Re: So Important to everyone! Exemptions from licensing ---our future at stake!

[Guest guest]

Is your name Keggy? Thank you for calling and helping to clarify the issues around state exemptions.

Take care and I hope for improvements at your position,

nne

 

Time is running out, only a few days left to make your voice heard! I wish everyone could understand how this effects us all! We need to get NYS to use only Licensed Professionals in their agencies! The state is not going to save money by using unlicensed professionals, the quality of service decreases, length of service increases. And, why is it ok for the less fortunate to have less quality of care?

Having worked in OMH and OMR, the harsh reality is that when staff are protected by civil service the quality of care is not neccessarily their top priority. These agencies top priority is passing inspections and watching their numbers. For licensed proffessionals it is a priority, even if it is only to protect themselves. Isn't that why they created a license to begin with?

You may not think this effects you, but when you consider how many people are working in these agencies, doing our jobs, without our schooling or license you will realize it does effect everyone!

The link in the letter below did not work for me, so I am adding this one. Please add your comments even if you do not work for the state.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/surveys/mhpsw/exempt-agencies-survey.htm

>

>

> Good morning,

> It is very important for people to complete the survey posted on the OP

> website by the deadline of 12/23/11. I am attaching the draft minutes from the

> most recent meeting of the NYS Board for Mental Health Practitioners. In

> item #5, the discussion of the surveys completed by the agencies as well as

> the survey currently open, you will note that in paragraph 5 it states " The

> State Board noted their previous opposition to an extension of exemptions

> and affirmed this position, while noting that targeted exemptions or

> alternative pathways to licensure may be appropriate recommendations in the

> Department’s report. Executive Secretary Hamilton will keep the Board updated on

> the development of the report, including when it would be appropriate for

> the State Board to make specific recommendations. " The Board does not

> support the idea of permanent exemptions, and they need to hear from

> constituents at this time - the survey is the way they are hoping to accomplish that.

>

> regards,

> Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC

> Chair, New York State Task Force on Occupational Regulation

> Mid-Atlantic Region/American Music Therapy Association

>

> In a message dated 12/12/2011 11:53:16 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

> linda@... writes:

>

>

>

>

> Just was forwarded this from a social work friend, I apologize if this

> specifically has been forwarded and/or discussed, and if I am being redundant.

> What does anyone know about this...

>

>

>

>

>

> Weekly Informational Newsletter to Members

> December 09, 2011

>

> ____________________________________

>

> Message from Marsha Wineburgh, President 2012

>

> Season's Greetings , now for the bad news. The state agencies are seeking

> permanent exemption from our licensing legislation. At the very least it

> will set up two tiers of mental health service (self-pay, insurance vs.

> working poor, uninsured) and seriously weaken consumer protection in view of

> deep state agency budget cuts and concomitant service limitations and scanty

> supervision of untrained staff. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO TAKE THE SURVEY

> BELOW (as an individual in #5) offered by the Office of the Professions.

> Don't be overwhelmed. it is not that difficult and is VERY important.

> _SWMHPSurvey@..._ (mailto:SWMHPSurvey@...)

> Deadline for survey is 12/23/11

>

> Four agencies are especially important to address: OMH, OASAS, OCFS and

> OPWDD. Feel free to address them all, however.

>

> Office of Mental Health (OMH) : we recommend opposing permanent exemption

> of OMH programs;

> indicate oversight and supervision of the unlicensed service provider

> inadequate for treatment of mentally ill

>

> Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) : we recommend o

> pposing permanent exemption and oppose reopening grandparenting for

> qualified individuals into LMSW and LCSW status. Our law was passed in 2002-4 and

> grandfathering was available at that time. We oppose a multidisciplinary

> approach which fails to provide a differential diagnosis by a licensed

> mental health professional in the initial treatment assessment process (dual dx,

> etc). And we recommend more specificity about " sufficent oversite and

> supervision of services " by CAC trainees.

>

> Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS): we recommend opposing

> exemption for state operated or regulated programs. Oversight inadequate.

>

> Office for People with Developmental Disabiltiies (OPWDD): We oppose

> permanent exemption of requirement to license behavi oral health practitioners.

>

> send this request to any mental health professional or interested others.

> it is very important to protect quality psychotherapy services for all of

> our citizens.

>

> Message:From Hamilton, Exec. Secty. State Social Work Board

> Subject: Survey posted on OP website allows opportunity to comment on

> exempt agency proposals

> Good morning,

> Thank you for your comments and feedback on the proposed survey to collect

> comments and responses to the agency p: ans. We have finalized the

> intoverwhelmedroductory statement and the survey; they can be accessed at our

> website: _http://www.op.nysed.gov/surveys/mhpsw/exempt-agencies-survey.htm_

> (http://www.op.nysed.gov/surveys/mhpsw/exempt-agencies-survey.htm) .

> We ask that you share this website with colleagues and partners, so that

> we can collect responses from a broad array of individuals (including

> licensed and un-licensed persons, consumers, family members, and members of the

> public) as well as associations, provider groups, and agencies/programs.

> The website includes the full reports and attachments submitted by the

> exempt agencies, as well as the link to the Survey Monkey tool. We are asking

> that all comments be submitted by individuals, organizations and agencies

> by December 23, 2011. This will allow OP time to compile and review the

> comments and complete a draft report from the Department. The draft will be

> shared with the State Boards and the Board of Regents' Professional Practice

> Committee in early 2012, as well as the exempt agencies and other

> stakeholders.

> Please note that there is one question (#5) which requires an answer.

> Question #5 asks the respondent to indicate whether he/sh e is responding as an

> individual or as the representative of an association or program for which

> they are responding and, in the case of programs, whether it is operated,

> regulated, funded or approved by one of the seven exempt agencies, before

> they jump into the survey (the organization can leave any or all questions

> blank and still proceed into the survey). Individuals will not see the

> questions about relationships to exempt agencies. and will jump directly to the

> survey.

> We provided an opportunity for respondents to select one or more agency's

> on which he/she is commenting, with a list of the programs at the end of

> each agency section. There is also an option for respondents to jump backward

> or forward or to complete the survey. We hope that individuals will review

> and comment on all proposals, as there may be proposals from one that an

> individual could suggest be considered for other agencies. However, we

> wanted to allow a respondent to " pick and choose " in the hopes that we can

> increase participation and comments.

> There is an opportunity for organizations to submit comments and letters,

> by mailing those to _SWMHPSurvey@..._

> (mailto:SWMHPSurvey@...) . This is also the address where questions about the survey

> process could be submitted.

> Thanks again for your help,

>

> Hamilton, Ph.D., LMSW, ACSW

> Executive Secretary

> State Board for Social Work

> State Board for Mental Health Practitioners

> Office of the Professions

> New York State Education Department

> The University of the State of New York

> 89 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12234-1000

> web: _http://www.op.nysed.gov_ (http://www.op.nysed.gov/)

> ext. 450

> fax

> Follow us on Facebook: (http://www.facebook.com/NYSProfessions)

> _www.facebook.com/NYSProfessions_

> (http://www.facebook.com/NYSProfessi%20ons)

>

[Guest guest]

I apologize, this was not meant for the listserve.

Is your name Keggy? Thank you for calling and helping to clarify the issues around state exemptions.

Take care and I hope for improvements at your position,

nne

 

Time is running out, only a few days left to make your voice heard! I wish everyone could understand how this effects us all! We need to get NYS to use only Licensed Professionals in their agencies! The state is not going to save money by using unlicensed professionals, the quality of service decreases, length of service increases. And, why is it ok for the less fortunate to have less quality of care?

Having worked in OMH and OMR, the harsh reality is that when staff are protected by civil service the quality of care is not neccessarily their top priority. These agencies top priority is passing inspections and watching their numbers. For licensed proffessionals it is a priority, even if it is only to protect themselves. Isn't that why they created a license to begin with?

You may not think this effects you, but when you consider how many people are working in these agencies, doing our jobs, without our schooling or license you will realize it does effect everyone!

The link in the letter below did not work for me, so I am adding this one. Please add your comments even if you do not work for the state.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/surveys/mhpsw/exempt-agencies-survey.htm

>

>

> Good morning,

> It is very important for people to complete the survey posted on the OP

> website by the deadline of 12/23/11. I am attaching the draft minutes from the

> most recent meeting of the NYS Board for Mental Health Practitioners. In

> item #5, the discussion of the surveys completed by the agencies as well as

> the survey currently open, you will note that in paragraph 5 it states " The

> State Board noted their previous opposition to an extension of exemptions

> and affirmed this position, while noting that targeted exemptions or

> alternative pathways to licensure may be appropriate recommendations in the

> Department’s report. Executive Secretary Hamilton will keep the Board updated on

> the development of the report, including when it would be appropriate for

> the State Board to make specific recommendations. " The Board does not

> support the idea of permanent exemptions, and they need to hear from

> constituents at this time - the survey is the way they are hoping to accomplish that.

>

> regards,

> Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC

> Chair, New York State Task Force on Occupational Regulation

> Mid-Atlantic Region/American Music Therapy Association

>

> In a message dated 12/12/2011 11:53:16 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

> linda@... writes:

>

>

>

>

> Just was forwarded this from a social work friend, I apologize if this

> specifically has been forwarded and/or discussed, and if I am being redundant.

> What does anyone know about this...

>

>

>

>

>

> Weekly Informational Newsletter to Members

> December 09, 2011

>

> ____________________________________

>

> Message from Marsha Wineburgh, President 2012

>

> Season's Greetings , now for the bad news. The state agencies are seeking

> permanent exemption from our licensing legislation. At the very least it

> will set up two tiers of mental health service (self-pay, insurance vs.

> working poor, uninsured) and seriously weaken consumer protection in view of

> deep state agency budget cuts and concomitant service limitations and scanty

> supervision of untrained staff. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO TAKE THE SURVEY

> BELOW (as an individual in #5) offered by the Office of the Professions.

> Don't be overwhelmed. it is not that difficult and is VERY important.

> _SWMHPSurvey@..._ (mailto:SWMHPSurvey@...)

> Deadline for survey is 12/23/11

>

> Four agencies are especially important to address: OMH, OASAS, OCFS and

> OPWDD. Feel free to address them all, however.

>

> Office of Mental Health (OMH) : we recommend opposing permanent exemption

> of OMH programs;

> indicate oversight and supervision of the unlicensed service provider

> inadequate for treatment of mentally ill

>

> Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) : we recommend o

> pposing permanent exemption and oppose reopening grandparenting for

> qualified individuals into LMSW and LCSW status. Our law was passed in 2002-4 and

> grandfathering was available at that time. We oppose a multidisciplinary

> approach which fails to provide a differential diagnosis by a licensed

> mental health professional in the initial treatment assessment process (dual dx,

> etc). And we recommend more specificity about " sufficent oversite and

> supervision of services " by CAC trainees.

>

> Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS): we recommend opposing

> exemption for state operated or regulated programs. Oversight inadequate.

>

> Office for People with Developmental Disabiltiies (OPWDD): We oppose

> permanent exemption of requirement to license behavi oral health practitioners.

>

> send this request to any mental health professional or interested others.

> it is very important to protect quality psychotherapy services for all of

> our citizens.

>

> Message:From Hamilton, Exec. Secty. State Social Work Board

> Subject: Survey posted on OP website allows opportunity to comment on

> exempt agency proposals

> Good morning,

> Thank you for your comments and feedback on the proposed survey to collect

> comments and responses to the agency p: ans. We have finalized the

> intoverwhelmedroductory statement and the survey; they can be accessed at our

> website: _http://www.op.nysed.gov/surveys/mhpsw/exempt-agencies-survey.htm_

> (http://www.op.nysed.gov/surveys/mhpsw/exempt-agencies-survey.htm) .

> We ask that you share this website with colleagues and partners, so that

> we can collect responses from a broad array of individuals (including

> licensed and un-licensed persons, consumers, family members, and members of the

> public) as well as associations, provider groups, and agencies/programs.

> The website includes the full reports and attachments submitted by the

> exempt agencies, as well as the link to the Survey Monkey tool. We are asking

> that all comments be submitted by individuals, organizations and agencies

> by December 23, 2011. This will allow OP time to compile and review the

> comments and complete a draft report from the Department. The draft will be

> shared with the State Boards and the Board of Regents' Professional Practice

> Committee in early 2012, as well as the exempt agencies and other

> stakeholders.

> Please note that there is one question (#5) which requires an answer.

> Question #5 asks the respondent to indicate whether he/sh e is responding as an

> individual or as the representative of an association or program for which

> they are responding and, in the case of programs, whether it is operated,

> regulated, funded or approved by one of the seven exempt agencies, before

> they jump into the survey (the organization can leave any or all questions

> blank and still proceed into the survey). Individuals will not see the

> questions about relationships to exempt agencies. and will jump directly to the

> survey.

> We provided an opportunity for respondents to select one or more agency's

> on which he/she is commenting, with a list of the programs at the end of

> each agency section. There is also an option for respondents to jump backward

> or forward or to complete the survey. We hope that individuals will review

> and comment on all proposals, as there may be proposals from one that an

> individual could suggest be considered for other agencies. However, we

> wanted to allow a respondent to " pick and choose " in the hopes that we can

> increase participation and comments.

> There is an opportunity for organizations to submit comments and letters,

> by mailing those to _SWMHPSurvey@..._

> (mailto:SWMHPSurvey@...) . This is also the address where questions about the survey

> process could be submitted.

> Thanks again for your help,

>

> Hamilton, Ph.D., LMSW, ACSW

> Executive Secretary

> State Board for Social Work

> State Board for Mental Health Practitioners

> Office of the Professions

> New York State Education Department

> The University of the State of New York

> 89 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12234-1000

> web: _http://www.op.nysed.gov_ (http://www.op.nysed.gov/)

> ext. 450

> fax

> Follow us on Facebook: (http://www.facebook.com/NYSProfessions)

> _www.facebook.com/NYSProfessions_

> (http://www.facebook.com/NYSProfessi%20ons)

>