The future of health care reform: Implications of 1994 elections.

The Republicans took control of both houses of Congress in November of 1994 for the 1st time in 42 yrs. Although the magnitude of the Clinton Administration's proposed Health Security Act may well have triggered fears of overcontrol, it is clear that the delivery of psychological care will be changed dramatically by the combined forces of federal and state health reform. R. J. Resnick, President of the American Psychological Association, has appointed the Task Force on Education and Training for Work in Organized Delivery Systems to look at how psychological health care is provided in the new and evolving systems, and to examine how current training programs prepare new psychologists to practice in and around organized health care systems. Dr. Resnick is similarly concerned about standardization of training, training in nontraditional areas of competence, and increased federal recognition and funding of training in psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Anomalous right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery in Taussig-Bing anomaly

The presence of associated anomalies in patients with double-outlet right ventricle can significantly alter surgical intervention. Preoperative delineation of these anomalies can facilitate surgical planning and improve outcome. We describe a case in which the right coronary artery and anterior descending coronary artery arose from the pulmonary artery in a patient with double-outlet right ventricle with subpulmonary ventricular septal defect (Taussig-Bing anomaly). Recognition of this important anomaly prevented significant intraoperative myocardial damage by altering techniques of cardioplegia administration for myocardial preservation.     

A perspective on the nation's antitrust policies: Implications for psychologists.

In response to significant change in the health care market, federal antitrust agencies recently examined their past policies and future directions for antitrust law enforcement in the health care industry. This article reviews how the federal antitrust laws have been used to both aid and restrict the practice of psychology, psychologists' dealings with managed care, and the limits of antitrust law enforcement efforts. Finally, we argue that narrowly crafted antitrust reform would provide practicing psychologists and other health professionals with some degree of countervailing bargaining power in their negotiations with managed care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism in a second family

Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP), first described in a large Midwestern family, is now reported in a second, apparently unrelated, family in which four individuals have this same syndrome. All four developed sudden onset of dysarthria, dysphagia, severe dystonic spasms, bradykinesia, and postural instability over less than 1 hour to a few days. Three of the four had stable limb dystonia for several years preceding the onset of combined dystonia-parkinsonism. Treatment with levodopa/carbidopa provided little benefit. We propose diagnostic criteria for RDP and further define the spectrum of this unusual disease.     

Malpractice: Professional liability and the law.

Contends that psychologists typically possess only the most rudimentary understanding of the medical–legal concept surrounding today's professional malpractice suits. This article explores the elements making up the underlying concept of negligence and the related notion that it should ultimately be the profession itself, and not the jury, that determines the standard of care with which the accused provider must be compared. Although the proof of provider negligence, or "fault," is the present basis of malpractice, the inherent inappropriateness of such a conceptual model for most medical and especially therapeutic "injuries" is stressed. A recently enacted Hawaii statute establishing medical–legal "claim conciliation panels" is prefered as a logical step in the eventual evolution of a pure "no-fault" approach to the rising incidence of health care suits. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Proceedings of the American Psychological Association, Incorporated, for the year 1992: Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council of Representatives: August 13 and 16, 1992, Washington, DC, and February 26-28, 1993, Washington, DC.

Reports the minutes of the American Psychological Association (APA) for 1992, reflecting the official record of the actions of the Board of Directors and the Council of Representatives. Topics addressed include the minutes of meetings; elections, awards, membership, and human relations; ethics; the Board of Directors; divisions and state and provincial associations; organization of the APA; publications and communications; the Board of Convention affairs; educational affairs; professional affairs; scientific affairs; public interest; ethnic minority affairs; international affairs; the Central Office; financial affairs; and communications concerning outside organizations. (0 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Public Health and Psychology: An Important, Expanding Interaction.

The authors opine that the behavioral sciences and the field of psychology are absolutely vital in meeting the nation's needs regarding health and health policy. Psychologists have become increasingly involved in health psychology, as reflected by the establishment and rapid growth of Division 38 (Health Psychology). This expansion of psychologists' involvement in physical health research and intervention has led to increased contact between psychologists and nurses, public health experts, and nonpsychiatric physicians. With such contact, psychologists are being recruited into the faculties of schools of nursing, schools of public health, and schools of medicine. This article examines aspects of psychology's role in, involvement with, and contribution to one sector of this arena--public health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sanity examiner certification: An evolving national agenda.

A national survey of the states and territories revealed that the vast majority of state courts allow psychologists (and other nonphysician health care providers) to serve as forensic experts. Over the past decade organized psychology has been similarly successful in removing all known legislative and administrative barriers to its participation in the federal judicial system. The American Bar Association's criminal justice mental health standards provide for parity with medicine. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A Head Start for the 21st century.

Social and economic conditions since the creation of Head Start in 1965 have worsened. The stresses of economic restructuring in the US and the pervasiveness of violence have severely eroded the capacity of many families to provide safe and caring homes in strong communities. The necessary adaptation of Head Start to these new conditions involves the essential linkage of early childhood and family support approaches with community economic development. This strategy must include a reappraisal of mental health paradigms that will enable children, youth, and families to be healthy and productive members of their neighborhoods and country. Although public support for Head Start remains strong, considerable rethinking about a Head Start for the 21st century is now occurring; results will affect the quality of life for the entire society. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)