Government Relations

The House passed the Defense Appropriations bill on Wednesday 395 to 34, which included a 60-day delay for the SGR cuts. This would allow a grace period while Congress continues to finalize its health reform proposal. The APA is lobbying to include a long-term fix to SGR. A full update will be posted in the next issue of RushNotes.

Meetings

Registration is now open for APA members for the APA 2010 annual meeting in New Orleans May 22-26, 2010. Registration opens to non-members on December 17. New Research/Young Investigator Poster submissions will be accepted until December 3.

Resource Documents

Laws protecting the privacy of students are often misunderstood and should not impede appropriate disclosure of patient records when the health and safety of students may be endangered. The APA adopted the resource document, College Mental Health and Confidentiality, clarifying clinicians’ responsibilities. Find APA resource documents.

2010 Election

Electronic and paper ballots will be sent on December 22, 2009. Eligible voting members with valid email addresses and those who opted to only receive an electronic ballot will be able vote via a link emailed to them that day. Click here to view the slate of candidates, candidate websites, the Psychiatric News Election Section, and more!

MIT Advancement Opportunity

The APA is pleased to announce that members-in-training can advance to general member upon proof of at least three years of general psychiatry training and a current valid medical license. Start enjoying the benefits and privileges of general membership as well as accruing years toward becoming a fellow of the APA.

Member Feedback

We want to hear about your experience with the APA. If you have called the APA’s main number and have spoken with our Answer Center staff, we want to know if you received the assistance that you sought.  Please complete a six-question survey on your experience on the phone with the APA. For other comments, contact the Answer Center or complete a feedback form.