenberg, Dr. Joshua Nathan, and Dr. Susan Scherer. Dr. Sudhakar Shenoy, Early Career Psychiatrist Representative to the APA Board of Trustees attended, as did two Illinois-based visitors to this conference: Dr. Jasleen Singh and Dr. Daniel Wasserman. An inspiring message was presented by new IL State Representative Martin Deuter, which is reviewed elsewhere in Mind Matters.
Mike Troubh, APA Government Relations Officer, reviewed federal and state legislative news: workforce strategies such as the STAR loan repayment program; Lorna M. Breen, MD; 5 year extension of funding for the teaching health centers; addition of GME slots; and 2 year extension of the National Health Service Corps and Community Health Centers funding.
Reports were given by Dr. Shenoy on ECPs, from Dr. Starks the new Assembly Speaker, Dr. Chou as Area 4 Rep replacing Dr. Busch, McGee, the Area 4 Dep. Rep., Dr. Brian Hart gave the treasurer’s report. Dr. Dionne Hart gave the Area 4 Trustee report, Dr. Tayor-Desir on the APA Foundation, Dr. Khaira on the Education Committee, and Dr. Chou reported on the APA PAC and the Congressional Advocacy Network.
Dr. Dionne Hart was thanked for her work on our Annual MLK Program and the phenomenal program this year featuring Dr. Ijemoa Nmodim Opara.
Ten states reported on legislative issues they were addressing, such as commitment laws, state hospital closings, MH parity, etc.
Three legislative goals for Area IV were agreed upon in the Legislative Conference for the coming year:
Passage of Collaborative Care legislation in each state,
Establishment of a mental health caucus of legislators in each state, and
Members in each state address how to highlight the PAC, CAN and Advocacy during their annual state meeting or in their Council. He also asked to emphasize having each member contribute to the PAC, no matter the size of the contribution, in order to improve the percentage of participation in the PAC.
Eleven Action Papers drafted by members of Area IV were shared and discussed, for approval or revision. These addressed diverse concerns such as nicotine analog products, clean drinking water, education for psychiatry residents about business and financial literacy, reproduction and psychiatry, AAPI suicide rising rates, ECT in youth with catatonia, evaluation of senior physician competence, and “Promoting Mental Health and Social Connection in-custody pre-trial Justice Involved Individuals”.
Amanda Blecha, JD gave a regional and state report. All of the Governors, and most current state legislators are in the same political parties as before. Utah was the last state to enact RxP, so now there are 7 states where psychologist prescribing has been adopted. The Collaborative Care Model is the evidence based solution to increased access. 13 states have enacted coverage by medicaid and private insurance. 25 states voluntarily let medicaid bill for CoCM.
Her work monitors and advises district branches on legislative matters such as mental health parity, psilocybin, involuntary commitment for psychiatric deterioration, medical assistance in dying, step therapy and prior authorization (for which APA has model legislation), 988, gender-affirming care, the creation of a new profession called “Assistant Physician” in some states, and medicaid funding changes pertaining to APRNs and PAs.
In discussion about collaborative care, Area IV representatives noted that many PCP’s don’t like it, and they prefer to refer directly to psychiatrists or mid-level providers. Psychiatrists have little confidence that providers with a bare minimum of online education can ensure safety. Dr. Shenoy brought up the lack of clarity of brand and identity of psychiatrists, in contrast to mid-levels.
In the final segment of this conference, Area IV representative to AEC, Dr. Clarence Chou, challenged participants to brainstorm how we see the group in 5 to 10 years. What are the unique qualities of Area IV? What motivates members to attend? How can we do better? What can or should Area IV provide? What is the vision for the future of Area IV?
Overall this was a stimulating and enjoyable conference.
