The Council meeting opened with a discussion of the reliance on written records for certification. It was pointed out that the Committee on Certification relies not only on the applicant's case reports but also on the evaluation of supervisors and faculty in its determination of the applicant's suitability for certification.
The Council was informed that the programs of the Association were reapproved for Continuing Medical Education credits. The Association was advised that if the American is to co-sponsor programs of affiliate societies and accredited institutes it must document its participation from the beginning. While the Association is willing to co-sponsor programs, it may be less complicated for affiliate societies and institutes to seek their own accreditation for continuing education through local medical societies and Boards of Quality Assurance.
There then followed a detailed discussion of the degree of financial participation of the Association in the opening reception for the 31st International Psycho-Analytical Congress which will be held in New York City in July, 1979. This is the first meeting of the International to be held in the United States and affords the American an opportunity to reciprocate the hospitality which has been extended to members of this Association for many years. The Council then voted that the Organizing Committee of the 31st International Congress be given the assurance of support and that the Association accept fiscal responsibility for the opening reception of the Congress.
Dr. Robert Wallerstein reported that the Fund for Psychoanalytic Research has approved five requests for which they have awarded a total of $32,000. They anticipate a similar expenditure at the December, 1978 meeting. The response of the members to the voluntary assessment has made these grants possible.
Dr. Alfred Stanton, Chairman of the Committee on Scientific Activities, outlined the plans of this Committee to reply to a request from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare for comments on regulations governing the conduct of research studies on the institutionalized “mentally infirm.”
A major portion of the meeting of the Executive Council was devoted to a detailed discussion of the lawsuit which the Michigan Psychoanalytic Society has brought against the Blues because of their reduction of coverage for mental illness. This action has implications for national insurance coverage for mental illness. Michigan is challenging the Blues on the grounds of its intrusion into the determination of medical necessity for treatment, and its establishment of arbitrary criteria for payment for treatment of mental illness. Members of the Michigan Society described in detail the procedures they have followed to date. They have expended a great deal of money and expect to spend considerably more. They are seeking financial support from members of the Association. The question of assessing members to support this legal action and possibly other similar actions was vigorously debated. There was also extensive discussion as to whether Michigan should proceed alone or join with the psychiatric society and other medical groups which are also concerned in the Blues' policies of insurance coverage. Dr. Herbert Gaskill, Chairman of the Committee on National Issues, reviewed the discussions of his Committee with our legislative consultants in Washington about this issue. He suggested that if we proceeded with an assessment of members at this time, we might jeopardize our tax-exempt status. He made the following proposals which was accepted by the Council.
The Executive Council and the Committee on National Issues wish to reaffirm support of the Michigan situation and the initiatives they have taken.
No assessment be made at this time to establish a fund for legal action as we need to consult our New York lawyers in regard to our tax-exempt status if we are to establish such a fund.
A representative of our Washington legal counsel meet in Detroit with members of the Michigan Society to review their actions and advise the Association as to how to proceed.
Another letter be circularized from the Association to the membership asking for voluntary contributions.
Contact our liaison representative to the American Psychiatric Association to determine their attitude about the Michigan situation.
Continue to consult with the American Psychiatric Association about the issue of parity from third-party payers for mental illness.
Dr. Milton Meltzer, retiring Chairman of the Committee on Insurance, gave a comprehensive report on the work of his committee. He concluded his report with the following proposal:
Dr. Meltzer proposed that the American Psychoanalytic Association establish a fund to promote and protect equal coverage for mental illness in insurance programs. A Board of Directors shall administer the Fund and shall initiate and support actions they feel are suitable to attain the objectives of the Fund as expressions of the policies of the American Psychoanalytic Association.
There was general acceptance of Dr. Meltzer's proposal but some concern was expressed that it might be incompatible with Dr. Gaskill's proposal. To resolve this dilemma, Dr. Stanley Stern moved “that we support Dr. Meltzer's proposal subject to the reservations of Dr. Gaskill's proposal.” This motion was passed by the Council.
The Committee on Affiliate Societies recommended that the Wisconsin Study Group be accepted into the Association. The Council voted positively on this recommendation.
Dr. Leo Madow reported that the Committee on DSM III of the American Psychiatric Association has been receptive to some suggestions which the DSM III Committee of our Association have offered. Dr. Madow stated that it is unlikely that there will be further changes in DSM III but urged that we be alert to proposals we might make for DSM IV.
Dr. David Dean Brockman, Chairman of the Committee on Public Information, reported on the media coverage of the work of the Association. His Committee is planning to collaborate with the public information activities of the American Psychiatric Association. He urged members to present their work to psychiatric and medical societies and to encourage the activities of residents.
Dr. Gaskill, Chairman of the Committee to Study the Professional Activities of Psychoanalysts, presented a sensitive and comprehensive statement which could serve to guide the activities of psychoanalysts. The Council voted that it be forwarded to the Ethics Committee with the suggestion that it be included in our Principles of Ethics.
Dr. Milton Jucovy reported on the exciting plans for the meeting of the International Psycho-Analytical Congress in July, 1979. He urged members to plan to attend the meeting.
A motion that the Association not meet in states which have not ratified the ERA amendment was not seconded. Many members expressed the opinion that the American should not take a position on political issues.
The amendment which was submitted to mail ballot extending the terms of the President and President-Elect was passed by an overwhelming majority.
Dr. Robert Gilliland was elected Secretary to complete the term of the incumbent Secretary, who will become President-Elect at this meeting.
The following were selected for membership on the Exploratory Subcommittee of the Nominating Committee:
Herbert J. Schlesinger, Ph.D.
Edward Weinshel, M.D.
The following are the nominee for office in the Association:
President-Elect:
Arnold M. Cooper, M.D.
Maurice R. Friend, M.D.
Secretary:
Jerome S. Beigler, M.D.
Robert M. Gilliland, M.D.
Treasurer:
William L. Granatir, M.D.
William S. Robbins, M.D.
Council-at-Large:
Sol Altschul, M.D.
Donald L. Burnham, M.D.
Alan J. Eisnitz, M.D.
Stanley Goodman, M.D.