A Message From the Board Chair

If I could choose only one word to characterize the Board for the year 2000, I would use the word "Balance". The current make up of the Board includes diversity in gender, geography, and viewpoint which creates a strength in deliberating a broad spectrum of issues. The Board has recently addressed issues as diverse as broadcast psychology, consultation regarding psychotropic medication, and the capacity for a clinical neuropsychologist to execute a Psychologist’s Emergency Certificate (PEC).

The Board’s opinion regarding the ethics involved in providing psychological services through a broadcast medium was intended to prevent citizens in Louisiana from being used for entertainment services. The opinion is based on interpretation of Ethical Principle 3.04 regarding media presentations. When a person is asking for help from a psychologist over a broadcast medium and communicates about a personal problem, an assessment and/or intervention is undertaken by the psychologist. This sharing of information in public is, however, not safe within the context of a professional relationship as defined in Ethical Principle 1.03. Furthermore, a person is exploited when a psychologist uses the broadcast medium to encourage disclosure of a personal problem which is a violation of Ethical Principle 1.19. This opinion is not intended to discourage service delivery via the internet, or discourage the offering of educational information over any medium. It was the result of a written question received by the Board involving Broadcast Psychology and is intended to provide guidelines for the safe and ethical uses of media services.

Whenever psychologists gain advanced education, the welfare of the public is served and potential harm to the public is prevented. The Board recognizes that education is available on a post-doctoral level in psychopharmacology. When a psychologist gains competence in the area of psychopharmacology, it is the opinion of the Board that it is appropriate for the psychologist to be able to provide consultation to other professionals. This consultation is expected to be rendered within the context of a professional relationship and does not include distribution of sample medications or delivery of a written prescription signed by a physician or nurse licensed to provide such a service. These actions violate Louisiana law regarding prescription and distribution of pharmaceuticals and may lead to disciplinary action or professional liability.

The American Psychological Association’s College of Professional Psychology has developed an Examination for Psychopharmacology. The first sitting for the examination is expected to be in March, 2000. The examination is offered as a measure of advanced competence in a specific area of practice. There is currently an examination available for those with advanced competence in the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse. The examination will consist of 150 multiple-choice items and cover areas such as clinical psychopharmacology, physiology and pathophysiology, neuroscience, and the integration of psychopharmacology with the practice of psychology.

In the course of conducting examinations for those candidates declaring a specialty in Clinical Neuropsychology (CN), the Board has noted that the regulations allow only those psychologists with specialties in Clinical and Counseling to execute a PEC. There are foreseeable occasions when a psychologist who has a sole specialty in CN may have a circumstance when a PEC is indicated. It is, therefore, the opinion of the Board that Clinical Neuropsychology is a clinical specialty for purposes of allowing a psychologist to execute a PEC.

Several steps have been taken to increase communication between the Board and licensed psychologists in Louisiana. The Board recognizes the need to be "user friendly" in terms of being available to the profession it regulates. The Board usually meets monthly and there is always a "Public Hour" on the schedule. The Board is interested in hearing from psychologists who may wish to bring a matter before the Board, or to give us feedback.

The Board has established a committee for tracking legislation which has a functional role of being the liaison to the Louisiana Psychological Association (LPA). I reappointed Dr. Beverly Stubblefield to this liaison role which provides for monthly communication between those who regulate and those who promote.

Dr. John Brun and Dr. Roy Allen each chair a committee to address ethical complaints. This is a role which effects how psychological services are made available to the public and sets precedent for interpretation of the Statutes of our Practice Act, as well as the Rules and Regulations.

The Board gave a warm welcome to the newest member, Dr. Janet Matthews, on July 30 when she came aboard. Dr. Matthews is chair of the Continuing Education Committee. She brings a wide background of knowlege to the board regarding regulatory issues and national issues facing the future of psychology.

And just to show there is "nothing new under the sun", the Board continues to revise the on-going project of a rule change regarding assistants. A well written revision which the Board believes to protect the public while giving increased structure to the ethical use of assistants is available in this newsletter.

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Past Board Chair Gary C. Pettigrew, Ph.D. Reflects

I once worked for an American Friends organization in Connecticut, which acquainted me with a unique style of decision making that worked entirely by unanimity. When I, a child of the confrontational sixties, expressed some skepticism that much could be accomplished in that manner, I was enlightened by an elder who reminded me that Quakers adopted a controversial abolitionist position long before the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Their rules regarding disagreement show equally powerful respect for the convictions of the individual and the opinion of the majority. After discussion of an issue, the chairman states what he or she believes to be "the sense of the meeting." If a single member opposes this consensus so strongly that he would feel compelled to resign from the group should it prevail, it is the duty of the chair to announce that "Friends are not yet ready to decide this matter." However, if the strength of the member’s opposition is of a lesser magnitude, it is his duty to adopt the meeting’s position as his own.

It occurs to me that our LSBEP way of working is much like this in practice, although we explicitly embrace no such philosophy. Sometimes the Board is slow to settle an important matter, and sometimes not. Before I attended my first Board meeting, I had been part of a committee formed by the Board to write an acceptable proposal for revision of the supervision rule for unlicensed assistants. The committee met several times over a number of months. As I prepared for my replacement after five years of service, we were still engaged in the process of establishing a somewhat modified version of that rule.

Among numerous other accomplishments during my term of participation were the expansion of ways in which continuing education (CE) may be earned, the provision of inexpensive (and sometimes free) CE by the Board, development of a written jurisprudence examination, and protection against psychological test use by an unqualified person through judicial injunction. All of these things came about through a process not unlike that of the Friends, which is remarkable, indeed.

Having mentioned light in darkness, I cannot terminate this opportunity without informing those who do not know just how much illumination is provided by Brenda Ward, Executive Director. This Lux Aeterna of ours is a sophisticated, poised, extremely competent civil servant who manages to give off as much warmth as luminosity. Her experience working in the governor’s office, participation in the association of Louisiana boards, exposure to numerous meetings of ASPPB, and recent course work in state government give her extraordinary expertise of incalculable benefit to our work. We sometimes get frustrated with institutions such as LSBEP because they inevitably make errors (for example, you won’t find me listed in the main portion of the 1999 Directory and Statutory Reference Book.) It can be so tempting to vent negative affect on the lady answering the telephone "down there". In parting, I ask that you (and hope that I) remember to show Brenda the consideration and respect she deserves, no matter what the issue is. And we are unanimous in that!

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New CE Rule

Chapter 8. Continuing Education

§805. Acceptable Sponsorship, Offerings and Activities

H. Licensees can earn CE hours equal to six times the credit hours granted students for the preparation and teaching of a graduate level psychology course in an accredited institution of higher education. This CE credit may be claimed only once for a course. Subsequent teaching of the same course will not qualify for CE credit.

I. Licensees can earn CE hours equal to four times the CE hours given participants for the preparation and presentation of a workshop which has an acceptable sponsor and otherwise meets the criteria for acceptable continuing education. This CE credit may be claimed only once for the initial presentation of a workshop. Repeated presentations of the same or similar workshops will not qualify for CE credit.

J. If continuing education is taught by more than one person, the number of hours earned by each shall be equal to the number that would be earned if taught by a sole presenter divided by the number of presenters.

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New Licensees...

Theresa Constans Daly, Ph.D., #819, DV

Present Position: Assistant Professor, LSU Medical Center School of Allied Health Professionals, N.O., LA
Education: Ph.D., 1995, Psychology, Tulane, N.O., LA; M.S., 1989, Psychology, Tulane, N.O., LA; B.S., 1986, Special Education, LSU, B.R., LA
Professional Activities: Council for Exceptional Children and the Division for Early Childhood; LA Infant Mental Health Assoc.; Past-Pres. Faculty Assembly, School of Allied Professions; Member, Faculty Senate, LSUMC
Community Activities: Surrogate Parent Volunteer, Orleans Parish Public Schools, Academic Excellence Committee, St. Mary’s Dominican High School
Professional Interests: Developmental disabilities in young children; premature infants; early intervention services; parenting; the efficacy of training for child care providers; maternal perceptions of premature infants

Michele McCarthy Larzelere, Ph.D., #820, CL

Present Position: Assistant Professor, LSUMC-Dept of Family Medicine, Kenner, LA,
Education: Ph.D, 1997, Psychology, LSU, B.R., LA; M.A., 1995, Psychology, LSU, B.R., LA; B.A., 1992, Psych., LSU, B.R., LA
Previous Affiliations: l997-1998, Masters and Johnson Sexual Trauma and Compulsivity Program; River Oaks Hospital, N.O., LA
Professional Activities: APA; LPA; Assoc. for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy; Society of Teachers of Family Medicine; Assoc. for the Behavioral Sciences and Medical Education
Professional Interests: Anxiety disorders, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Behavioral Medicine

Paula Varnado-Sullivan, Ph.D., #821, CO

Present Position: Visiting Assistant Professor, Southeastern LA Univ., Hammond, LA
Education: Ph.D., 1997, Psychology, LSU, B.R., LA; M.A., 1993, Psychology, LSU, B.R., LA; B.S., 1989, Psychology, LSU, B.R., LA
Previous Affiliations: 1995-Present, Family Therapy Clinic, B.R., LA; 1994-1995 University of Mississippi Medical Center/VA Consortium, Jackson MS
Professional Activities: APA; Assoc. for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy
Honors: College Honors; Phi Beta Kappa
Professional Interests: Eating disorders, prevention of eating disorders, behavior therapy

Karen A. Pellerin., Psy.D., #822, CL

Present Position: Psychologist, East Jefferson Mental Health-Children’s Unit, Metairie, LA
Education: Psy.D., 1997, Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern Univ., Ft. Lauderdale, FL; M.S., 1993, Clinical Psychology, Nova University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; B.S., 1992, Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Previous Affiliations: 1996-1997, LSU Medical Center, N.O., LA
Professional Activities: APA
Community Activities: Young Leadership Council
Professional Interests: Child and adolescent therapy; Cognitive-behavioral therapy; Outcome research in community-based mental health settings

Diane Franz, Ph.D., #823, CL

Present Position: Staff Psychologist, Children’s Hospital, N.O., LA
Education: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, University of Mississippi, University, MS; M.A., 1994, Clinical Psychology, Univ. of MS University, MS; B.A. 1989, Psychology, LSU, B.R., LA
Previous Affiliations: 1996-98, Postdoctoral Fellow in Pediatric Psychology, Univ. of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA; 1995-96, Predoctoral Intern, Georgetown University Child Development Center, Washington DC
Professional Activities: Society of Pediatric Psychology; American Psychological Association
Professional Interests: Pediatric and child psychology, children’s adaptation to chronic illnesses, pain management, behavioral disorders in children/adolescents

Michael W. Davidson, Ph.D., #824, CO

Present Position: Clinical Director, Methodist Behavioral Resources, New Orleans, LA
Education: Ph.D., 1996, Counseling Psychology, Univ. of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS; M.A. 1993, Counseling & Guidance, Univ. of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; 1988, M.B.A., Marketing, Univ. of Kansas, Lawrence, KS; B.S., 1985, Data Processing, Missouri Western State College, St. Joseph, MO
Previous Affiliations: 1997-99, Private practice as an affiliate of Charter Lakeside Hospital in Blytheville and Jonesboro, Arkansas, Blytheville, AR; 1996-97, Psychologist with Wellspring Psychological Services-Carolyn West-Willete, Ed.D., Jackson, TN
Professional Activities: APA; SEPA; TPA (Tennessee Psychological Association); MAPA (Memphis Area Psychological Association)
Community Activities: Parent Teacher Student Association, Neighborhood Association
Honors: President-elect Memphis Area Psychological Association
Professional Interests: Trauma, suicide and suicide interventions

Miles S. Morgan, Psy.D., #825, CL

Present Position: Private Practice, Psychological and Behavioral Health Services, Inc., Pineville, LA
Education: Psy.D., 1997, Clinical Psychology, Indiana State Univ. Terre Haute, IN; B.A., 1990, Psychology, Univ. of California, Santa Cruz, CA
Previous Affiliations: 1998-1999, Division of Youth Corrections, Greeley, CO; 1996-1999, Larimer County Mental Health Center, Fort Collins, CO
Professional Activities: APA
Professional Interests: Adolescent Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Domestic Violence

Bryan E. Smith, Psy.D., #826, CN

Present Position: Director of Neuropsychology Lab, St. Michael Rehabilitation Hospital, Texarkana, Tx
Education: Psy.D., 1991, Clinical, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR
Previous Affiliations:1992-94, Neuropsychology Fellow, Denver V.A. Medical Center, Denver, CO; 1991-92, Psychology Resident, Lake Oswego, OR; 1990-91, Psychology Intern, Clackamas County Mental Health Center, Milwaukee, OR
Professional Activities: APA; APA Division 40 (neuropsych); International Neuropsychological Society; National Academy of Neuropsychology; Colorado Neuropsychology Society
Professional Interests: Neuropsychological Practice - research with closed head injury and multiple sclerosis

Jillandra C. Rovaris, Ph.D., #827, CO

Present Position: Assistant Director of the Center for Educational Resources & Counseling, New Orleans, LA
Education: Ph.D., 1992, Counseling Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL; M.A., 1984, Guidance & Counseling, Xavier University, New Orleans, LA; B.S., 1982, Psychology, Xavier University, N.O., LA
Previous Affiliations: 1988-89, Tulane University Medical Center, N.O., LA; 1986-87, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Community Activities: Church and Community Work/Speaker, Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church; St. Peter Claver Catholic; Orleans Parish Schools
Professional Interests: Childhood trauma, multicultural issues, sexual assault issues, depression, family dynamics, parenting skills and training, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Alan Hopewell, Ph.D., #828-R, CL

Present Position: CEO, Dallas Neuropsychological Institute, Ft. Worth, TX
Education: Ph.D.,1978, Psychology, North Texas State, Denton, TX; M.A., 1973, Clinical Psychology, North Texas State, Denton, TX; B.S. 1971, Psychology, Texas A&M, College Station, TX
Previous Affiliations: 1997-Present, Deer Oaks, San Antonio, TX; 1993-95, Pitt County Hospital, Greenville, NC; 1981-86, Baylor Hospital, Dallas, TX; 1976-81, U.S. Army
Professional Activities: APA; TPA; INS; NAN
Community Activities: Founded Brain Injury Association; Dallas - Ethnic affairs
Honors: 1990 Neuropsychologist of the year, Texas Psychological Association
Professional Interests: Neuropsychology, Ethnic Psychopharmacology

Catherine Macgregor, Ph.D., #829, CO

Present Position: Psychological Associate, Methodist Behavioral Resources, New Orleans, LA 
Education: Ph.D., 1996, Counseling Psychology, Texas Woman’s Univ., Denton, TX; M.A., 1993, Counseling Psychology, Texas Woman’s Univ., Denton, TX; B.A., 1969, French /English, St. Mary’s Dominican College, New Orleans, LA
Previous Affiliations: 1996-98, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX; Galaxy Counseling Center (1997-98), Garland. TX; 1991-95, Baylor Richardson Med. Center, Richardson, TX; 1994-95, The Road to Recovery, Dallas, TX
Professional Activities: APA; Past member of TPA;
Community Activities: Wellspring Education Meeting (PMMH) Heatofor Art of Successful Grandparenting; Church related activities; Church -related activities; P-Flag, Dallas; Pro Bono work
Honors: "Gay and Lesbian Research Award" from Texas Psychological Association
Professional Interests: Gay & lesbian issues; individual, family, marital & group therapy.

Benjamin Bushman, Ph.D., #830, CL

Present Position: Private Practice, Bianchini-Bushman LLC, Metairie, LA
Education: Ph.D., 1998, Clinical Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois; M.A., 1996, Clinical Psychology, Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale, Il; B.S., 1992, Psychology, Brigham Young University, Prava, UT
Previous Affiliations: 1997-Present, Tulane University Medical Center, N.O., LA; 1993-97, Southern Illinois Univ. Clinical Center, Carbondale, IL; 1995-1996, Evaluation and Development Center, Carbondale, IL
Professional Activities: APA
Community Activities: LDS Church, Boy Scouts of America, Coach various youth sports
Honors: Phi Kappa Phi, Psi Chi
Professional Interests: Performance enhancement, personality testing and therapy, pain/stress management

Mathew D. Thompson, Psy.D., #831, CN

Present Position: Neuropsychologist, Children’s Hospital, New Orleans, LA
Education: Psy.D., 1997, Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern Univ., Ft. Lauderdale, FL; M.S., 1993, Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern Univ., Ft. Lauderdale, FL; B.A., 1992, Psychology, Harding Univ., Searcy, AR
Previous Affiliations: 1997-99, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (Fellowship); 1996-97, Univ. Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (Internship), Oklahoma City, OK
Professional Activities: NAN; INS
Professional Interests: Pediatric and adult neuropsychology; inpatient consultation

Jill Hayes Hammer, Ph.D., #832, CLC. 

Present Position: Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Education: Ph.D., 1998, Clinical Psychology, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA; M.S., 1995, LSU, B.R., LA; M.A., 1992, Applied Psychology, Augusta State Univ., Augusta, Georgia; B.A., Psychology, Armstrong Atlantic State Univ., Savannah, Georgia
Previous Affiliations: 1997-98, Medical Univ. of So. Carolina, Charleston, SC; 1993-98, LSU, B.R., LA; ; 1995-97, Family Therapy Clinic, B.R., LA; 1994-97, Feliciana Forensic Facility, Jackson, LA; 1994-97, National Academy of Neuropsychology, Denver, CO; 1992-93, Savannah Psychological Consultants, Savannah, GA; 1990-92, Augusta State Univ., Walton Way, Augusta, GA; 1986-90, Armstrong Atlantic State Univ., Savannah, GA
Professional Activities: APA (Division 40-neuropsychology and Division 41-American Psychology & the Law Society); NAN; INA
Community Activities: On task force for statewide development for a Center of Law and Medicine; formerly was appointed to serve on the State’s committee for Offenders with Mental Retardation/Developmental Disability
Honors: National Academy of Neuropsychology Student Research Award-1994, 1995 &1997; Awarded competitive travel from LSU Department of Psychology
Professional Interests: Forensic Psychology, malingering, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, psychological and neuropsychological assessment, therapy for victims of crime

Peter John Resweber, Ph.D., #833, CL

Present Position: Clinical Associate, Lafayette Psychology Center, Lafayette, LA
Education: Ph.D., 1998, Clinical Psychology, St. John’s Univ., Queens, NY; M.S., 1989, Gen. Exp. Psychology, Univ. of Southwestern LA, Lafayette, LA; B.S., 1986, Univ. of Southwestern LA, Lafayette, LA
Previous Affiliations: 1995-96 Goodrich & Associates/Clinical Associate, Baton Rouge, LA; 1993-94, Hudson River Regional/Psychology Intern, Poughkeepie, NY; 1992-93, Institute for Behavior Therapy/ Clinical Extern, New York, NY
Professional Activities: Society for Exploration of Psychotherapy Litigation
Community Activities: Multiple Presentations to Family Tree; Active in local church parish
Honors: Phi Kappa Phi; Gamma Beta Phi
Professional Interests: Anxieties & phobias, abuse issues, men’s issues

Amy B. Dickson, Psy.D., #834, CL

Present Position: Assistant Professor, LSU Medical Center, New Orleans, LA
Education: Psy.D., 1998, Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern Univ., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; M.S., 1994, Clinical Psychology, Nova Southeastern Univ., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; B.S., 1992, Psych. Services, Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL
Previous Affiliations: 1998-99, LSU Medical Center Postdoctoral Clinical Psychology Fellow
Professional Activities: APA; LIMHA: Louisiana Infant Mental Health Association
Community Activities: Young Leadership Council; co-chair of Neighborhood Renaissance partnership, Advisor to Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Education Advisor, participate in Reach Out and Read
Professional Interests: Child/adolescent, infant mental health, violence prevention/intervention, treat victims of abuse

Marcia G. Beard, Ph.D., #835, CL

Present Position: Inpatient Psychologist, Chemical Dependency and Life Skills Unit, Methodist Psychiatric Pavillion, N.O., LA
Education: Ph.D., 1996, Clinical Psychology, Univ. of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS; M.S. 1993, Clinical Psychology, Univ. of Southern Mississippi; B.A., 1991, Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
Professional Activities: APA; LPA; New Orleans Society of Clinical Hypnosis; Association for Transpersonal Psychology; Society for Chaos Theory in Psychology and the Life Sciences
Honors: Mississippi Psychological Association 1994 Graduate Student Research Award
Professional Interests: Clinical Hypnosis, Social Psychology, Learning Complementary Medicine

Barbara A. Cooper, Ph.D., #836, SC

Present Position: School Psychologist, St. Tammany Parish Pupil Appraisal Services, Covington, LA
Education: Ph.D., 1991, Psychology, Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA; M.S., 1983, Psychology, Tulane Univ., N.O., LA; B.A., 1976, Psychology, Rice Univ., Houston, TX
Professional Activities: National Association of School Psychologists; Louisiana School Psychological Association
Professional Interests: Acquisition of reading and written language skills, changes in educational policy

Scott Eckholdt, Ph.D., #837, CO

Present Position: Psychologist I, Associate Director of Psychology
Education: Ph.D., 1998, Counseling Psychology, Tennessee State Univ., Nashville, TN; M.S., 1994, Experimental Psychology, Univ. of Southwestern, LA, Lafayette, LA; B.S., 1992, Psychology, LSU, Baton Rogue, LA
Professional Activities: APA; Reviewer for Research in Developmental Disabilities, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Community Activities: Volunteer at Alexandria Museum of Art
Honors: Member of Phi Kappa Phi
Professional Interests: Conducting research in applied behavior analysis and treatment, Psychotropic efficacy and side effects in developmentall disable populations

Paul J. Frick, Ph.D., #838, CLC

Present Position: Professor; Director, Applied Developmental Program, UNO, Department of Psychology, N.O., LA
Education: Ph.D., 1990, Clinical Psychology, Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA; M.S., 1987 Clinical Psychology, Univ. of GA; B.A., 1984, Psychology, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Professional Activities: APA - Divisions 12 and 53; AABT; ISRCAP
Honors: Chair, APA Division 12 Task Force on Upgrading the Science and Technology of Assessment and Diagnosis
Professional Interests: Developmental Psychopathology, Assessment of Child Psychopathology, Causes and interventions of violent youth

Donna LeBlanc Aucoin, Ph.D., #839, SC

Present Position: Regional Clinician/Consultant, Region IV Office of Mental Health, Lafayette, LA
Education: Ph.D., 1998, Psychology, Univ. of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS; M.S.W., 1993, Social Work, LSU, B.R., LA; B.S., Psychology, U.S.L., Lafayette, LA
Previous Affiliations: 1997-98, Kennedy Krieger Institute an Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD; 1993, Dr. Joseph H. Tyler, Jr., Mental Health Center, Lafayette, LA
Professional Activities: APA - Division 16; Association of Behavior Analysis; Behavioral School Psychology Interest Group; LPA
Community Activities: Co-founder of the Lafayette Community Task Force for the Prevention of Violence in Schools; Volunteer - National Hemophilia Federation; Volunteer - The Extra Mile
Honors: 1996 - Outstanding Poster Presentation Award, MS Psychological Association Annual Conference; Participation and induction into various honor societies (Gamma Beta Phi, Vermilion Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta)
Professional Interests: School-age children with disruptive classroom behaviors and/or academic difficulties

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.Janet R. Matthews, Ph.D., ABPP 
Appointed by Foster to the LSBEP

On July 12, 1999, the Board of Examiners of Psychologists received official word from the Office of the Governor that Janet R. Matthews, Ph.D., ABPP had been appointed to fill the expired term of C. Gary Pettigrew, Ph.D.

Dr. Matthews is a resident of New Orleans and employed at Loyola University. She was licensed to practice psychology in Louisiana on April 21, 1985. She holds specialties in both Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology. Dr. Matthews' term of office extends from July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2004.

Dr. Matthews is very active in issues related to the practice of psychology on a national level. The Board is very fortunate, indeed, to have Dr. Matthews as one of its members.

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Proposed Rewrite of Chapter 11

The following is being considered by the LSBEP as a Notice of Intent to replace Title 46, Part LXIII. Psychologists, Chapter 11. Supervision of Unlicensed Assistants in Providing Psychological Services in the Louisiana Administrative Code. The Board is accepting written comments regarding the following draft.

Chapter 11. The Role of Psychologists Utilizing Assistants and Advanced Practice Assistants

Preamble

The Board recognizes as legitimate and necessary the appropriate, ethical use of certain individuals to assist the psychologist in carrying out direct patient care responsibilities and in the delivery of other psychological services. In order to maintain the ultimate legal and professional responsibility for the safety and welfare of the patient or client, the psychologist shall be vested with functional authority over all psychological services provided by Assistants and Advanced Practice Assistants.

§1101. General Provisions

A. Psychologists shall clearly inform the patient or client of the role of the Assistant or Advanced Practice Assistant for any services provided.

B. The use of Assistants or Advanced Practice Assistants will be conducted in such a manner as to insure the welfare of the patient or client. In so doing, psychologists shall establish and maintain a level and frequency of contact with the Assistant or Advanced Practice Assistant which is consistent with the complexity of psychological service functions provided, the experience and competence level of the Assistant or Advanced Practice Assistant and prevailing professional and ethical standards.

C. Reasonable provisions shall be made to insure that Assistants or Advanced Practice Assistants have ready access to the psychologist in the case of an emergency.

D. All work assignments or duties shall be consistent with provisions of this rule and commensurate with the demonstrated skill level of Assistants or Advanced Practice Assistants.

E. Public announcement of services and/or fees, as well as contact with the lay or professional public, shall not be offered in the name of Assistants or Advanced Practice Assistants.

F. Billing for psychological services shall not be in the name of Assistants or Advanced Practice Assistants.

G. Referrals or consults shall not be accepted or made in the name of Assistants or Advanced Practice Assistants.

H. Psychologists may not be employed or contracted by an Assistant or Advanced Practice Assistant.

I. Psychologists shall not give work assignments or duties which involve professional psychological judgment or functions. Such professional functions include, but are not necessarily limited to, the diagnosis of mental, emotional, cognitive or neurobehavioral disorders, the prescription and/or selection of diagnostic procedures for patient examination, the interpretation and integration of psychological and/or neuropsychologic test results, consultation and the prescription and/or independent provision of therapeutic procedures, techniques or modalities for the treatment or management of mental, emotional, cognitive or neurobehavioral disorders.

J. Psychologists retain the responsibility for performing those professional components of intervention and psychological testing functions which include the integration and interpretation of data, the formulation of any diagnoses or diagnostic impressions and any recommendations which are incorporated into any written document or oral report.

§1103. Functions

A. Assistants or Advanced Practice Assistants, upon the order or direction of the supervising psychologist , may execute specific, objective and well-defined intervention and psychological test protocols.

B. Advanced Practice Assistants - The Board recognizes that some Assistants may possess advanced education, training and experience, therefore,

1. Advanced Practice Assistants shall minimally possess a master’s degree in psychology.

2. Psychologists may assign to Advanced Practice Assistants advanced intervention and psychological testing functions.

C. Psychologists shall document in written form the Assistant’s training, supervised experience and proficiency in all activities assigned. This documentation shall be maintained in an active form reflecting current proficiency.

§1111. Failure to Comply

Any psychologist who utilizes Assistants or Advanced Practice Assistants in a manner which is in violation of these regulations shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Board.

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Disciplinary Action Report

Jan L. Rieveschl, Ph.D. entered into a Consent Agreement with the Board following an investigation of complaints alleging violations of RS 37:2359B(2b) and Ethical Standards of Psychologists, General Standards 1.17(a), 1.19(b), 4.05, and 4.07.

Nancy Vancouvering, Ph.D. entered into a Consent Agreement with the Board following an investigation of a complaint alleging violation of RS 37:2365D.

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Board Rescinds Scope of Practice Policy for Developmental Psychology

In a regular review of the Board’s Policy Manual, it was noted that only one of the designated specialties had a Scope of Practice. This attention to one specialty was deemed inappropriate. The Board, therefore, voted to remove the Scope of Practice for Developmental Psychology from the Board's Policy Manual. The policy was originally established January 12, 1995. The Board is currently exploring various sources for the establishment of guidelines for all of the designated specialties recognized in the law.

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Ribbon Cutting/Open House at the LSBEP

On Friday, October 15, 1999, the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists held a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by an open house to celebrate its recent move to 8280 YMCA Plaza Drive in Baton Rouge. All five current board members were on hand to watch Dr. David D. Thomason, Chair, cut the ribbon which officially acknowledged the board’s recent move. Psychologists from around the state were in attendance, as well as officials from the Department of Health and Hospitals. Past board member, Dr. Tommy Stigall, was called upon to share some of his knowledge of the progress of the board since its inception in 1964, when it was operated from the personal office of the board chair. With no office of its own to hold important records in those early years, one could often find the official LSBEP documents in the trunk of a board member’s car being moved from place to place to the monthly board meetings. The chairman was usually the only person available to answer phone calls and correspondence, and for certain it was done at the expense of his own practice.

Because of the many years of hard work and unselfish dedication of numerous Louisiana psychologists the current board now enjoys the pleasure of its own staff and a wonderful office to house its records and equipment, as well as a more than adequate board room for its monthly meetings and oral examinations of candidates for licensure. LSBEP has evolved into one of the most professionally operated state boards. As a matter of fact, it is often used as an example for new boards looking for direction in establishing their method of operation.

A special note of thanks and congratulations should go to each person who since 1964 has contributed to the notable achievements and professionalism of the LSBEP in its charge to protect the public.

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Recent Opinions and Policies Issued by the LSBEP

Opinion: Psychopharmacology Assessment and/or Consultation

It is the opinion of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists that it is within the Scope of Practice of Psychology to gain competence in the field of psychopharmacology. Psychologists who gain competence in psychopharmacology may provide consultation to professionals regarding psychotropic medications.

Policy: PPM 4110 Specialties

The Board of Examiners of Psychologists licenses individuals to engage in the independent practice of psychology and to offer services within their area of training to the public. Licensed psychologists are not required to declare a specialty area. However, the following areas of specialization are recognized by the LSBEP:

Clinical (CL)
Clinical Neuropsychology (CN)
Counseling (CO)
School (SC)
Educational (ED)
Developmental (DV)
Experimental (EX)
Industrial/Organizational (IO)
Social (SO)

Each of the above specialities are treated individually for purposes of credential reviews and oral examinations leading toward licensure or respecialization.

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Board Meeting Dates

Friday, November 5, 1999 - Shreveport

(Saturday, November 6, 1999 - Shreveport

December 3, 1999 - Baton Rouge

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LSBEP Financial Statement
July 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999

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Q & A

Question: As the owner of "John Doe Psychological Associates, Inc.," and a licensed psychologist, I have employed non-licensed Ph.D.’s, whom I am also supervising toward licensure. How do I advertise their services in my organization and how should they present themselves to the community?

Answer: You should not and they should not. A person represents himself to be a psychologist by using any title or description of services incorporating the words "psychology", "psychological" or "psychologist" or by using any other terms which imply that he is qualified to practice psychology or that he possesses expert qualifications in any area of psychology, or if that person offers to the public or renders to individuals or to groups of individuals services defined as the practice of psychology as defined in Chapter 28 of the Louisiana Licensure Laws for Psychologists. Therefore, it would be a violation of the law to advertise the services of unlicensed individuals, or to provide them letterhead or business cards with your company name as it employs the term "psychological". Furthermore, Chapter 11, "Supervision of Unlicensed Assistants in Providing Psychological Services", clearly states that public announcement of fees and services and contact with lay or professional public shall not be offered in the name of the unlicensed assistant. Also, billing for psychological services shall not be in the name of an unlicensed assistant. The Board of Examiners of Psychologists may promulgate regulations to prohibit deceptive advertisements and representations concerning psychological services and the Board may enforce this. In other words, you cannot advertise or promote as "psychological" the services of an unlicensed employee, no matter what their qualifications may be.

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Grassroots in 2000
by David D. Thomason, Psy.D.

One of my hopes for psychology in the Twenty-First Century is for the development of an effective grassroots effort to educate the public. Recently, a child neurologist relocated from Slidell to Monroe and called to ask me to lunch. He made a profound statement when he told me that, for him, practicing without a psychologist available for consultation was like practicing without an EEG. He was so enthusiastic about the practice of psychology that I found myself rethinking ways to educate my patients regarding what the profession has to offer.

Informing our students, patients, and colleagues about the potential of psychologists to be integrated into the future healthcare system serves to better protect the public. Psychology is a profession which has made progress in many areas during the past century and is poised to make significant advances within our scope of practice. The future is bright, in Louisiana, for the profession to make quantum leaps in the near future if we make collective efforts to ethically involve others in our vision.

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