To increase the impact of its extensive legislative advocacy efforts, the Association has established its first political action committee (PAC). Through contributions from psychiatrists concerned about the status of laws concerning their patients and their practices, APA is hoping to have an easier time getting federal lawmakers to listen to psychiatry’s point of view on critical health care issues.
The new entity, known as APAPAC, will make campaign contributions to members of Congress who have supported psychiatry’s interests on Capitol Hill and to congressional candidates who indicate that they understand and will back proposals that would further APA’s patient-oriented and profession-oriented goals.
The formation of the PAC comes at an especially critical time for the professionals who provide care and the patients who rely on them for that care, noted APA President-elect Paul Appelbaum, M.D.
“The future of psychiatric services will be determined in the coming years in Congress and state legislatures. We cannot afford to be missing in action on these fronts,” Appelbaum told Psychiatric News. “The creation of a political action committee for APA gives us the capacity to assist candidates who are likely to support initiatives of importance to our patients and our profession.”
Former APA President John McIntyre, M.D., who will chair the PAC’s Board of Directors, cited the recent congressional parity bill that narrowly failed in conference committee in December as a clear example of the kind of issue where a political action committee could help ensure that lawmakers listen to APA’s position.
“This is a critical time for psychiatry,” McIntyre said. “In 2001 we came very close to having a parity bill passed by Congress. We must continue this momentum and ensure that a parity bill is enacted into law in 2002.
“There are also vital matters concerning privacy and a patients’ bill of rights that Congress is likely to consider in the near future. It is essential that psychiatrists have the opportunity to present their positions on these matters. A vibrant APAPAC will enable us to do just that, but for the PAC to be able to pursue these initiatives, it is essential that APA members contribute to it.”
The PAC, which was made possible by APA’s reorganization as a 501(c)6 organization in 2001, which involved an accompanying change in tax status, is eligible to take voluntary financial contributions from APA members and staff.
APA members who want to contribute to APAPAC have two options. One is to send a personal check to APAPAC at 1400 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005. The other is to include a contribution at the time they pay their annual dues.
Additional information about APAPAC is available from its associate director, Jason Pray, by phone at (202) 682-6060 or e-mail at [email protected]. ▪
