FAQs on APA’s Reorganization Proposal
On the ballot for APA’s 2000 election, APA members are asked to vote in favor of a proposal to reorganize APA by forming a new 501(c)(6) organization. Background information on the proposal was published in the election section of the December 3 issue and posted on APA’s Web site at <www. psych.org>. Below are some of the questions members have asked most often about the reorganization. The deadline for receipt of ballots is February 22.
Why create a 501(c)(6) organization?
Our members report they place high value on advocacy. But our restricted 501(c)(3) charitable tax status does not allow APA to devote the resources necessary to effectively combat threats to psychiatrists’ scope of practice and the privacy of medical records, to advocate for parity in insurance coverage for our patients, to combat abuses of managed care companies, and to advocate on other important issues. These challenges are most acute at the state level. However, IRS rules prevent APA, as a 501(c)(3) organization, from sharing significant resources with district branches and state societies, because most of them (65 out of 75) are 501(c)(6) organizations. The AMA and most other medical specialty societies are 501(c)(6) organizations.
I understand how it helps APA, but what does it to for me?
You will benefit from a stronger, more active district branch, working on state-level issues vital to your professional life, with funds and technical assistance provided by the national organization. Also, you will receive the same benefits you have under the present APA. The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric News will continue, and you still will get discounted registrations for the annual meeting and other benefits.
What will happen to our present APA?
APA members will become members of the new APA—the 501(c)(6) organization—at the beginning of next year, on January 2, 2001. The present APA, which will be renamed the American Association for Education and Research, will work hard to expand the Association’s research and education work, which has been APA’s backbone for 155 years. Currently APA and its research and education subsidiary receive over $3 million a year in health services research and training grants.