APA’s panels for developing and updating clinical practice guidelines are appointed by the Board of Directors, following broadly publicized calls for nominations. Candidates for each panel are vetted by the Advisory Steering Committee, Board of Professional Affairs, and Board of Scientific Affairs, which together submit a set of recommended nominees to the Board of Directors.
Each guideline development or update panel has about a dozen members. Panels consist primarily of psychologists but also include researchers or practitioners in other fields with relevant expertise as well as one or more knowledgeable community members who are personally affected by the condition being addressed. The aim is to have a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences represented on each panel.
A comprehensive assessment of conflicts of interest (including financial, professional, legal, intellectual, and interpersonal interests) is conducted for each panel member at least once per year, with appropriate steps taken to manage any real or perceived conflicts.