Pennsylvania Psychological Association's 

Political Action Committee 

The Pennsylvania Psychological Association Political Action Committee (PennPsyPAC) was organized to  advocate in the political arena for the advancement of PPA's mission: "to effectively communicate to the public, policy makers, and membership, the value of evidence-based and ethical practice; to support the lifelong learning of competent and ethical psychologists; and to promote and connect our membership to foster a community of professional psychologists."

As a political action committee, PennPsyPAC is in a position to legally make campaign contributions in support of those candidates who support psychology's agenda. In addition, PennPsyPAC provides funding to educate and assist psychologists in their individual grassroots political advocacy on behalf of psychology.

PennPsyPAC funds an annual workshop for psychologists on effective advocacy and lobbying techniques.  In addition, PennPsyPAC has provided funding to help elect legislators who are willing to support PPA's position on the issues defined by PPA members as the most important to them.

This year our primary legislative goal will be to amend the licensing law.  The psychology licensing law has not been amended since 1986 and it contains many sections which need to be modernized.  We will be pursuing a bill which will amend the licensing law by eliminating certain exemptions, modernizing the experience requirements and making technical amendments. 

In addition we will be involved in discussions regarding the amendment of the Mental Health Procedures Act.  Lastly, every session PPA looks for ways to expand statutory recognition for psychologists.  In past years, PPA has supported bills, which were signed into law, that have allowed psychologists to be court appointed to make insanity determinations and to conduct evaluations of police officers and firefighters to fitness of duty.  It is important for these smaller bills to be passed because cumulatively they help distinguish psychologists from other mental health professionals.

PennPsyPAC relies solely on contributions for its ability to provide political advocacy. Contributions may be made to: PennPsyPAC, 5925 Stevenson Avenue, Suite H, Harrisburg, PA 17112 or online by following this link.