KPA Preparing for the 2002 Session

Bills affecting mental health will be introduced in the 2002 the Kentucky General Assembly, which begins in early January. HB843 Planning Commission has made financial and legislative recommendations. The process that went into this planning involved hundreds of people. This has been called the most exciting initiative in MH/SA in over 30 years. We have included as an insert in this newsletter a sheet detailing how you can help assure that these recommendations are passed. KPA choose Senator Charlie Borders and Representative Barbara Colter as outstanding legislators for their work on the HB843 Planning Commission

Another important bill is one to abolish the death penalty for crimes committed by juveniles under the age of 18. The United States is one of only seven countries that allow such executions.

Always, we have to watch as other mental health practitioners who are not appropriately trained try to expand their scope of practice. Several of these have attempted in the past to have their scope changed to "diagnose and treat mental illness." Another issue that is sure to surface is that of using the civil commitment statute to extend the incarceration of convicted sexual predators. There is also a movement to amend KRS 202A in ways that could deny civil rights to those who are committed.

We need each of you to make a commitment to advocate for issues that protect your patients and your profession. It is vitally important for you to establish a relationship with your legislators, to become involved, be persistent, and give KPA feedback on the results of your efforts.

Psychiatrists who are properly trained and effectively mobilized can become a potent force advocating for the mentally ill. Most legislators rely on constituents to provide them with information and direction. Legislators are most responsive to the voters in their own district. Letters, phone calls, and personal visits can all be valuable means of communicating with and influencing your legislators.

Personal Visits

A personal visit is perhaps the most effective form of advocating. Access to legislators' offices is surprisingly easy. If possible, call in advance, state you are one of the legislator's constituents and the issue you would like to discuss.

• Be polite and respectful. Becoming rude or argumentative about a particular issue is not effective.
• Use facts to support your position and illustrate with personal experience. Expect detailed questions and follow up with any questions you were unable to answer.
• Be brief. State your concerns, answer any questions and then end the meeting even if you have not finished with your allocated appointment time.
• Leave information to be read after the meeting, though keep it to one page and cover only one issue at a time.
• Ask for something specific. For example, ask your legislator to vote for or against specific legislation. Know the bill # if possible.
• Avoid medical terminology and confusing statistics.

Letters

Be assured that letters receive more than just a passing glance. Each is read, documented and given a response. While not as effective as a personal visit, letters can have significant influence. Identify yourself as a psychiatrist, the issue you are writing about, and whether or not you are a constituent. Address the legislator properly (The Honorable John Doe).

• Include the bill number or name of legislation you are writing about.
• Keep letters to one page.
• Focus on one topic and one request.
• Use your own writing style. Staff can pick up on copied information and form letters.
• Always sign the letter and leave your contact information.
• Identify how this issue affects you or the group you represent.

We need all members' e-mail address or fax numbers if you don't use e-mail. We need for you to respond to legislative alerts promptly. Begin today. If you are not sure who your legislators are call the county court clerk. If you are not sure of the address, call the KPA office.

By Theresa Walton and Adam Wooten, M.D.

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