As evident in several previous posts, the approach I’m taking to address the problem of incompetent and conflict-of-interest ridden bureaucracies is to seek legislative remedies. I have recently had exchanges with colleagues who are taking different approaches to the same kind of problem. One aims to develop a coaching/mentoring network to help people who are caught in bureaucratic tar pits. Another is proposing that the American Psychological Association establish adjudicative proficiency standards for members of psychology boards in the U.S.

Dr. Lenore Walker presented these PowerPoint slides in 2005 at the APA national convention, and is updating them for future presentations. (To advance the slides, click on the page down arrow in the lower right corner of the window in which the slides open.) In a nutshell, the proposal calls for the profession to adopt minimum proficiencies for all psychologists sitting on licensing and similar adjudicating boards throughout the country.

I heartily, enthusiastically, zealously (am I making myself clear enough?) support the adoption of such standards for those in adjudicative positions in psychology, and every other regulated profession. I am especially fond of the section that mentions the need for adjudicating professionals to be accountable. I can state with a high degree of certainty that the people sitting on the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners during my 23 years in the state have fallen at least 90% short of meeting the specific skills, knowledge, and practices mentioned in the PowerPoint slides.

Here, then, is to professions establishing adjudicative proficiency standards for those serving on their licensing boards, and beyond that, legislatures requiring Secretaries of State to institute adjudicative proficiency standards, and accountability measures, for all boards operating under their umbrellas.

Peace.

Deborah Alicen