CAPP Draws to a Close, Advocacy for Practice Continues*

As I return from the last face to face CAPP meeting, I am reflecting on many emotions. Sadness to say good-bye to a fantastic group of leaders. Gratitude for the leadership lessons and people I have been able to meet through this process. Hope for the continued practice advocacy work that CAPP so beautifully stood for over 30 years. Curiosity about how the work of CAPP will continue in other forms, with a newly transformed APA, strategic plan, and integrated advocacy model.

First, I would like to thank CAPP members for their ongoing work and engagement in the transition. They have remained passionate about making sure that the work CAPP has been doing does not slip through the cracks in the transition. The members of CAPP include: Dr. Lindsey Buckman (Chair), Dr. Peter Oppenheimer, Dr. Traci Cipriano, Dr. Lisa Grossman, Dr. Paul Kettlewell, Dr. Giselle Hass, Dr. Tyler Bradstreet, Dr. Jo Linder Crow, Dr. Pete Liggett, and myself Dr. Kathleen Ashton (Vice Chair). I am confident each of these leaders will go on to strong leadership positions in APA and continue to bring a practice voice to our organization. I would also like to thank our fantastic liaisons to CAPP, the wonderful APA Practice Staff, and members of the APA Board of Directors who all contribute to CAPP’s work.

Our meetings this past weekend continued to focus on the c-6 practice voice, including commenting on cross-cutting agenda items such as the felony question for the Ethics Committee, providing input on practice initiatives such as the Pain Management and Integrated Care program from the Center for Health and Psychology, and working on recommendations for legislative priorities using the new strategic plan.

The majority of our work, however, focused on the effective transition of CAPP duties and the CAPP “voice” as we move into the integrated model. We engaged in thoughtful discussions about what CAPP uniquely brought to Practice and APA, with a recurring theme of a particular perspective or framework that will need infusion into other groups with the transition. Instead of just identifying CAPP tasks which will be “given” to other groups, we discussed integrating the perspective of a practice voice, the importance of the connection to SPTAs, and the ability to provide a rapid response to urgent practice issues.

We are in the process of developing a strong plan for transition in conjunction with other governance groups, the APA BOD, and staff. The Advocacy Coordinating Committee, co-chaired by Dr. Tony Puentes and Dr. Jennifer Kelly, is already underway and will set legislative priorities. CAPP was pleased to share our legislative priorities with this group including reimbursement, protecting the scope of practice, RUC/CPT advocacy, prescriptive privileges, and Medicare physician definition.

In addition, we are working with the Committee for State Leaders and the Board of Professional Affairs on a plan that I strongly feel will continue to meet the needs of the practice community and positively impact practice by a more integrated approach. Both of these groups have been exceptionally receptive and engaged in this process.

CAPP was honored in a variety of ways during this meeting, which meant so much to the current members as well as past members and the practice community. Dr. Rosie Phillips Davis led the crowd in a standing ovation during the opening plenary, which touched us deeply. CAPP pins were distributed for current and past members (thank you to APA Staff Tammy Barnes for this thoughtful touch). CAPP had ongoing visits from APA staff and governance leaders to discuss the transition including Dr. Arthur Evans (APA CEO), Dr. Jim Diaz-Granados (APA Deputy CEO), Dr. Cynthia de las Fuentes (CLT), Katherine McGuire (Chief Advocacy Officer), Dr. Jessica Daniel (APA Past President), Dr. Rosie Phillips Davis (APA President), and Dr. Sandy Shullman (APA President Elect).

Finally, CAPP was able to have its own process at this last face to face meeting to say good-bye. It is a testament to the strength of this group that leaving it brought such strong emotions, including a few tears. CAPP will continue to meet virtually through June, and work closely with other groups to finalize the transition plan for a c-6 voice. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to serve practice and APA, and look to a future of an integrated APA including a strong practice voice.