Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
St. Petersburg, Florida
March 20, 1997
Carol Goodheart, Ed.D., Secretary
Welcome, Introductions, and Announcements: President Moldawsky welcomed everyone to Florida and thanked them for their attendance. He welcomed Lynne Hornyak and Jerry Clark as our newly elected Members - at- Large and Karen Zager as our newly elected Council Rep.
Announcements: Membership Chair Pat Pitta announced that she is compiling a video tape of how Division 42 empowers psychologists in independent practice. If it turns out well, she will use it at the Convention for membership solicitation and our 15th anniversary celebrations. She asked for volunteers to be video taped outside the board room today. She will inform the Board as to the success of the video.
President Moldawsky announced that the Executive Committee will hold a planning retreat this year at his home in Pennsylvania. The retreat will be held the last week end in June.
Hospitality Suite Chair Judith Steward asked the gathering for submissions for this year's Hospitality Suite Program. A sign up sheet was passed around.
Approval of Minutes: Motion: To approve the minutes as mailed. By: Kovacs Action: The motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Goldman explained the year end 1996 deficit of $57,000.00 by informing the Board that the Division had moved from a cash base accounting system to an accrual based system. This coincides with APA's accounting system and simply means that membership dues that are actually collected and deposited in one year are for the next year's dues and are showed as such. APA bills its members in Sept of one year for the next year's dues. The Division now "accrues" those dues collected in Oct, Nov and Dec and applies them to the next year's financial statement. The March 13, 1997 financial showed the Division's actual fiscal stability with total assets at $382,502.00.
The per diem the Division offers was discussed. The following decision was made:
Motion: The Board amended its reimbursement guidelines as follows: The Division shall reimburse up to $75.00 per day for meals. When other meals are provided at meetings, the Division shall reimburse up to $50.00 for dinner expenses. By: Kovacs Action: The motion carried.
The newly revised policy will apply to this Mid-Winter meeting.
The newly revised Reimbursement Guidelines, Reimbursement Form and Budget Request Forms were discussed. They were distributed in the agenda book and the Board notified that the forms are still considered in draft format and will be revised as needed. Treasurer Goldman reminded the Board that the 1998 budgeting process will more closely follow the Division's goal of tying our budgeting to the goals of the Division.
There was discussion concerning our Committees need to be working and producing. It was pointed out that the Division spent less than 5 percent of its budget last year on committee and task force work.
The Board was asked to support the Division obtaining the ability to offer M/C and VISA as a payment option when selling the Divisions tapes and books as well as for CE workshop attendance. The following motion was made:
Motion: The Board authorized Jeannie Beeaff to secure credit card acceptance capability for the Division from the bank in Phoenix. By: Kovacs Action: The motion carried.
Consent Agenda: The Consent Agenda as mailed was accepted. (On file with these minutes)
Bulletin Report: Editor Myers reported that a few new sections were being added to the IP: To Market, To Market; On Board; a series on Outcome Studies; and a possible section combining Science and Practice. He also asked committee chairs to submit items for the IP. There was a request for more photos in the Bulletin. Publication Committee Chair Karen Zager asked the Board to voice its appreciation for the fine work that Bill Myers and Michael Brickey have done over the last year. The transition has been made and the Bulletin looks great. The Board expressed its thanks and appreciation.
Membership Drive: Membership Chair Pitta reported that an advertisement had been developed that will appear in the IP which tells our members that Division 42 empowers independent practitioners and will remind them of what we offer them as members. She further requested that board and committee chairs read a brief statement, she provided in the agenda packet, before each of their presentations at this MW conference. She asked them to also read this statement before their presentations at the annual Convention and to have Division 42 membership brochures available to distribute.
Chair Pitta requested budgeting for two mailings she would like to send. 1) to APA psychologists who are not Division 42 members who live in her surrounding area in New York. She would like to send a letter asking them to join along with our membership brochure. She is hoping that her name recognition will spur some of her New York colleagues to join. 2) to send a letter and membership brochure to former members of Division 42 asking them to reconsider their membership. She requested an additional $1500.00 for her committee's budget.
Motion: To suspend the budgeting process rules in order to consider the $1500.00 request from the Membership Committee. By: Clark Action: Motion Carried.
Motion: To authorize an additional $1500.00 for the Membership Committee to follow through on the two mailings. By: Clark Action: The motion carried.
The Board requested that the Membership Committee track the membership data and provide statistics of our membership retention and loss at future meetings.
Chair Pitta also asked for Board support of the idea to list Division 42 Members in the Bulletin who have been responsible for bringing in five or more new members. The Board supported this idea of recognition in the Bulletin for new member recruitment.
The Board discussed the possibility of revisiting a student membership category for the Division. There was discussion regarding not only a student membership but other possible professional categories, associate categories etc. The Board was cautioned that we had an associate category in the past and went through the painful experience of phasing it out. After discussion the following motion was made:
Motion: The Membership Committee is asked to explore a student membership category and its requirements. By: Zager Action: Motion carried.
The Board of Directors expressed its appreciation for Dr. Pitta's creative ideas and hard work.
Task Force on Managed Care: Chair Moldawsky reported on the activities of this task force. He reminded everyone that the T.F. had been created last October, held a meeting in New York, has published articles in the Monitor, IP as well as Letters to the Editors in newspapers nationwide. He reiterated the mission of keeping our members as well as legislators and the public informed about the impact that Managed Care is having. He wishes to educate and mobilize our troops to speak up. He reminded the Board of the items he had introduced and shepherded through Council regarding publicizing the violations of the Patient Bill of Rights, a ready response capability to handle breaking news, etc. He reported on the task force's mini-convention to be presented at APA in Chicago.
Chair Moldawsky requested additional funding to be shared by Division 29 (co-chair Stanley Graham will obtain funding from Division 29). The amount requested from Division 42 was $1500.00
Motion: To suspend the budgeting rules in order to consider the $1500.00 request. By: Murphy Action: Motion carried.
Motion: To allocate an additional $1500.00 to the T.F. on Managed Care. By: Goodheart Action: Motion carried.
The Task Force was commended for its outstanding work.
Dues Exempt Policy: Jeannie Beeaff reported that the Board had directed her to research the Division 42 Dues Exempt policies to see if we were out of compliance because we had no dues exempt policies specified in our Bylaws or P&P Manual. According to APA, Dues Exempt is a payment status not a membership category. We are in compliance with APA because we have members and fellows membership categories. Some of those members are dues exempt which simply means they do not pay dues. The Board discussed possible options on what to offer our dues exempt members. After discussion it was agreed that we would stay with the existing procedure of sending a letter asking for a voluntary contribution to help cover costs of mailings to these members and fellows. The existing procedure will be placed in the P&P Manual.
The Board directed the Finance Committee to consider what the long-term impact will be regarding our dues exempt voluntary payment policy.
Motion: For 1997 we will maintain the current voluntary policy. By: Goodheart Action: Motion carried.
Bylaws: Jeannie Beeaff reported that while researching items for the Publications Committee she found several areas where our P&P Manual and our Bylaws are not in agreement. The issue concerns when the Board could require a 2/3 vote instead of a simple majority. (The specific instances are outlined on page 21 of the agenda book) The Board acknowledged that the Bylaws always overrule the P&P Manual. The decision was to go to the membership with a Bylaws amendment (Page 7, Section F, 2nd paragraph )replace the wording ... All decisions of the Board of Directors shall require assent by a simple majority of those voting except as otherwise noted in these Bylaws...with the following:
Motion: Except where otherwise stated in these bylaws, decisions of the Board of Directors shall be by majority affirmative vote. Notwithstanding this requirement, the Board may from time to time specify by policy adoption a category or categories of action that shall require a 2/3 affirmative vote. Such Board specifications of a need for a 2/3 affirmative vote shall themselves be adopted or rescinded only by a 2/3 affirmative vote. By: Kovacs Action: Motion carried.
The Bylaws amendment will appear in the Summer issue of the IP.
Publications Committee: Chair Zager reported.
Motion: To accept the following additions to the P&P Manual By: Zager Action: Motion Carried.
1 General Publication and Communication Policies
A. Publications, (e.g. manuals, digests, brochures, newsletters etc.) Internet material, and other written work products of the Committees and Task Forces of the Division, introduced for dissemination beyond the immediate membership of the Committee, must have the approval of the Publication and Communication Committee.
B Any organization or individual seeking Division 42 endorsement for a publication should first submit the publication to the Publication and Communication Committee for review. The Publication and Communication Committee shall make a recommendation to the Executive Committee and final approval shall require vote of the Board of Directors.
C. The Publication and Communication Committee shall determine funding sources and review the professional credentials of those individuals responsible for proposed publications.
D. Mailing or distribution of endorsed publications, including associated costs, shall ordinarily be the responsibility of the endorsed publication and its sponsoring organization. However, the Publication and Communication Committee may recommend policy on these matters to the Board of Directors for the Board's consideration.
E. Any publication that may reasonably be considered as constituting a guideline for practice must conform with APA policy.
The Publication Committee requested E.C. support of a budgeting allowance for an annual face-to-face meeting to be held at a time other than the Mid-Winter and Annual meetings. Rationale: Due to the expanded focus of the committee as well as the extra duties now encompassed, the Committee cannot complete all of its work in two meetings per year where attendance is limited due to other responsibilities. Most of the P&C committee members are active with presentations and official duties during Mid-Winter and the Convention. An additional meeting will help us accomplish our job. Also, we have to deal with more and more sensitive personnel problems that cannot wait. A meeting will allow more time to conduct business between the E.C./convention meetings, where our work product must be in place, in advance.
Motion: To suspend the budgeting rules in order to consider the $1800.00 request. By: Murphy Action: Motion carried.
Motion: To request $1800.00 for a face to face meeting. By: Zager Action: Motion carried.
Chair Zager introduced the Division 42 Online action items. Barry Schlosser outlined the Division's two list serves which have been up and running and the upcoming Website project. He distributed the Web site organizational chart and Louise Holt briefly outlined her role. The Board discussed various legal and organizational matters for the Online presence. The Publication and Communication Committee will continue to work on this large project.
The following motion was made:
Motion: To request approval of "42 Online", Division 42's Website, as a one year start-up project, with the content and structure as presented, to be reviewed after one year for continuation. By: Zager Action: Motion carried.
Chair Zager requested $300.00 for the start up phase of "42 Online".
Motion: To suspend the budgeting rules in order to consider the $300.00 request. By: Murphy Action: Motion carried.
Motion: To allocate $300.00 for the start up phase of "42 Online". By: Zager Action: Motion carried.
Chair Zager further reported that the Division 42 Book Series currently has six books in the pipeline. Carol Goodheart's book will be available at this convention. The Division sponsored a Book Signing Tea to be held Friday of this convention. Book Series Editor Leon VandeCreek requested feed back from the board about the book series and requested help in recruiting good authors.
The Board discussed the idea of limiting authorship in the Book Series to Division 42 members. The following motion was made.
Motion: Add the following charge, in the P&P Manual, to the book Series Editor, section A Add:
Although authorship is not restricted to Division 42 members, strong preference will be given to authors who are members of Div. 42. In addition, authors who are eligible to be members will be encouraged to join Div. 42. By: Zager Action: Motion carried.
The Board recognized and thanked Chair Zager for her committee's excellent work. President Moldawsky also commended Past Chair Norma Simon for her tireless efforts for this committee over the three years she chaired it. Many of the above items were developed during her tenure. Karen Zager added her commendation to Dr. Simon.
Executive Session: President Moldawsky reconvened the voting board after the lunch recess. The following items were approved in Executive Session.
Appointments: Confirm Michael Brickey: Associate Editor, IP with a term of 4/96 to 4/99.
Confirm Barry Schlosser as Internet Editor for a one year term 1/97-1/98.
Confirm Louise Holt Associate Internet Editor for a one year term 1/97 - 1/98. The Internet Editors will work with the Executive Committee acting as an oversight committee with a board appointed liaison.
Personnel: Approve contract with Jeannie Beeaff for another year.
Fellows: Approve Fellows as presented by the Committee.
Awards: Distinguished Psychologist of the Year: Karen Shore
Public Service Award: Pete Domenici. If Senator Domenici declines the Board may consider giving both awards to Dr. Shore.
Special Presentations: After the committee, task force chairs, and others rejoined the Board, President Moldawsky made a special presentation to Member at Large Evelyn Hill. This will be Dr. Hill's last meeting for the Division. She will retire from her professional obligations and will be unable to attend our meeting in Chicago. President Moldawsky recognized her many contributions to the Division and to the independent practice of psychology nationally. She received a plaque and the warm congratulations and admiration of her colleagues. Dr. Hill expressed her thanks to the board for its recognition.
Dr. Moldawsky also spoke in remembrance of Alice Wiggins. He expressed, to Jack, our sympathy and admiration for Alice. A donation to the American Psychological Foundation was given by the Division in memory of Alice Wiggins. She will be missed.
Lap Top Computer: President Moldawsky reminded the Board that the previous motions regarding the purchase of the lap top computer had been ruled out of order. The Board briefly discussed the purchase and the following action occurred.
Motion: To purchase a laptop computer that would be used at Executive Committee and Board meetings, Division related meetings and for other Division activities. The equipment would facilitate the work of the Division at meetings and presentations. The machine to be purchased must have the capacity to perform word processing, accounting applications and presentation capabilities. By: Goodheart Action: The motion carried.
Child Evaluation Report: President Moldawsky reported that our task force, chaired by Dick Saunders, had sent recommendations to COPPS on its document on child protection evaluations. COPPS expressed objection to the tone of the Division's remarks, but said that they had used many of our suggestions. Chair Saunders spoke to his strong desire of the Board's support of his committee's work. After discussion the following action occurred.
Motion: The Board endorsed the report of the Division 42 Task Force on Child Protection Evaluations as a formal statement from the Division 42 Board. It directs President Moldawsky to request that Richard Saunders be added to the APA work group that will bring final form to the proposed APA policy statement. The Board, if necessary, supports the president's use of liaison funds to offset the costs. By: Kovacs Action: Motion carried.
Chair Saunders expressed his gratitude for the Board's support.
Marketing Brochures: President Elect Sandra Haber briefly explained one of her major projects for her year as president. She and Alice Rubenstein, Division 29's President Elect, are working to coordinate the two Divisions developing and printing inexpensive marketing brochures to be used by practitioners as "give aways" to their patients on a variety of topics. (i.e. cancer, adolescence, etc) The major work will be done by our Publication and Communication sub-committee and a sub-committee developed by Division 29. Dr. Haber requested ideas for topics for the brochures as well as names of people who are interested in working on this project. The Board agreed that this was an excellent project. Dr. Haber will keep the Board informed of the progress.
Cindy Yeast from the Practice Directorate reported. Ms. Yeast is spearheading the Public Education campaign within the Practice Directorate. She reported on the progress of the campaign.
Minority Recruitment and Retention: The Board discussed possible options relating to the recruitment and retention of minority members. The CEMRATT Report was discussed as well as the possibility of developing minority slates, and other ideas. President Moldawsky asked the Minority Issues Committee chaired by Elsie Go Lu to review the CEMRATT report and make recommendations for the Division at our next meeting in August.
JCPEP: President Moldawsky reported that JCPEP has finished its mission and has sunset itself. The issue for the Board's discussion was the $5,000 remaining in the JCPEP treasury, of which Division 42 contributed a portion. JCPEP recommended that the money go into the public education campaign instead of coming back to the divisions. President Moldawsky requested support from Division 42 for this proposal.
Motion: To funnel Division 42's share of the JCPEP treasury into the Public Education Campaign. By: Murphy Action: Motion carried.
Division 42 15th Anniversary Celebration and Golden Anniversary of Divisions: Chair Entin reported on the progress to date. He requested each past president man Division 42's six foot table at convention. Each Division will be given a table to use in any way to promote its Division's materials. The presidents requested that Dr. Entin develop a schedule and distribute it to them. We will have our newsletters, publications, and other promotional materials available. Dr. Entin also reported that we are developing a "one-time" glitzy promotional piece to be handed out. Additionally, we will have a expanded Division 42 Social Hour to celebrate our 15th Anniversary. Dr. Entin will research possible commemorative give aways.
Program Committee Report: Chair Davis made a report to the Board about this year's program for the APA Convention. She also requested that the Board review the existing procedures for how the program is developed. One of her recommendations was to bring the administrative part of the program committee's charge into Central Office. This would help with continuity as well as free the Chair to try and solicit a higher quality of program submissions. She also recommended a Convention Committee be established as well as the Program Chair serving for more than one year. The Program Committee will meet and formalize its recommendations for presentation at our August meeting.
Audio tape update: The audio tape containing the highlights of the CE workshops will be available soon. The first Bulletin advertisement will appear in the Spring issue of the IP.
Education and Training Report: No action items. Dr. Kovacs announced that he is completing Norine Johnson's term on the Accreditation Committee. He also brought into discussion items concerning CRISPPP and accreditation.
Nominations and Elections Report: Chair Murphy announced the slate for 1998:
President Elect: Carol Goodheart and Reuben Silver (1 to be elected)
Secretary: Jean Carter and Susan Mikesell (1 to be elected)
Members at Large: Berta Davis, Alan Entin, Patricia Pitta and Peter Sheras (2 to be elected)
Council Representative: Dorothy Cantor and Robert Resnick (1 to be elected)
APA Council Report: President Moldawsky made a brief report on the Council meeting in February. No action required.
Mind and Body Report: Lynne Hornyak reported that she had developed a questionnaire for her committee asking them to articulate what they wanted to see from the task force. Better communication was mentioned. She is developing a possible list serv for her task force as well as other mechanisms for communication. No action required.
BPA Liaison Report: Eugene Shapiro, our liaison to BPA, made a brief report regarding the activities of BPA. He and President Moldawsky stressed the importance of Division 42 having a presence at the meetings of BPA. No action required.
1999 Mid-Winter Coordinator: Dr. Crosby-Burnett introduced herself and asked for suggestions for a site for the 1999 Mid-Winter Convention. The Board offered her feed back regarding this convention as well as possible site for 1999. It directed the Executive Committee to give final approval of Division 42's choice for the 1999 convention.
Family Therapy in Independent Practice: Chair Bray reported on BEA's task force role in the development of education via telehealth. He stated that there were many implications for practitioners. No action required.
Primary Care TF: Carol Goodheart reported for Chair Wiggins. She pointed out a few changes in the mission of the task force as reported in the agenda book. There was brief discussion concerning the CAPP Task Force Report as it applies to this task force's actions. The Division 42 Task Force will monitor CAPP's work and keep our Board informed. In turn, our Task Force will keep our Board informed of its actions.
Division 42 Survey Results: Past President Murphy distributed the results of the survey sent to 1,000 Division 42 members. No action required.
Strategic Planning Report: Past President Murphy distributed the list of strategies that the board and committee chairs had sent in at his request. The strategies were responses to the five articulated goals the Board had approved at its last meeting. The list was lengthy and it was agreed that the Strategic Planning Committee would review the list and decide which committees/task forces were best suited to consider the action and to rate them as to Division priorities. A report will be made to the Board upon the completion of this next step. No action at this time.
Rural Health Report: Chair Enright reviewed his written report with the Board. No action required.
Government Relations Monitor Report: Jean Carter reported on the current conflict surrounding the proliferation of entities submitting material to be considered for proficiency. The following action occurred.
President Moldawsky was directed by the Board to write a letter supporting the development of a retreat of leaders of three divisions with appropriate leaders of APA to attempt to resolve the conflicts. Action: President Moldawsky will write the letter in consultation with Jean Carter.
New Business: President Elect Haber requested Board support for writing a letter to Ray Fowler asking him to consider Dorothy Cantor as APA's Rapid Response person. After discussion the Board tabled the issue until further developments occur within APA on this project. Dr. Haber's strong support of Dr. Cantor was noted. The Executive Committee will track this issue and keep the Board informed.
Adjournment: President Moldawsky adjourned the meeting at 5:05 pm.