2009 News for Practitioners
- Revised guidelines address child custody evaluations
The guidelines distinguish between forensic evaluations and psychotherapy, discuss the "best interests of the child" standard and address developments in family law.
- APA Practice Organization becomes involved in class action litigation
Consumers and providers allege that large health insurers used a flawed database to suppress the "usual, customary and reasonable" rates for out-of-network services.
- Congress combines Medicare and health care reform
APA advocacy focused on amending the Medicare definition of physician, restoring rates and psychologist reimbursement, ensuring wellness includes mental health, and including mental health parity.
- Call for comments on proposed pharmacological guidelines
The proposed guidelines will be a resource on pharmacotherapy for psychologists as prescribers, in active collaboration or when providing information on medication.
- Tips on fostering resilience in tough times
A new tip sheet, "Staying Resilient Through Tough Economic Times," joins other sheets on the economy and money issues.
- APA-YMCA partnership helps families focus on healthy lifestyles
The APA and YMCA are teaming up to impart to families the importance of lifestyle and behaviors to physical and mental health.
- Medicare administrative contractors require additional data to verify identity
Providers and staff who call Medicare will have to provide their National Provider Identification number, the last five digits of the provider's tax identification number and the Provider Transaction Access Number.
- Hundreds of psychology leaders call on Congress
Psychology advocates called on Congress to extend restoration of Medicare outpatient mental health reimbursement cut, add psychologists to the Medicare "physician" definition and pass health reform that integrates psychological services.
- Guidance for psychologists on "Red Flag Rules" compliance
Practitioners will have to comply with this rule if they are considered "creditors" because they bill patients later or regularly allow their patients to defer payment for services.
- FTC delays Red Flags Rule enforcement until August 1
The Federal Trade Commission will delay enforcement in order to give creditors and practitioners additional time to develop written identity theft programs.
- APA poll find economic stress taking a toll on men
According to the 2009 survey, the economy and money issues are causing stress to more men than women.
- Managing anxiety about the flu outbreak
Psychologists and their clients should stay informed, use proper hygiene and remember treatments are available for the swine flu.
- Veterans Affairs psychology leadership conference highlights VA health care
Topics included homelessness, traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder and the Uniform Mental Services Health Plan.