With all that is going on in the world, many divisions have chosen to develop statements covering the division’s position on an issue. Divisions are allowed to take a position or stand on a matter and issue a statement; however, all of these statements are required to undergo a formal APA review, per APA Association Rule 100-1.4.
The rule states that a division may release a position or policy statement on public policy matters in its own field so long as the statement “complies with all relevant association bylaws, rules and current association policies” and the statement does “not establish or enforce standards for ethics, accreditation, certification or credentialing of specialty recognition” (Association Rules 100-1.4). Divisions are not required to make the determination as to whether or not a statement fits this criteria—it is determined by the formal review process, which is why every statement is subject to the review.
Likewise, if a division section or other group wants to release a statement, it should first share with the division for review. Once the division has approved the statement, it should be sent to APA for review.
As a division develops a statement, it is important that every statement is approved by the division’s executive committee/board. Division leaders should also be aware that this rule applies to a scenario when a division wants to sign on to a statement developed by an outside organization.
If a leader of a division wants to sign on to a statement as an individual, it is important that their divisional role is not linked to their signature as this could be construed as the division signing on to the statement.
A division that develops a position or public policy statement in its own field should contact their Division Engagement Liaison in the APA Division Engagement Office prior to disseminating the statement. The liaison will coordinate a review by the Office of the General Counsel for legal and policy issues. This review usually takes a few days. Then, providing there is no conflict, the Office of the General Counsel will create a disclaimer statement that the division will append to the final statement. The disclaimer will make the reader aware that the statement is an official statement of the division and does not represent the position of APA or any of its other divisions or subunits. Divisions should not assume that adding a disclaimer to a statement is a substitute for the formal review process. The disclaimer is often the result of the formal review process.
For more information, see APA Bylaws, Article VI: Divisions and Association Rules—100. Divisions for the APA Bylaws and Association Rules as they relate to divisions.