2008 News for Practitioners

• Americans stressed over economy, more report symptoms

  The Stress in America survey finds women suffering the most financial stress, especially older women, and more people report physical symptoms.

• Dues and fees waived for members affected by hurricanes

  Members who sustained serious hurricane damage in recent months are eligible for a waiver of 2009 APA fees.

• Managing your stress in tough economic times
• Media call on psychologists as financial crisis deepens

  Psychologists provide guidance to the media about the nation's money woes, citing findings from the annual stress surveys.

• APA findings broadcast from New York to Japan

  The 2008 Stress in America survey was unveiled to the media, presenting information on managing stress and when to seek professional help.

• In the forefront of advocacy

  The APA Practice Organization, along with a broad coalition of organizations, was crucial in achieving this important legislative victory. Grassroots advocacy, direct lobbying on Capitol Hill and political giving helped gain the full mental health parity law.

• Psychology girds for battle over proposed hospital regulations

  California has reissued proposed regulations that would permit psychologists to practice independently within the full scope of their licensure in hospitals and other institutional settings.

• Mental health grant offers alternative to incarceration

  The reauthorized Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act improves mental health services to nonviolent offenders, providing support services, treatment, employment and housing.

• Research finds psychoanalysis effective for patients with complex mental disorders

  A meta-analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy.

• Do you need to notify Medicare of a change in your practice?

  The types of changes that physicians, nonphysician providers and group practices are required to report to Medicare within 90 days.

• A letter from Dr. Katherine Nordal

  APA Executive Director for Professional Practice Katherine C. Nordal's letter describing passage of mental health parity legislation.

• The APA parenting coordination pre-Convention institute

  "Parenting Coordination: Practice, Research, and Public Policy Issues," discussed practice and ethical issues, as well as risk management.

• House and Senate pass parity bills

  Large group insurance plans would be required to provide the same mental health benefits as physical health, from treatment limits to co-pays, deductibles and out-of pocket maximums.

• Full mental health parity is now law

  Mental health parity is a great step forward in the fight to end insurance discrimination against those seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.

• Summary of the new parity law

  The act will end health insurance benefits inequity between mental health/substance use disorders and medical/surgical benefits.

• Landmark victory: Mental health parity is now law

  Insurance companies can no longer limit the number of hospital days or outpatient treatment sessions, or assign higher copayments or deductibles for those needing psychological services.

• Pointers for psychologists on client record retention

  Do you know what your state law requires regarding client record retention? Are you aware of APA's Record Keeping Guidelines?

• Stress survey highlights eight U.S. cities

  The survey compares stress over commuting, money and jobs, as well as stress management techniques.

• Volunteer network activates in wake of recent disasters

  In the aftermath of recent hurricanes, the Disaster Response Network has assisted survivors and families.

• The Wellstone-Domenici Mental Health Parity Act of 2008: Questions and answers for psychologists

  Answers about mental health and substance use parity, how the act applies to Medicare and Medicaid patients, network reimbursement and included diagnoses.

• The National Provider Identifier: What you need to know and do now

  Medicare providers may continue temporarily to use their existing identifier numbers, or use their NPI, or submit both numbers on their claims.

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