2017 Legislative UpdatesRobin McLeod, Ph.D., LP FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Senator Jim Carlson Awarded Presidential Citation by Psychologists MINNEAPOLIS, Minn — The Minnesota Psychological Association (MPA) presented Senator Jim Carlson, who represents Eagan and Burnsville, with a Presidential Citation at a luncheon today. Constituents told Sen. Carlson of challenges they experienced with the regulatory board for licensure of psychologists. Sen. Carlson’s quick action and aplomb helped to engage a variety of stakeholders in a discussion resulting in legislative changes and improved working relationships between psychologists and their licensing board. Sen. Carlson contacted MPA to inquire about concerns being voiced by his constituents. He then brought additional legislators into the conversation, as well as the governor’s office. Representatives of universities and psychology met with the Board of Psychology and engaged in crucial problem-solving. Concerns raised with the Board of Psychology have been addressed, and a rapprochement developed between the parties. Applicants now are becoming licensed more quickly with fewer unnecessary disputes. Minnesotans have improved access to psychological services while public protection remains the highest priority. “The psychology community was at loggerheads. With Sen. Carlson’s guidance, we were able to engage in dialogue and address unnecessary complexity in licensure and oversight processes and improve the availability of safe and effective psychological services. ” said MPA Past President Dr. Robin McLeod. Jim Carlson served as a representative to the Minnesota Legislature from 2007-2011 and has served as a Minnesota Senator since 2012. The mission of the Minnesota Psychological Association is to serve the science of psychology and its applications throughout Minnesota so the interests of public welfare and psychologists are mutually enhanced. # # #
Contact: Steve Girardeau, Psy.D., LP FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Representative Deb Kiel Honored as a Psychologists’ Legislative Champion, Named 2017 Legislator of the Year Kiel brought groups together, facilitating understanding and compromise MINNEAPOLIS, Minn — The Minnesota Psychological Association (MPA) presented Representative Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, their legislator of the year award at a luncheon on Thursday, December 14. Rep. Kiel was instrumental in passing legislation to support the profession of psychology, ultimately improving access to psychological services for Minnesotans. Rep. Kiel’s legislation brought needed clarification to the requirements for psychology licensure. While working on the bill, concerns arose that the language could negatively impact the work of life coaches, resulting in many frantic calls to legislators. Representative Kiel brought representatives for psychologists and life coaches together, expertly defusing what could have been a contentious situation, allowing both groups to come to consensus so neither group’s scope of work was negatively impacted. “Representative Kiel’s quick intervention ameliorated a potential powder keg, which could have negatively impacted Minnesotans. Her ability to bring together disparate groups and facilitate dialogue is priceless,” said MPA President Dr. Steven Girardeau. The legislation also included provisions to increase flexibility in the timing and content of diagnostic assessment services for individuals with mental health concerns, paving the way to greater access to care that better meets individual needs. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Minnesota Psychological Association,” said Rep. Kiel. “I will continue to advocate for legislation and policies that focus on mental health and the well-being of Minnesota citizens and professionals in this field.” Representative Kiel, first elected in 2010, is currently serving her fourth term in the Minnesota legislature. The mission of the Minnesota Psychological Association is to serve the science of psychology and its applications throughout Minnesota so the interests of public welfare and psychologists are mutually enhanced. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Psychological Association. # # #
December 5, 2017 To: Minnesota Psychologists The MN Department of Commerce Wants to Hear From You The Department of Commerce is urging individuals to make complaints based on problematic payer experiences. They are only able to act on the basis of complaints that are submitted. While they previously had preferred complaints from consumers, they understand that making such a complaint can be challenging for patients. Now, they are open to complaints from providers. Complaints that don’t fall under Commerce jurisdiction will be routed to the appropriate department. Commerce needs to hear from constituents/patients, families/friends, and providers. They especially need to hear when people believe their health insurance benefits have not been in parity with medical/physical health benefits. Examples can surface in the form of non-quantitative treatment limits:
Documents that show how to file a complaint: Mental-Health-Substance-Brochure-Provider.pdf ParityMental-Health-Substance-Use-Disorder2.pdf
May 8, 2017 To: Minnesota psychologists From: William J. Amberg, JD, MA, Government Relations Counsel Trisha A. Stark, PhD, LP, MPA, Legislative Chair This is both a review of current Minnesota legislative action being carried out by the Minnesota Psychological Association and a call to action. Please respond to any or all issues.
Thank you for your efforts to support our profession. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. William J. Amberg, JD, MA Trisha Stark, PhD, LP |
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