An Act prohibiting the participation of healthcare professionals in the torture and abuse of prisoners Is winding its way through the Massachusetts Legislature. The language in this bill is very broad and there are significant errors in their definitions of certain activities, including a very "unique" and very problematic definition of the word "interrogation" which is inaccurate and inconsistent with its true definition. This bill could have a chilling effect on legitimate activities by psychologists. It is likely that there will be a hearing on this bill in November and those involved are looking for feedback and recommendations. DOWNLOAD the Proposed Legislation, read it carefully, and write to the President-Elect of the Massachusetts Psychological Association.
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From: John Fennig <johnfennig@dric.com>
Date: October 16, 2015 at 4:12:06 PM EDT
To: DIV13ANNOUNCEMENT@LISTS.APA.ORG
Subject: [DIV13ANNOUNCEMENT] Due 10/19 - Legislative alert if you are Massachusetts-based psychologist - review and feedback sought - whether in favor or not or wanting things clearer
Please note below the President-Elect of the Massachusetts Psychological Association is looking for input on the language of an Act in the legislature there aimed at all healthcare providers and likely also consultants in the criminal justice system.
These events are consistent with the stated mission and activity to date of the Coalition for An Ethical Psychology.
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From: John Fennig <johnfennig@dric.com>
Date: October 16, 2015 at 4:12:06 PM EDT
To: DIV13ANNOUNCEMENT@LISTS.APA.ORG
Subject: [DIV13ANNOUNCEMENT] Due 10/19 - Legislative alert if you are Massachusetts-based psychologist - review and feedback sought - whether in favor or not or wanting things clearer
Please note below the President-Elect of the Massachusetts Psychological Association is looking for input on the language of an Act in the legislature there aimed at all healthcare providers and likely also consultants in the criminal justice system.
These events are consistent with the stated mission and activity to date of the Coalition for An Ethical Psychology.
“The Coalition is working with others to promote state legislation that would bar all licensed health professionals from participating, directly or indirectly, in torture or other abuses no matter where they happen. Efforts are currently underway in New York, Massachusetts, and several other states.”
John
John Fennig, PhD, LP
CEO DRI Consulting | The Next Step in Leadership
President, Society of Consulting Psychology
johnfennig@dric.com
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From: Dawn <dmcisewski@HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: October 14, 2015 at 10:30:16 AM EDT
To: PUBSERV@LISTS.APA.ORG
Subject: [PUBSERV] Please review proposed legislation
An Act prohibiting the participation of healthcare professionals in the torture and abuse of prisoners Is winding its way through the Massachusetts Legislature. MPA is firmly opposed to the torture and abuse of prisoners, but the language in this bill is very broad and we are concerned that it could have a chilling effect on legitimate activities by psychologists. It is likely that there will be a hearing on this bill in November and we would like to make recommendations to the MPA Board regarding a position and testimony.
Please take a look at this bill. You can find it at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/House/H1921.
I would be grateful for any feedback you can offer about the language in this bill, including:
Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to share this email with a colleague who might also have feedback to offer.
Please provide me with feedback by 10/19 or so.
Thank you for your help.
Dawn
John
John Fennig, PhD, LP
CEO DRI Consulting | The Next Step in Leadership
President, Society of Consulting Psychology
johnfennig@dric.com
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From: Dawn <dmcisewski@HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: October 14, 2015 at 10:30:16 AM EDT
To: PUBSERV@LISTS.APA.ORG
Subject: [PUBSERV] Please review proposed legislation
An Act prohibiting the participation of healthcare professionals in the torture and abuse of prisoners Is winding its way through the Massachusetts Legislature. MPA is firmly opposed to the torture and abuse of prisoners, but the language in this bill is very broad and we are concerned that it could have a chilling effect on legitimate activities by psychologists. It is likely that there will be a hearing on this bill in November and we would like to make recommendations to the MPA Board regarding a position and testimony.
Please take a look at this bill. You can find it at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/House/H1921.
I would be grateful for any feedback you can offer about the language in this bill, including:
- Do you think this bill does or does not conflict with legitimate activities of psychologists in correctional settings or elsewhere?
- Do you think that any particular language in the bill would intimidate psychologists from engaging in legitimate activities?
- If you think that the language is problematic, please provide examples of situations where a psychologist would potentially run afoul of this law (or be at risk of doing so), when performing a legitimate, appropriate activity.
- If you see a problem, can you think of any changes MPA would recommend to language in the bill that would alleviate the problem?
Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to share this email with a colleague who might also have feedback to offer.
Please provide me with feedback by 10/19 or so.
Thank you for your help.
Dawn