ABN Presidents Column: Spring 2007

As I sit down to write this column for the ABN newsletter, I had hoped to have an update on the Division 40 definition of a neuropsychologist and the ABN challenge to the current definition. The Division 40 definition was discussed at the Division 40 EC meeting last week at the February 2007 INS conference. I have been told that based on that discussion, Division 40 plans to publish a new definition that the task force put forth. Division 40 needs to finalize the definition and have it reviewed by APA Counsel to decide what level of review it will require from APA governance. Division 40 expects that process to be completed within the next few weeks. Because the new definition is not finalized, Division 40 representatives prefer not to discuss its specifics yet. However, I have been assured that the task force and the Division 40 EC has been responsive to the concerns raised about the archival definition, while also upholding the Division's longstanding stance in favor of explicit guidelines for education and training that result in competencies open to public verification and peer review. Look for additional information as it develops in the next few weeks.

ABN has continued to foster its excellent relationship with ABPdN and several ABN members have passed the ABPdN board certification process. Several ABPdN members are also among our newest ABN diplomates. I am happy to report that in addition to new members from ABPdN, applications are up from recent years and we have been receiving inquiries and interest in ABN which should ensure a bright future for our organization.

ABN has developed an affiliation with the National Alliance of Professional Psychology Providers (NAPPP) http://www.nappp.org and we have negotiated a reduced membership fee for ABN members amounting to a 25% reduction or $180.00 per year. This affiliation will allow ABN to develop and present a CE course on neuropsychological evaluations or any other suitable course to members at no charge. In turn, ABN members will have access to all programs offered by NAPPP and ABN can market services and courses to NAPPP members at no charge. NAPPP has recently completed an agreement for a new RxP training program leading to a master’s degree through North Central University in Arizona at a significant reduction in cost and time. Prescriptive authority is certainly the newest development in the field of psychology and the vast majority of boarded neuropsychologists who currently enjoy this privilege are members of ABN. Details can be viewed at http://nappp.org/nappprxp.php.

I have recently joined NAPPP and I would encourage all ABN members to also become members of NAPPP.

In the next few months, look for developments in the ABN website and some interesting developments in marketing strategies that will hopefully benefit all ABN members.

Sincerely,

John J. Blase, Ph.D., ABN
President, ABN