Accomplishments

We are proud to highlight the recent accomplishments of the Iowa Psychological Association (IPA), showcasing our ongoing commitment to advancing the field of psychology and supporting our community. From successful advocacy efforts to impactful educational initiatives, these achievements reflect our dedication to promoting mental health and psychological science in Iowa.

Explore our recent milestones and see how we are making a difference.

In This Section

Advocacy for Fair Medicaid Standards

Dr. David Beeman, IPA Representative to the Iowa Medicaid Assistance Advisory Council, has engaged in numerous conversations with Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) to address attempts by an Iowa Managed Care Organization (MCO) to hold providers accountable to unrealistic standards that were not stated in their original contract. Dr. Beeman’s and IPA’s advocacy efforts have paid off as the Department of Health and Humans Services and IME, in conjunction with the Attorney General’s Office, have asked the MCO to suspend this unfair practice for behavioral health providers.

APA Advocacy Champion: Dr. JoAnna Romero Cartaya

Dr. JoAnna Romero Cartaya, IPA’s Federal Advocacy Coordinator (FAC), was one of three APA psychologists honored as an APA Advocacy Champion during the APA Advocacy Summit on March 14, 2021. Her expertise as an advocate for federal legislation serves IPA members, and psychologists in general, immensely. She has spearheaded effective outreach efforts to Iowa’s Senators, organized and directed meetings with Representatives’ offices, and prompted effective psychologist outreach to Iowa’s congressional offices.

What you may have missed

Extension of CEU Requirements During COVID-19

Dr. Benge Tallman, IPA President, submitted a request to the Iowa Board of Psychology to extend the time required to meet continuing education requirements for license renewal in 2020, due to hardships associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency. Despite the difficulty of the Board extending deadlines, they recognized the need for flexibility under unprecedented circumstances. Following a lengthy discussion prompted by Dr. Tallman’s request, the Board ultimately voted to allow a one-time decrease in the number of required CEUs, from 40 to 32, for the June 30, 2020 license renewal.

Victory Against Recoupment Demands

In late 2019, under the leadership of Past-IPA President Dr. Warren Phillips, the IPA Executive Council collaborated with the American Psychological Association (APA) Services, Inc. to address Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s recoupment demands. This advocacy effort, detailed in an article published by APA, was a huge victory for IPA, APA, and all psychologists in Iowa.

Grant Awarded for APA Model Licensure Act Advocacy

In May 2018, IPA was awarded a $1000 grant from the Committee on Early Career Psychologists (CECP) to assist us in advocating for adoption of the APA model licensure act within state rules. CECP is encouraging adoption of predoctoral hours to be counted toward hours required for licensure. The funds will be allocated to lobbying efforts, which may include the Board of Psychology and/or the state legislature depending on what is needed to adopt the rules.

Member Benefits

Unlock professional and educational development with top-quality APA-approved continuing education, discounted conference attendance, and resources for managing private practices. As a member, you can connect with peers, advance your career, and make a difference in the field.