NYSPA COUNCIL

 GLIPS was represented at the NYSPA Council meeting by your two Representatives. The Fall Meeting was held on October 20^th at the usual place – the LaGuardia Marriott Hotel in Queens. There was a good turnout.

 Seth Stein, the Executive Director, of NYSPA, was awarded a new contract that will extend for three years. The Executive Committee reported that the arrangement with Mr. Stein was financially favorable to NYSPA; the quality of service that Mr. Stein provides was considered to be superior. Of course, Mr. Stein is legal counsel for NYSPA; most of the GLIPS membership is familiar with his annual Medicare Fee reports, but he is involved in many other activities critical to the operation of GLIPS and professional activities of New York State psychiatrists.

 The finances of NYSPA are good. There is a $15 dues increase that has been imposed.

 We could always use more contributions to the NYSPA PAC. We have one of the more influential state PACs in the APA, and we need to aim for 100% participation. It is a very real measure of our strength and the commitment of the membership to make our presence known and felt among our representative in the State Legislature and to the Governor. Do not underestimate the importance of this! 

 NYSPA is preparing a lawsuit challenging the 20% crossover payment to psychiatrists for dual-eligible (Medicare/Medicaid) patients. This payment should be at 100% of the non-covered Medicare amount. The issue of why Medicare only pays at 50% of the allowed fee is another question altogether!

There is a change of law for Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse (as of 10/1/07). Prior to enactment of the new law, members of the staff of a facility were required to report to the person in charge of such facility who, in turn, was responsible to make the report to the State Central Registry. Under the new law, each mandatory report is now required to make an individual report, regardless of whether or not a report of the same circumstances has already been reported by another member of the staff of that facility. The new law also requires that any report submitted include the name, title and contact information for every staff person of the facility believed to have direct knowledge of the allegations.

Legislative

 In January, 2007, the Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act was passed. This bill authorizes civil commitment of certain sexually dangerous offenders after they have served their criminal penalty. The budget of the OMH was increased by $225 million. Timothy’s Law continues to be refined – we are still looking for parity coverage for substance abuse disorders. The Governor and Legislature agreed to a ban on the use of solitary confinement for mentally ill prisoners. There have also been some mandated Managed Care reforms requiring more prompt payment, increased ease for patients to obtain out of network care, and requiring that plans honor their agreements with doctors for a full two months following termination of the contract.

 Residency Training

 NYSPA is sponsoring a Scientific Paper Contest. Submissions are due on January 18, 2008.  Residents should contact their Training Directors for details.