Government Affairs Committee

Committee Chair: Don J. Fowls, MD

Our Approach

The Government Affairs Committee advocates for the professional interests of Arizona Psychiatric Society (APS) members and their patients with public officials at the local, state, and federal levels. It monitors legislative and advocacy issues relevant to Arizona psychiatrists and their patients, working closely with the APS Lobbyist. The committee reviews active legislation, assigns it to the appropriate subcommittees, recommends positions of support or opposition on mental health issues, and engages in the RTS system for legislative commentary. Members maintain relationships with elected representatives, testify, and comment on priority issues. Current work groups focus on mental health parity and patient safety.
Members
Don J. Fowls, MD, FAPA Chair Nicholas Ahrendt, MD, Co-Chair Gretchen Alexander, MD, DLFAPA Jasleen Chhatwal, MD, DFAPA Edward Gentile, DO, DLFAPA Joanna Kowalik, MD, FAPA Stephen (Larry) Mecham, DO Chiranjir Ravi Narine, MD Carol Olson, MD, DLFAPA Jack Potts, MD Gagandeep Singh, MD, DFAPA Tyler Vestal, MD

Sub-Committees

The subcommittees of the Government Affairs Committee are specialized groups focused on addressing key issues within mental health policy. Each subcommittee tackles unique challenges and drives advocacy efforts in its specific area of focus. Collectively, they work to ensure that mental health legislation benefits both patients and providers, advocating for improvements in care, access, and the overall mental health policy landscape.
Care Management Subcommittee
The Care Management Subcommittee works to improve healthcare access and quality by addressing prior authorization, step therapy, parity, and grievance procedures.
Network of Providers Subcommittee
The Network of Providers Subcommittee focuses on strengthening the healthcare provider network, workforce development, and ensuring access to care through innovative models like telemedicine and collaborative care.
Title 36 Related Subcommittee
The Special Issues Subcommittee addresses emerging policy challenges such as abortion, psychedelics, and criminal justice, striving to stay ahead of contemporary issues in mental health and advocating for effective, forward-thinking solutions.
Special Issues Subcommittee
The Title 36 Related Subcommittee advocates for legislative compliance and patient rights concerning mental health laws, including Certificates of Evaluation and Treatment, Arizona State Hospital policies, and guardianship.