IPA President John Heroldt, right, presents Pat McGuffey with award for 30 years of service. (Photo Provided)

Indiana government-relations veteran Pat McGuffey, ESQ, was recognized by the Indiana Psychological Association (IPA) for 30-years of service to the profession on December 5th during its Board of Directors meeting.

“I am excited to recognize Pat with an award for her dedication and service to our association and to the profession of psychology. She helped pass important legislation for psychologists and the clients we serve,” said IPA President and psychologist, Dr. John Heroldt, Ed.D. “We continue to rely on her expertise in the field and value the positive relationship she has with many legislators.”

McGuffey has successfully advocated for numerous mental health, health, and budgetary issues. She works with the Indiana Psychological Association (IPA) year-round on governmental affairs and policy issues and provides recommendations for advancing and protecting the profession. With over 30 years in governmental affairs, McGuffey has a track record of success. She has cooperated with numerous administrations and was awarded the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Frank O’Bannon in 2002.

The Indiana Psychological Association (IPA) represents Indiana psychologists and graduate students throughout the state. Each year, the IPA testifies on behalf of the profession on issues that affect the practice of psychology. This year, IPA worked to successfully pass Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 88, which removed the requirement for a psychiatrist to be one of the three experts appointed by a judge when an insanity defense is raised. The bill changed the psychiatrist requirement to only cases involving homicide but also requires at least one psychologist for homicide cases. With Pat’s leadership, IPA also protected the privacy of students who receive mental health services and adults who are committed by amending House Enrolled Act 1204 so that release of student mental health records to schools (at the request of parents or guardians) are limited, follow HIPPA requirements, and includes immunity for providers. Last, but not least, the IPA worked to protect patient confidentiality by working with the authors of House Enrolled Act 1218 to ensure that information submitted to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) would not include clinical information.  Dr. Tom Barbera, Chair of the IPA Governmental Affairs Committee, added, “All of these achievements were made possible through Pat’s guidance and leadership as our association’s lobbyist.  We are grateful she has remained with our organization for 30 years and look forward to working with her on future legislative efforts.”