In August California Assembly Speaker Robert Herztberg appointed Assemblywoman Helen Thomson to chair the Assembly Health Committee. Thomson, a psychiatric nurse and spouse of a psychiatrist, has served on the Assembly Health Committee since her election to the legislature in 1996 and has been a tireless advocate for mental health parity and other reforms to improve psychiatric and medical care during her career.

Hertzberg explained his selection of Thomson in a recent press release. "Helen Thomson is a natural choice for this position. She brings to the job many years of experience in the health care arena and an impressive legislative record, successfully authoring several major health care reforms."

Currently Thomson serves as Assistant Speaker Pro Tem and also chairs the Assembly’s Select Committee on Mental Health. A registered nurse since 1961, Thompson began public service in 1974. Before her election to the Assembly, she served on several local and statewide boards including a term as president of the California Elected Women’s Association and as first vice president of the California State Association of Counties.

Jay Cutler, J.D., director of APA’s Division of Government Relations, is very pleased with the appointment. "The selection of Assembly member Thomson as chair of the California Assembly Health Committee is a tribute to her outstanding leadership and her in-depth understanding of health care issues, especially those relating to mental illness and substance abuse."

Thomson, in perhaps what is her most significant contribution to mental health care in California, authored Assembly Bill 88 to guarantee insurance parity for mental health treatment. Signed into law by Governor Gray Davis, the new law mandates mental health benefits in employer-sponsored insurance plans for those with serious mental illnesses.

This year Thomson has been busy fighting to reform California’s antiquated commitment laws.

Cutler pointed to Thomson’s experience as a psychiatric nurse as a bonus she brings to her new position. "With influence far beyond California, her knowledge of psychiatric disorders and treatment will inform Thomson’s leadership of the Assembly Health Committee as it addresses cutting- edge health care legislation."