[NPInfo] AMA

[Diana Galler]

  This letter from was passed on to me by the psychologist I work with. PhD psychologists, of course, are all up in arms over the AMA's attempts to restrict the use of the title "Dr". He also states that the APA has sent a more "subdued" letter of official protest. The AMA isn't only pissing off NPs!!  LOL
  Dena Galler 
   
   
  NAPPP
  

  June 12, 2008
   
  David Lichtman, MD, Chair
  AMA Reference Committee C, Medical Education
  Director, Office of the House of Delegates Affairs
  American Medical Association
  515 N. State Street
  Chicago, Il  60610
   
  Dear Chairman Lichtman:
   
  Please be advised that should the AMA adopt the proposed Resolution 303, our organization will file a complaint before the Federal Trade Commission against the AMA for restraint of trade and for attempting to steal the property rights of licensed psychologists. NAPPP is an organization that represents licensed clinical psychologists only, and we will fight any attempt to restrain our trade and diminish our rights to training. As healthcare professionals, we are amazed that our physician colleagues are so insecure that you feel the need to literally hijack a title that historically was never yours. While we realize that the AMA resolution has no impact in law, and this resolution is an attempt restrain trade by influencing training regulations in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, we believe that any attempt to take what is not yours must be fought vigorously and without hesitation.
   
  NAPPP is a strong believer in collaborative practice. We try to instill in our members the value of working with physicians. This resolution will have the effect of creating an adversarial relationship that psychologists have tried to avoid. We remain surprised and clinically interested as to why some physicians need such a resolution. Does the AMA not think that there are no other more pressing issues to deal with? 
   
  Other psychology organizations may feel the need to try to appeal to your sense of reason but NAPPP has no such intent to do this. It is clear that the AMA seeks hegemony over all of healthcare at a time when consumers need choice and access to competent practitioners. 
   
  So, go ahead and pass your resolution. We accept that in a democracy, people and organizations have a right to engage in any activity or activities even if outright ridiculous and destructive.
   
  However, these selfish activities must not butt up against the nose of the next person or limit consumer's access to care from other professionals. I would think that physicians would want to devote more attention to gaining more competencies and helping patients as opposed to spending time and resources trying to convince the public who are the "real" doctors. Psychologists need no such resolutions or laws because we have a degree and independent license that says we are doctors. Perhaps, you should take another look at your degree. If you do, I'm sure this will be all the validity that you will need to establish your appropriate title.
   
  Very truly yours,
   
  Dr. John Caccavale
  Executive Director, NAPPP