California Association of Psychiatric Technicians

California Association of Psychiatric Technicians1220 ‘S’ Street, Suite 100Sacramento, CA 95811-7138

Non-Profit OrgU.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 46Sacramento, CA

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

■ DSH – Potential Incompetent to stand trial bed expansion for up to 105 beds between Atascadero and Coalinga

■ DSH – Potential funding for planning and design of a new fence around a 505 bed housing unit at Metropolitan State Hospital

■ DSH – Potential AB 1340 Enhanced Treatment Program construction funding of approximately $11 million

■ CDCR – Potential increase in PT staffing of up to 190 positions

■ DDS – Announced goal to close Sonoma DC by 2018, Fairview and the non-secure portions of Porterville by 2021

■ DDS – Increased conversation about the community state staffing plan in conjunction with the DC closures

OUTREACH2015

psychtechs.netMay / June

STATEBudget Update

2 - MAY / JUNE 2015

Reminders & IMPORTANT INFO

Christine Caro, Editor and Layout DesignerCarol Wiesmann, Managing Editor

CAPT is represented by Murch, Bassoff & Associates, Inc.

Imagesetting and Printing byCPS Publications and Mail Services

Sacramento, CA

Outreach is the official publication of the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians and is printed at least six times each year.

Outreach is published by: CAPT Headquarters 1220 ‘S’ Street, Ste 100 Sacramento, CA 95811-7138. Phone: Toll Free (800) 677-CAPT (2278) or locally at (916) 329-9140

CAPT is a non-profit corporation serving as the exclusive representative of all employees in Psychiatric Technician Bargaining Unit 18 in California State Civil Service.

CAPT is also the professional association for all California Psychiatric Technicians.

Volume 30, Issue 3May / June 2015

How to reach us ...CAPT Sacramento HeadquartersToll Free (800) 677-CAPT (2278)

or (916) 329-9140(916) 329-9145 (Fax)

You may contact your state and chapter officers directly. Their contact information is listed on the following page. If a voicemail is left on their cell or if you send an e-mail or text, be sure to leave your name, work location, and phone number, as well as a short explanation of your issue.

Going mobile? Take CAPT with you! CAPT’s popular www.psychtechs.net website – and all of its professional and union information – is here for you when you’re on the go! Our site automatically optimizes to suit your mobile device, and you can download our “CAPTApp” for your mobile device as well. Check these helpful tools out today!

us at: twitter.com/psychtechs

and follow some of our chapters on

Leaving the Bargaining Unit?Contact us to ensure your dues or fees are stopped!

When an individual leaves the bargaining unit, their CAPT dues or fees should be stopped by the State Controller’s Office. However, in some instances where an employee remains in state service, the SCO may not automatically halt this deduction.

So, if you are planning to leave Bargaining Unit 18, please let us know. Also, if you have already left and have noticed your BU 18 dues or fees have not stopped, please be sure to contact Debi Loger at (800) 677-2278 or at loger@psychtechs.net. You may be eligible for a refund of up to six months.

Check out our catastrophic leave list on our website. Keep abreast of what’s happening! CAPT updates its website frequently, making sure you have current information on state, department, and CAPT news, at your facility and statewide.

psychtechs.net

Have you been …accused of wrongdoing, placed under investigation, injured or assaulted on the job, in need of licensure or certification help, getting ready to retire, or just not sure who to ask or where to turn? Call CAPT!

We are here to help you with a whole range of issues and concerns affecting state Bargaining Unit 18 members. Whether it’s something as simple as updating your address or insurance beneficiary, or something more pressing like the need for worksite representation, all your questions and calls are important. So don’t wait—call CAPT at (800) 677-2278

Are you a CAPT member or a fee-payer?Our fee-payers often believe that since they pay fees to the union, they must be CAPT members. This is not true. As a fee-payer, the amount of your monthly “fair-share fees” is slightly less than what you would pay as a dues-paying member. However, your benefits as a fee-payer are also reduced.

If you would like to become a CAPT member or learn more about the benefits of membership, please contact your local chapter representative. A listing of CAPT’s chapter presidents and their contact information is provided on the following page.

Planning to retire soon?

Don’t forget that CAPT offers its retired State of California mem-bers the same insurance benefits it provides its active members. As a retired member, CAPT will continue to provide -- $5,000 in Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage and $5,000 in Life Insurance -- without any age term.

IMPORTANT: For your insurance to continue after your retirement -- for only $5 per month -- you must contact CAPT Headquarters at (800) 677-2278 within 31 days of the last day in the month in which you retired. If you fail to do so, your policy will lapse and cannot be reinstated.

2015 MAY / JUNE - 3

CAPT B

OARD O

F D

IRECTORS State President Juan Nolasco

578 E. Elm St., Coalinga CA 93210Mail to: PO Box 933, Coalinga CA 93210-0933 (559) 217-6312 (Cell) / captpres@att.net

State Vice President: Paul Hannula (see Atascadero listing)State Secretary-Treasurer: Paul Alizaga (see Fairview listing)

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Atascadero: Paul HannulaPO Box 757, Atascadero, CA 93423-0757(805) 235-7832 (Cell) / captashpts@gmail.com(805) 468-2493 (Office) / (805) 861-2390 (Fax)

Coalinga: Jaime Garcia578 E. Elm St., Coalinga CA 93210Mail to: PO Box 933, Coalinga, CA 93210-0933(559) 978-1582 (Cell) / captcoalingachapter@gmail.com(559) 934-0247 (Fax)

Community Facilities: Royce EdgingtonMail to: 82-204 Highway 111, Ste C #106Indio CA 92201(760) 396-8482 (Cell) / redgingtoncommunityfacilities@gmail.com

Northern Corrections: Jennifer AreMail to: c/o CAPT Headquarters1220 S St., Ste 100, Sacramento CA 95811-7138(559) 970-2283 (Cell) / jenniferare@att.net

Southern Corrections: Josette “JoJo” Manning Mail to: 13782 Bear Valley Rd., D-3 #83, Victorville CA 92392(760) 520-5159 (Cell) / josettemanning42@gmail.com

DSH-Stockton: Jamila O’NealStockton Metropolitan Airport5000 South Airport Way, Suite 207Stockton CA 95206(916) 342-2840 (Cell) / j.oneal.capt@gmail.com

Fairview: Paul AlizagaOffice in Employee Org. Rm.PO Box 2796, Costa Mesa, CA 92628-2796(714) 598-6036 (Cell) / captfairview@aol.com(714) 957-5332 (Office) / (714) 754-1065 (Fax)

Lanterman: Chapter has closed; please refer all questions and concerns to Community Facilities Chapter President Royce Edgington.

Metropolitan: Eric SotoMetropolitan State Hospital, 11401 Bloomfield Ave., Norwalk, CA Mail to: PO Box 59569, Norwalk, CA 90652-0569(714) 329-7425 (Cell) / captmetrochapter@gmail.com(562) 286-8007 (Fax)

Napa: Mike Jarschke PO Box 10906, Napa, CA 94581-2906(707) 252-7320 (Cell) / jarschkecapt@gmail.com (707) 252-7320 (Office) / (707) 736-7022 (Fax) Patton: Sylvia HernandezPatton State Hospital, House #6Mail to: PO Box 680, Patton, CA 92369-0680(909) 709-8633 (Cell) / pattonchapter@gmail.com(909) 864-1610 (Office) / (909) 864-1695 (Fax)

Porterville: Mike Simental376 North D StreetMail to: PO Box 8703, Porterville, CA 93258-8703(559) 310-0721 (Cell) / msimental14@yahoo.com(559) 781-2278 (Office) / (559) 781-4440 (Fax)captpdc@aol.com Sonoma: Megan Gordon50 Lichtenberg Ave., Sonoma, CA 95476-3621Mail to: PO Box 148, Eldridge, CA 95431-0148(707) 934-5881 (Cell) / captsdc@att.net(707) 938-2795 (Office) / (707) 938-8721 (Fax)

4 The President’s View: Sunshine after the Rain5 Developmental Centers: CAPT fights to delay closures 5 State Closing Last Three Developmental Centers; Community 'Blindsided' by Plan 6 No Mandatory Overtime bill passes legislative hurdle6 BU18 pay increases are coming!7 Proposed expansion would create new jobs for PTs at PDC7 State settles UPC at ASH7 Steward Spotlight: Desiree Cooper, SDC8 Scholarships - Don't miss the application deadline 8 Numbers of Note9 What's happening in Corrections?10-11 PT Walter Lewis named CSP-Corcoran’s Employee of the Month11 President Nolasco meets with CAPT members12-13 Psychiatric Museum opens at Patton State Hospital14 State to conduct statewide employee survey15 New Napa Chapter President announces leadership and goals15 A letter recognizing Napa's Past-president Linda Monahan16-17 Studies & Research17 Psych Tech Scope of Practice18-19 Decoding your diagnosis: Psychiatrists Unveil Plain-English Guide For Patients19 Chapters to elect their Annual Meeting Delegates20 San Diego adopts Laura's Law21 2015 California Democratic Party Convention21 Pension reform measure requires voter approval on retirement benefits22 About Adverse Actions 23 Catastrophic Leave Donations 23 Nine CalPERS Benefits Education Events

COVER: CAPT continues its effort to mitigate the losses brought on by the DC closure proposals by identifying other budgetary opportunities that will work to improve client care and increase our positions in other state facilities.

Index

4 - MAY / JUNE 2015

In unity,

Juan NolascoCAPT State President(559) 217-6312captpres@att.net

“Where there is unity, there is always victory.”- Publilius Syrus

Challenges keep coming at us like a flood in a raging storm. Just hearing what the state did

about the developmental centers in the governor’s budget proposal was disheartening. The proposal to close the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) by 2018, followed by Fairview’s closure and Porterville's non-secure treatment areas by 2021, was disappointing.

While our jobs may be in decline at the developmental centers, they are rapidly expanding in the state hospitals and correctional institutions. Still, as state employees, professionals, Californians and human beings, we know that the rapid closures of these facilities are not going to be in the best interest of our most vulnerable clients. The question I have heard most often from those of you caring for these individuals is: "What will happen to the most delicate clients who need around-the-clock monitoring?" That same question is what ran through my mind as I watched the rapid closures of Agnews Developmental Center in 2009 and then the closure of Lanterman Developmental Center at the end of 2014.

We believe rushed closures threaten our clients' care and safety, which is why we have been working tirelessly imploring the state to not rush through these closures. We have asked the state to work with our partners, the parent groups, employees, labor, state officials, and other concerned citizens, to help

find safer and more humane closure alternatives than those presently offered.

CAPT has always been a strong advocate for the developmentally disabled, championing on their behalf for better services in California, as well as nationally. Today, CAPT’s advocacy for the developmentally disabled and their caregivers is stronger than ever. While it appears as if things are bleak and there's little hope, I urge you to not give up, but to actively continue protecting and caring for the individuals who need you most. Let us continue being the caregivers that enable these members of our society to live with dignity.

I'll close with something my oldest daughter shared with me on a school project: "Where there is rain, look for the rainbow and when it is dark at night, look to the stars." We've been through some tough times, and together we will make it to a better day.

Sunshine after the Rain

The President’s View

To uphold the integrity and human dignity of those entrusted in my care, and protect them against humiliation, insult or injury without regard to race, color or creed;

To inspire hope and confidence and give assistance, with understanding and friendliness,in finding realistic and meaningful living;

To continue my development of professional competence by complementing scientific study, improving therapeutic techniques, and maintaining high standards of leadership in the field of psychiatric technology.

~The Psychiatric Technician Pledge

2015 MAY / JUNE - 5

State Closing Last Three Developmental Centers; Community 'Blindsided' by Planby David Gorn, California HealthlineMay 20, 2015

On Tuesday, legislators heard concerns about the state's new timeline for closing the three remaining developmental centers in California.

As part of the May budget revise, a closure goal of 2018 was set for the Sonoma Developmental Center and the roughly 400 developmentally disabled people who reside there. The other two remaining centers, Fairview Developmental Center in Southern California and Porterville Developmental Center in the Central Valley, are slated to shut down by 2021 under the new plan.

The state's Department of Developmental Services has been tasked with creating a transition plan for the Sonoma center by Oct. 1.

At Tuesday's hearing of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, DDS director Santi Rogers said he knows it's a tight timeline."The ambitious aspect of the proposal is the time frame," Rogers said.

That raised concern among legislators."Closing Sonoma by 2018 is a really fast pace," state Sen. Jeff

Stone (R-Temecula) said. "What assurances should we publicly state that we will ensure these people get proper care?"

Rogers said lessons have been learned from previous closures. "Our real ambition is to have a same or better outcome from the previous closures," Rogers said.

But health care advocates pointed out that the most recent closure of Agnews Developmental Center near San Jose took five years.

"The 2018 date, while laudable, is unrealistic," said Coby

Pizzotti, legislative advocate for the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians. "It's important to develop community supports and resources before you start setting goals in place," Pizzotti said. "We would like [legislators] to amend the language from … the Oct. 1 deadline to April 1."

Pizzotti said the community had no warning this action was coming so quickly. "We were absolutely blindsided by the May revise," Pizzotti said. "We had little to no warning this was going to transpire."

Shawn Martin, a policy analyst at the Legislative Analyst's Office, said legislators should keep a close eye on the closures, given the tight timeline.

"The proposed closures are faster than Lanternman and Agnews [developmental centers], so it will be important to put safety measures in place to ensure the health, safety and well-being all the individuals in the developmental centers who transfer to the community," Martin said.

State Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel) said the $49.3 million proposed for shutting down the Sonoma facility should have a matching amount of money to set up alternate care settings in the community for the people at those centers.

"One of my disappointments in the May revise is that, while there is funding allocated to try to achieve these closure objectives, there isn't a commensurate investment in the community and regional centers," Monning said.

"I think that's going to be a focus … within the Legislature in both houses," he said. "I think it's unrealistic and unfair to suggest we could allocate resources for the closure and not have commensurate investment."

DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERSCAPT fights to delay closures

As reported earlier, Gov. Brown’s May budget revision proposed a multiyear closure for the remaining state-owned and operated developmental centers ─ Sonoma, Fairview and the non-secure treatment portion of the Porterville Developmental Center. The proposal provides a 2018 target date for the closure of the Sonoma Developmental Center. The subsequent closures of the Fairview DC and the general treatment area of the Porterville DC are planned for approximately 2021.

After the news of these closures broke, your CAPT State President Juan Nolasco and Consultant Coby Pizzotti headed to the Capitol where they met personally with key lawmakers and gave testimony at a critical hearing of the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Nolasco and Pizzotti advocated intensely for an extended closure timeline, arguing that a rushed and reckless closure process would certainly threaten client critical care and safety. Not to mention, they added, the job displacement of many state employees.

Below is an article that appeared in California Healthline about the closures and the testimony given at the committee hearing by your CAPT representatives.

Editor's Note: This article mistakenly reports the closure of the PDC. The closure only effects Porterville's non-secure treatment area.

6 - MAY / JUNE 2015

BU18 pay increases are coming!

NO MANDATORY OVERTIME BillPasses legislative hurdle

As previously reported, last year’s state budget included general salary and shift differential pay increases for state Bargaining Unit 18 members. Your general salary will increase by 2.25 percent effective July 1, 2015. The 2.25 percent increase represents the second and final incremental pay increase negotiated for under Article 4.2 on the Adjusted Pay Ranges of your BU18 Agreement. The first pay raise, a two percent increase, became effective at this same time last year on July 1, 2014.

Under Article 4.5, pertaining to shift differential pay, BU 18 members will receive, effective July 1, 2015, a $1 per hour increase for PM shift differentials and a $1.25 per hour increase for NOC shift differential. Please note that shift differential pay will not count toward compensation for the purposes of retirement.

For more information about your pay increase, please contact your chapter office.

On June 1, the Senate approved and passed on a party line 22-11 vote CAPT-sponsored SB 780 by Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). SB 780 would prohibit state-employed Senior Psychiatric Technicians, Psychiatric Technicians and Psychiatric Technician Assistants from being mandated to work overtime except in certain emergency circumstances, thereby improving the health and safety of patients and staff at state facilities.

The bill now heads to the Assembly where it will be assigned to a policy and fiscal committee for review and consideration. If passed by those committees, SB 780 will go before the full Assembly and if approved there, then before the governor for his signature approval or veto. We expect the bill’s legislative process to extend into the second year of this two-year legislative session.

Your CAPT representatives and activists worked tirelessly to pass this bill out of the Senate. The Senate Appropriations committee estimated the cost of the bill, which prohibits the state from using mandatory overtime as a staffing tool, at nearly $30 million in new hire expenditures. The analyst, however, also mentioned a $25.1 million offset from the money saved in MOT payments, bringing the actual cost of the bill down to only $4.9 million. The $4.9 million figure would again be reduced by savings in workers' compensation, a safer workplace and days lost to sick calls.

“This is a huge victory if for no other reason than that of the Legislature getting to see that BU 18 members at DSH alone worked 1.2 million hours of overtime last year,” CAPT Lobbyist Coby Pizzotti said. “Half the battle in solving the overtime issue is raising awareness; this bill, so far, has forced the departments to show how much they are spending on BU 18 members to work overtime.”

What this bill means to youState facilities routinely violate the collective bargaining agreement with BU 18. While grievances have been filed and granted, the state continues to violate the contract with impunity, as there are no repercussions or deterrents.

SB 780 will prohibit state-employed Senior Psychiatric Technicians, Psychiatric Technicians and Psychiatric Technician Assistants from being mandated to work overtime except in certain emergency circumstances, thereby improving the health and safety of patients and staff at state facilities.

For the latest on SB 780, contact CAPT Consultant Coby Pizzotti at (800) 677-2278.

2015 MAY / JUNE - 7

The Governor’s proposed budget identified funding dollars to expand the Secure Treatment Program at Porterville Developmental Center.

The expansion is tailored to accommodate the increasing number of individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial. The expansion will likely include the opening of additional units, which will create new job opportunities for Psych Techs. PDC fully supports the proposal and is in the process of developing expansion plans pending approval in the Governor’s budget.

CAPT will keep you posted as the expansion plan develops. For more information about the Secure Treatment Program expansion at PDC or if you have any questions, please contact CAPT Consultant Ann Lyles at (800) 677-2278.

Proposed expansion would create new jobs for PTs at PDC

State settles UPC at ASHOn April 6, 2015, CAPT representatives met with

representatives from CalHR and DSH to discuss a potential resolution to an Unfair Practice Charge filed by CAPT with the Public Employee Relations Board.

The UPC included concerns about CAPT members facing obstruction and harassment from their management when they attempted to invoke their rights to protected FMLA leave.

A resolution was reached, which required Atascadero State Hospital to provide a special mandatory updated FMLA training to any management staff who work with CAPT members. In addition, a meeting will occur after the training to assess its results and discuss any remaining concerns.

FMLA rights are protected and upheld!

Steward SpotlightDesiree CooperPsychiatric TechnicianSonoma Developmental Center

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A STATE EMPLOYEE? Twenty-four years.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CAPT STEWARD? Five years.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A STEWARD?I want to be able to help my coworkers understand their rights and our contract.

WHAT ARE SOME STEWARD ACTIVITIES YOU ENJOY DOING? I enjoy saying to coworkers, 'come to our monthly membership meeting! Meet the other active members and chapter stewards, and think about taking steward training yourselves.' WHAT DO YOU SAY TO YOUR COWORKERS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO GET INVOLVED IN THE UNION? I tell them how I have enjoyed attending the annual

delegate conference. I attend the monthly meetings and enjoy the group participation. We really learn from each other. It’s a good feeling to be able to help others.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I have four kids and they are all involved in raising animals for FFA (Future Farmers of America). We raise two pigs a year and have 16 chickens. We camp and go fishing literally every chance we get.

8 - MAY / JUNE 2015

According to a to a new study from the Center for Labor Research and Education at University of California, Berkeley, one-third of California’s employed workers

are defined as “low-wage” earners, and their proportion seems to be growing, rising from 30 percent to 33 percent between 2000 and 2014. An hourly wage of $13.63 or below is considered to be a low-wage. The low-wage cutoff is defined as less than two-thirds of the median wage, which was $20.44 in 2014.

According to a recent report published by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the number of Californians buying individual healthcare plans rose 64%, totaling nearly 2.2

million. In other words, 843,607 people bought an individual healthcare plan since Obamacare took full effect last year. The figures represent plans purchased both inside and outside the Covered California insurance exchange.

In April, the state Franchise Tax Board revealed a 2% increase in the adjusted annual gross median income for Californians, which was reported at $36,624. The reported

figures were based on individual 2013 state income tax returns. Wide variations existed within the reported median. Individual taxpayers in Marin County reported the highest median at $57,244, whereas individual taxpayers in Imperial County reported the lowest at $24,058.

NUMBERSNOTEof

1/3

64%

2%

CAPT is still accepting applications for the 11th round of schol-arships it plans to award to students enrolled in Psych Tech education programs.

For applications to be considered, they must be postmarked no later than July 20, 2015. The scholarship winners will be announced at CAPT’s 31th Annual Meeting, scheduled in late September.

This year, there may be a maximum of 10 scholarships awarded: eight in the amount of $750 each; two additional scholarships may be awarded to the individuals whose appli-cations are not only accurately completed, but whose signed statements are exceptionally inspiring and whose letters of recommendations are highly supportive. One top scholarship may be awarded in the amount of $1,500 and one runner-up award in the amount of $1,000.

To receive a scholarship, an individual must be actively enrolled in a Psych Tech education program accredited or approved by the BVNPT. The recipient must also be a CAPT member; a relative of a CAPT member or someone residing in a CAPT member’s immediate household.

The scholarships are funded from a grant by the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians which provides services to mental health workers in the 46 states that do not license Psych Techs.

DON’T LET THIS OPPORTUNITY PASS YOU BY!

Don’t miss the application deadline for the 2015

Anthony Myers Memorial Scholarship Program

Complete eligibility requirements and an application are available online at www.psychtechs.net.

Or have one mailed to you by contacting CAPT Consultant Carol Wiesmann at (800) 677-2278

or e-mail a request to her at wiesmann@psychtechs.net

ATTENTIONPSYCH TECH

STUDENTSJULY

20

.

2015 MAY / JUNE - 9

Time and motion study reveals need for more PTs

Outpatient, Stand Alone Administrative Segregation and Psychiatric Services. The timeframes consisted of second and third watch. Finally, The activities of the PTs were observed and recorded by the Nurse Consultant Program Review Nurses.

Results from a Psych Tech Time and Motion Study have confirmed CAPT’s assertions that more Psych Techs are needed if medications are to be administered properly. CAPT requested the study at a November meeting with Headquarters Nursing Leadership, CalHR, and CCHCS Labor Relations. CAPT believed such a study would better support its assertion that Psych Techs assigned to medication administration would be unable to perform Coleman-mandated rounds as indicated on several Master Assignment Rosters unless the PT patient ratios were less than 20.

The study produced a baseline from which staffing could be evaluated and adjusted to drive improvements. Additional staffing needs were identified and several other recommendations were made including further review of errand and unit-related tasks that could be reassigned to appropriate, non-licensed classification, addressing the staffing model’s lack of accounting for voluminous medication workload, particularly in the EOP areas, and Short-Term Restricted Housing and Long -Term Restricted Housing units.

The study took place at five institutions and was administered by Nurse Consultant Program Review Nurses, which is an independent consulting group. The study set out to determine 1) the amount of time PTs spent on specific activities including direct, indirect, errands, unit related and personal; 2) the distance traveled by PTs and whether the movement was efficient; and 3) the impact of the work environment on the PT.

The Psych Techs under assessment worked in specified units during targeted timeframes. The studied units included the Administrative Segregation, Enhanced

What's happening in

Corrections?

Impact of CDCR's inmate movement plan appears low

On May 18, CAPT Consultant Ann Lyles met with CCHCS representatives to learn how CDCR’s plan to move inmates between institutions would impact our positions.

At the meeting, Lyles evaluated a CCHCS spreadsheet showing just how our positions would be impacted. The impact appeared to be minimal in most places. CAPT, however, is awaiting clarification in specific locations.

The movement and shifting of positions will take place in stages over the next 12-18 months. CAPT has requested that CCDR/CCHCS provide a list of the order of movement so that we can better prepare for MARs adjustments if needed and move forward with our Post & Bids.

Despite these movements, there are fortunately many other factors that are contributing to an overall increase in the number of positions available statewide. The state’s recently revised 2015-16 budget provides for 150 positions that are currently vacant within CDCR/CCHCS. The August 2014 Coleman Court Mandates relative to Short-Term Restricted Housing and Long-Term Restrictive Housing units have also produced an overall increase in PT positions, as did the time and motion study that CAPT requested back in November 2014.

After inmate and position movement is completed, CAPT estimates a remaining 190 open positions statewide.

The CDCR and CCHCS have promised to coordinate and work closely on these movements to create greater stability.

For questions or more information, please contact CAPT Consultant Ann Lyles at (800) 677- 2278.

10 - MAY / JUNE 2015

PT Walter LewisCSP-Corcoran’s Employee of the Month

April 2015

From left are award nominator and Nurse Instructor Douglas Woods, Psych Tech and Employee of the Month Walter Lewis and SRNII Garnett, Walter’s supervisor.

CAPT recognizes and congratulates PT Walter Lewis for having recently earned the California State Prison-Corcoran’s Employee of the Month Award for April 2015.

Walter began his career at CSP-Corcoran in 2006 where he worked in various positions and capacities within the prison’s Medical and Mental Health departments. He is currently responsible for the medication management and well-being of the inmates in his assigned housing unit. He also handles crisis calls, processes orders and serves his fellow coworkers as a union steward.

“Walter’s assignment is challenging and he handles the stressful environment in a professional and efficient manner,” read the official prison statement announcing Lewis’ award. The inmates in Lewis’ care are participants of the Mental Health Services Delivery System, which provides mental health services to inmates with a serious mental disorder or who meet medical necessity criteria.

The award statement credited Walter for his service as a union steward, drawing special attention to his advocacy for staff and patient safety. “Walter’s personal experience and knowledge has made him a great resource for all employees, and it has allowed him to offer meaningful solutions to problems that arise for both staff and inmate patients,” read the statement.

The prison statement concluded with a fine description of Walter’s value, character and work ethic:

“Walter will not shy away from change and is willing to adopt new practices, as well as offer constructive recommendations regarding new processes. Walter is incredibly dedicated to his profession, this institution, and to all of the staff that he represents. This, coupled with his concern and continued advocacy for both his coworkers and the inmates that he is responsible for are a great example of what CSP-Corcoran represents. Walter is extremely dedicated to his job and is a true credit as a Psychiatric Technician and is a model employee. It is an honor to have such a Psychiatric Technician assigned CSP-Corcoran.”

CAPT congratulates PT Walter Lewis for his stellar job performance and professionalism. You are a great example and a source of inspiration. Job well done!

Q A WALTER’S SECRETS TO SUCCESS

What is your greatest challenge as a PT working at CSP-Corcoran?Advocating for my fellow co-workers as a union steward. It can be frustrating at times, but is worth it when you see your fellow coworkers being treated better because of it.

What made your work standout at CSP-Corcoran?To be honest, I’m not sure. From my perspective, I was just doing what I normally do.

Why do you believe you’ve been successful?I have great coworkers; it isn’t just me being successful it is my whole crew, all of my coworkers. We work together and get the job done.

What was your reaction to being named CSP-Corcoran’s Employee of the Month?Surprise, I didn’t do really anything that I don’t do normally. So being recognized for doing my daily duties was awesome.

What professional advice would you like to share with other PTs?Know your job; know policy and procedure, and know your contract. Treat everyone as you would want to be treated. Working together is key to make everything run smoothly.

2015 MAY / JUNE - 11

READ WHAT COWORKERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT WALTERAccolades

Walter is a good resource within the prison. He is always willing to offer advice and wisdom regarding work issues as well as personal ones. We refer to his advice with the acronym W.O.W.W., which stands for “Words of Walter’s Wisdom.” He regularly impresses me with his wit and realistic perspective. His personality lends well to the environment within the prison. He is fair and his demeanor and work ethic are consistent. All of these traits are greatly appreciated when he represents us as a union steward, and I always know Walter will be there to support me with contractual issues.—K. Chronister, PT, CSP-Corcoran

Everyone that meets Walter knows his personality within minutes. He is straight forward in his communication with staff and I/P’s alike, which is a valuable quality in a Correctional Facility. He is professional, helpful to others and has a wealth of information regarding a variety of subjects. Staff are always happy to hear that they will be working with Walter. He is confident and competent in performing all his duties. While this may seem that Walter is a bit boring, he is the opposite. Walter has a voracious sense of humor to add to his credit which makes him a likeable person. We are thankful to have Walter Lewis working for our facility.—D. Levine, SRPT, CSP-Corcoran

Walter Lewis is a hard working and honest person. He has always gone out of his way to help with any issue where I need union representation. He also trained me on the policies and procedures of the Secured Housing Unit (SHU) when I first started at Corcoran. I truly miss working with him and all of his words of wisdom and jokes.—Roslynn Russell PT, Mule Creek State Prison

When I came to work in CSP Corcoran 3 years ago, I met Walter Lewis and he was the first Psych Tech that welcomed me with an open arm. He showed me the ropes. Being that he was an acting Senior Psych Tech in the past, he was able to teach me how to do things the Corcoran way, and with all the things I learned from him I was able to stay strong throughout my first year. He is a friend, a hard worker and a good steward. I continue to consult him when things are not working well at work and he always has an answer. I am proud of him and happy that he is the employee of the Month. Keep up the good work my friend and God Bless America.—E. Nwosu, SRPT, CSP-Corcoran

State President Juan Nolasco meets personally with chapter membersOn May 27, the Southern Corrections Chapter hosted a Meet and Greet gathering with State President Juan Nolasco. Several BU 18 members from the California Institution for Woman and California Institution for Men came out to meet Nolasco. Questions and answers were exchanged on the most recent "inmate movement" issue (see page 9 for more information). Concerns about the MAR were also addressed. Everyone who came out had a great time and enjoyed meeting members from the other institution.

"I have an awesome team of PT's at CIM and CIW," said Southern Corrections Chapter President Josette (JoJo) Manning. "I plan to have more membership meetings at various institutions so that our members can meet and get to know their chapter and state officers."

12 - MAY / JUNE 2015

Over a century’s worth of psychiatric history relating to the treatment of mental illness was put on display at the grand opening of the Patton State Hospital Museum. The museum, housed in a six-room cottage

situated at the hospital’s front grounds, displays over 140 artifacts that highlight how the treatment of mental illness has changed and progressed throughout the years. The museum displays give visitors a vivid look into the setting and atmosphere of mental health care from days past. “The museum was created to honor the men and woman who have lived, worked and received treatment at Patton and reflect on the significant role Patton has played in the advancement of psychiatric treatment in California. Through this museum, we endeavor to honor the past while we look to the future,” wrote Harry Oreol, the executive director of Patton State Hospital.

CAPT representatives in attendance at the museum’s grand opening included PSH Chapter President Sylvia Hernandez, Secretary Teresa Rennick, Chief Steward Chris Lodge, and Steward Brenda Schell.

Details as to when the museum will be open to the public are still being worked out, but it will likely be open one day per month. Those interested in touring the museum should email pshmuseum@dsh.ca.gov.

The April 17 ceremonial ribbon cutting proceeded a three-year museum project endeavor between Patton State Hospital and the history department at Cal State San Bernardino. Student interns were responsible for

collecting, displaying, researching and writing about the items on exhibit. The internship program was headed by Tiffany Jones, an assistant professor of history who teaches a class on the “History of Madness.” “Patton has always been cutting edge,” said Jones in an article published by The Sun, San Bernardino.

Psychiatric Museum opens

It is the mission of the DSH - Patton Museum to raise awareness and promote understanding of mental illness and to

honor the lives of the individuals who have lived and worked on these grounds since

the establishment of the hospital in 1890.

Patton Executive Director Harry Oreol performs the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the grand opening of the Patton State Hospital Museum. On his right is Anthony Ortega, an LCSW whose work in the startup of the museum project was instrumental.

2015 MAY / JUNE - 13

As part of their research and study into the psychiatric treatment of mental illness, Jones and her students traveled to Salem to visit the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health, which was also the set location for the academy award winning 1965 film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

The artifacts on display included, among other items, a lobotomy pick, inscribed with the name of Dr. Walter Freeman. Dr. Freeman developed the procedure and performed 3,339 lobotomies during his psychiatric career. Nearly 250 lobotomy procedures were performed at Patton before the practice was discontinued after the introduction of the psychiatric drug Thorazine in the early 1950s.

Also on display was an electroconvulsive therapy machine. ECT was administered through a machine that would trigger a brain seizure by sending electrical currents through a patient’s brain. Another exhibit featured a hydrotherapy tub. Hydrotherapy began in 1910 and involved constraining a patient in warm or cold water

At the museum’s grand opening celebration from left are Patton Chapter Chief Steward Chris Lodge, President Sylvia Hernandezand Steward Brenda Schell.

Patton Community Club members, including PTs, collected monetary donations for the museum.

Saturday Evening Post, 24 May 1941Original caption: "Dr. Walter Freeman, left, and

Dr. James W. Watts study an X ray before a psychosurgical operation. Psychosurgery is

cutting into the brain to form new patterns and rid a patient of delusions, obsessions, nervous

tensions and the like.

Advertisement for Thorazine (chlorpromazine) from the early 1960s

Wikipedia

In this 1942 photo, a patient at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino, Calif., is treated

with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ASSOCIATED PRESS

within a bath-tub like device with a canvas covering “There was this idea that if you could restrain people long enough then they could control their behavior,” explained Jones in a museum article published by The Sun, San Bernardino.

Patton State Hospital is the largest forensic hospital and the second oldest, next to Napa, in California. Patton, originally known as the Southern California State Hospital for the Insane and Inebriates, opened its doors in 1893. Patient profiles at the time were remarkably different then they are today. “Mental hospitals were convenient places to put inconvenient people,” said Anthony Ortega, a senior social worker at Patton. Patients not only included the inebriated but also homosexuals and people diseased with syphilis, among others.

Today, there are 1,500 patients at Patton State Hospital committed to live there by court order. The staff at Patton number nearly 2,600. Patients at Patton are assigned a treatment team composed of at least six professional personnel.

at Patton State Hospital

14 - MAY / JUNE 2015

State to conductstatewide employeeengagement survey

CAPT encourages its members to participate in the state’s first ever government-wide employee engagement survey. The Government Operations Agency and CalHR, will distribute the survey in early June to a statistically random sample of 5,000 state rank-and-file employees, supervisors, managers and executives.

What to ExpectThe survey will include 10 closed-ended questions related to employee engagement, one open-ended question that allows respondents to respond in their own words, and four demographic questions related to the respondent’s length of service, employment classification, age and gender.

State employees will be allowed to complete the survey during work hours. It's alright if you don't have ready access to a computer. The state will mail written questions with return envelopes to employees who are unable to complete the survey online.

Protecting your PrivacyTo ensure the anonymity of your answers, the Government Operations Agency has retained an independent research firm, JD Franz Research Inc., to administer the survey. The mailed questionnaires will not be marked or tracked in any way and the online survey link will be general rather than individual. The completed responses will be submitted directly to JD Franz Research, which will aggregate the results

and forward the findings to the Government Operations Agency. This approach will ensure that your identity is not just protected, but truly unknown.

The Results The Government Operations Agency will use the finding to inform the efforts of the Civil Service Improvement Project. By analyzing the survey results, the agency and CalHR can get a better idea of where improvement is most needed and to set a baseline to help determine where improvement efforts are making a difference.

The agency plans to conduct similar and more regular surveys in the future and will use this experience to improve upon those efforts.

2015 MAY / JUNE - 15

New Napa Chapter President announces leadership and goalsOn May 1 and upon Past-president Linda Monahan's retirement, I became the

Napa Chapter President in accordance with our State Constitution and Bylaws.

Anthony Ret's appointed was approved by the State Executive Committee to replace me as the new Vice President. Khristina Delgado will remain as the Treasurer of the Napa Chapter. Both Anthony and Khristina have done an excellent job in their posts and I look forward to working with them in the future.

I am actively working to build our steward base. Several steward trainings will be provided. I wish to hear from any of our members who might be interested in assisting and empowering employees in keeping fairness and respect a part of our workplace experience.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve,Mike Jarschke

Dear BU 18 Members,

As the new Napa Chapter President, I want to begin my service recognizing and honoring Linda’s work as our past-president. Linda Monahan was an incredible asset to our organization at Napa and, as a lifetime activist, very effective.

Linda presided over the fight to pass a series of state hospital safety legislation. Her advocacy and testimony before legislators were influential in last year’s victory passage of SB 1340, which created enhanced-treatment programs to house and assist state-hospital patients with the most aggressive and dangerous behaviors. Linda’s work was also instrumental in the passage of AB 1960, which gave California state-hospital law enforcement and licensed mental-health personnel

the ability to access and review patient criminal-history information, allowing mental-health professionals to tailor programs and services toward patients’ individual behavioral needs.

Linda guided our chapter in professionalism and advocacy, and she upheld our contract with wisdom and fairness. Linda and her contributions will be deeply missed.

There is not enough room here to list all that she has done to advance our cause for safety, patient care and fairness.

Sincerely,Mike Jarschke

A letter recognizing Napa's Past-president Linda Monahan

From left, Napa Chapter Vice Pres. Anthony Ret, Treasurer Khristina Delgado & Pres. Mike Jarschke.

Napa Chapter Past-president Linda Monahan (shown left) presenting on behalf of the Safety Coalition before state legislators and demonstrators on June 6, 2014 at the north steps of the State Capitol.

16 - MAY / JUNE 2015

The subjects that took the acetaminophen rated the images less extremely than those who were given the placebo. "In other words, positive photos were not seen as positively under the influence of acetaminophen and negative photos were not seen as negatively," the authors reported.

The authors plan to test other pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin to see if they have a similar effect on human emotion.

StudiesResearch &Common pain reliever dulls more than just pain

Results from a new study, published in Psychological Science, have shown that acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol, may be dulling more than just our experience of psychological pain, but also our experience of positive emotions such as joy and pleasure.

"This means that using Tylenol or similar products might have broader consequences than previously thought," said Geoffrey Durso, a doctoral student in social psychology at Ohio State University and the lead author of the study. "Rather than just being a pain reliever, acetaminophen can be seen as an all-purpose emotion reliever."

The study included 82 students who were asked by the researchers to view 40 separate photographs that depicted either a pleasant or unpleasant image. Each student was then asked to rate the image according to how unpleasant or pleasant it was. Half of the test subjects were given “an acute dose” of acetaminophen, 1,000 milligrams, and the other half were given a placebo.

Research in Scotland and Australia suggests higher-than-average intelligence may exist in individuals carrying the genes for autism, but who don’t actually possess the disorder.

Researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Queensland analyzed 10,000 children, studying their DNA and testing their cognitive abilities. The results of the study, published in the Journal of Molecular Psychiatry, and a similar study conducted in Brizbane, Australia, found evidence for an intellectual advantage.

“Links between autism and better cognitive function have been suspected and are widely implied by the well-known ‘Silicon Valley Syndrome’ and films such as ‘Rain Man’ as well as in popular literature,” said Nick Martin, a professor at the Queensland Institute for Medical Research. “This study suggests genes for autism may actually confer, on average, a small intellectual advantage in those who carry them, provided they are not affected by autism.”

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Intellectual advantage linked to autism genes

2015 MAY / JUNE - 17

A recent study, published in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, found a very low rate of occurrence for breast cancer among women with Down syndrome. The occurrence rate of breast cancer in the studied population, which included the review of 993 mammograms, was less than 1 percent. The findings are consistent with previous studies and suggest, according to the researches, that further discussion is needed to assess whether mammography is a beneficial, cost effective part of preventative healthcare maintenance for women with DS.

The researchers went on to cite the low rate of breast cancer found in the study and the financial, time

and psychosocial costs related to mammograms as reasons to re-evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of mammogram screening for women with DS. The researchers also mentioned the increased risk posed by the use of anesthesia and the risk of radiation exposure, adding that individuals with DS have an increased tissue vulnerability to ionizing radiations including x-rays.

Why do women with DS have lower rates of breast cancer?

While breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies found in women, it is rarely found in those with DS. “The data is really astonishing when you look at it,” said Dr. Brian Skotko, co-director of the Down syndrome program at

Massachusetts General Hospital. “I think that people with Down syndrome might have the clues to therapies and targeted treatments toward breast cancer.”

Breast cancer aside, Individuals with DS experience an overall lower rate of cancer. The cancer mortality rate among the DS population is below 10 percent of that in the general population. Scientist attribute the lack of cancer in the DS population to their extra copy of chromosome 21, which scientists believe may contain genes that suppress tumors. It has been proposed that these genes block angiogenesis, which is the development of blood vessels essential for cancer’s growth.

Study questions benefits of breast cancer screening for women with Down Syndrome

As the professional association for Psychiatric Technicians in California, CAPT is often asked for a list of functions that Psychiatric Technicians are allowed to perform under their state license. There is no such list, aside from some basic language in the Psychiatric Technicians Law.

Essentially, the scope includes everything that is taught in the Psych Tech education program that must be completed before taking the licensing examination.

The state Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) is often asked whether a certain procedure is included in the scope of practice. If you have such questions, you may contact the BVNPT's Nursing Education Unit at (916) 263-7843.

From time to time, the BVNPT issues written decisions on scope of practice issues. CAPT publishes them in our Outreach magazine and includes them on our website.

Psychiatric Technician Scope of Practice

18 - MAY / JUNE 2015

DECODING YOUR DIAGNOSIS:Psychiatrists Unveil Plain-English Guide For Patients

By Lisa GillespieMay 1, 2015

As mental health professionals, policy makers and advocates focus on taking steps to mend the fragmented mental health care system, the role of patients and their friends and families is sometimes overlooked.

That’s why the American Psychiatric Association is releasing a first-of-its-kind book to decode in plain English the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – a guide for mental health providers that is also used to determine insurance coverage. The resource, Understanding Mental Disorders: Your Guide To DSM-5, includes in-depth explanations of risk factors, symptoms and symptom management, treatment options and success stories.

This gets at one of APA’s reasons for releasing this volume — to help create a more accurate picture of what a particular illness or disorder might involve.

Jeff Bornstein, a psychiatrist and spokesman for APA, said empowering patients with a better understanding of what they are facing will enable them to better advocate for themselves.

“Sometimes when there is a disagreement with a managed care company, the clinician speaks on behalf of the patient,” Bornstein said. “But it’s[also] helpful to have family [members] or the patient talk and say ‘I’m telling you, I have this symptom, it’s part of diagnosis X, Y and Z. Why are you not letting me have the treatment I need?’”

Former Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy, a mental health advocate, said the book is designed to help families and patients overcome stigma and get more involved in treatment. He said it would have helped him in his own experience with bipolar disorder and

alcoholism. “I was the last one to know I had a problem, and that’s often the case for those of us in crisis. … The people around me would have benefited from this,” he said at an event marking the book’s launch.

When people think they may have an issue, or are faced with a diagnosis, they often go to the Internet where misinformation and “horror stories” are widespread, said Paul Gionfriddo, president of mental health advocacy group Mental Health America. “This [book] lays out in clear terms [what a mental disorder diagnosis means] so we don’t have to live in fear of the unknown.”

Take the experience of Melanie Carlson, 33, who suffered a psychotic episode in 2007 when she was 25. She ended up in a hospital, frightened and confused.

“It was a very traumatic incident. I was afraid of my own thoughts and what I was capable of,” said Carlson, who lives outside Ann Arbor, Mich., and manages her bipolar disorder with medication, exercise, therapy and

A new resource, Understanding Mental Disorders: Your Guide To DSM-5, from the American Psychiatric Association attempts to help patient better understand their symptoms and diagnoses.

2015 MAY / JUNE - 19

abstaining from alcohol. But for almost a year-and-a-half she was in denial and refused treatment, mainly because she says her only knowledge of her condition came from media reports about high-profile, often violent events involving mental illness.

She says having more straight-forward information could have helped her understand that she could take care of her disorder and still live a normal life – with a job, friends and family.

“It felt like a hopeless situation,” Carlson said, who is now a social worker helping chronically homeless people get housing. “If I’d had a resource that explained my symptoms … and explained how complying with treatment could produce long-term stability I would not have been … resistant.”

It’s all part of the steady process of removing the taboo from treatment, said Jorge Petit, a psychiatrist and founder of Quality Healthcare Solutions Group, a health care and behavioral health consulting firm in New York City. “It’s no different than diabetes and hypertension — it requires awareness and understanding of how to maintain wellness and not to relapse,” he said.

However, he added that the playing field is still not even. “It’s hard for people to call the insurance company and say, ‘Why are you sending me a prior authorization notice? It’s the same as having a medical issue.’”

lisag@kff.org | @LVGillespieKaiser Health News (KHN) is a nonprofit national health policy news service.

On September 22 - 24, 2015, the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians will hold its 31st Annual Meeting. This year’s meeting shall be hosted by the Atascadero, Coalinga and Porterville Chapters and will be held at the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.

Each year this conference provides for CAPT chapter officers and elected delegates a voice in establishing or amending the language by which the Association is governed. It also offers members an excellent opportunity to network with CAPT’s Board of Directors, its consultants and other members from each of the Association’s 12 chapters.

Are you a CAPT member and interested in representing your chapter as an Annual Meeting delegate?

Or, do you know a member who is? Pass the word!

More information regarding the election process will be forthcoming from your chapter representatives.

Keep an eye out for the fliers!

ATTENTION: CAPT Members

If you have any questions in the interim, contact your chapter office or CAPT Consultant Carol Wiesmann at 800-677-2278.

20 - MAY / JUNE 2015

CAPT is happy to report that the County of San Diego, the second largest populated county in the state, has moved to extend its reach for the treatment of the mentally ill. On April 21, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to adopt a measure approving the implementation of Laura’s Law. Laura’s Law is a state statute that authorizes counties to implement involuntary, outpatient treatment programs for Californians with a severe mental illness. Laura’s Law is not a state-mandated law. The law becomes operative only when a county board of supervisors adopts a resolution authorizing its application.

The measure's sole opposition came from Chairman Bill Horn. “This concerns me deeply,” Horn said, as reported in U-T, San Diego. “We’re talking about adults here, and these adults have rights, and it should not be the place of the courts to make decisions for any individual,”

Mental health services under the program are expected to begin in the spring of 2016. In order for a patient to receive involuntary treatment under the law, he or she must be evaluated face-to-face by an In-Home Outreach Team, where it is determined whether the patient meets nine specified and required criteria. The patient must also be given the opportunity to begin treatment voluntarily before their case can be referred to the Superior Court, where the county may petition for compulsory care.

Laura’s Law was introduced in 2002 by Assemblywoman Helen Thomson in response to the tragic killing of three individuals by an untreated, mentally ill man. The law was named after his victim, Laura Wilcox (shown right). Laura was a 19-year old college sophomore at the time of her death. She was working at Nevada County’s public mental health clinic when she and two other individuals were shot to death by Scott Harlan Thorpe, a 41-year old man who had resisted psychiatric treatment at his family’s urging. Found incompetent to stand trial, Thorpe was sent to Atascadero State Hospital and was later transferred to Napa State Hospital.

SAN DIEGO ADOPTS LAURA'S LAWSan Diego is the 9th county in the state to implement Laura’s Law since its enactment in 2003. The other counties operating an involuntary mental illness treatment program include Nevada, Los Angeles, Placer, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Orange and Yolo. With the exception of Nevada, all of the county programs were implemented within the last year.

Adoption trends moved rapidly after last year’s passage of SB 585, which clarified that the funds provided by the Mental Health Services Act, otherwise known as Prop. 63, could be used for assisted outpatient treatment programs for Californians with severe mental illnesses.

Mendocino County recently approved a one-year pilot of Laura’s Law and Ventura County is currently deliberating on adopting its own program.

CAPT strongly supported the passage of Laura’s Law as well as last year’s SB 585 and urges counties across the state to adopt measures that will help people receive needed treatment in cases where mental illness is severe and possibly life-threatening.

For more information on Laura’s Law and related assisted-outpatient treatment programs, visit www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/lauras-law.

2015 MAY / JUNE - 21

2015 CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATICState Party Convention

Anaheim, CA May 15 - 17, 2015

CAPT State Pres. Juan Nolasco, Secretary -Treasurer Paul Alizaga, Consultant Coby Pizzotti and PDC Chap. Pres. Mike Semental

CAPT reps standing with 2016 State Senate Candidate Mariko Yamada and Sen. Isadore Hall, III (D-Compton).

CAPT reps and Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Alameda), Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and of the Public Employees, Retirement & Social Security Committee

CAPT Consultant Coby Pizzotti and CA. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom

CAPT reps and CA State Treasurer John Chiang

Pension reform measure requires voter approval on retirement benefits

A statewide ballot measure aimed at reforming public worker pensions was filed in early June with the Secretary of State. The Voter Empowerment Act of 2016 would give voters the right to approve or reject the compensation and retirement benefits of government employees. The measure would also require voter approval before a current employee’s benefits could be improved. Additionally, the measure limits by 50% the amount a government agency may contribute to an employee’s retirement benefits, unless, again, the voters approve otherwise. This cost-sharing feature of the measure equates to equal risk sharing between employer and employee. Currently, all risk and debt liabilities are transferred to the employer/taxpayer.

If the voters reject a new employee benefit plan, the measure would allow agencies to use the collective bargaining process to agree to other 401 (k) styles of retirement benefits without voter approval.

The backers of this pension reform measure include a bipartisan coalition of politicians and business people led by former Democratic San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. Advocates point to the overwhelming amount of state pension debt and unfunded liabilities. In 2003 the public pension debt stood at $3.6 billion. Today, the debt stands at $198 billion. Reed says the measure is necessary to curb the soaring costs associated with retiree benefits that are “crowding out funding for important services such as police, fire, schools and road repairs.”

22 - MAY / JUNE 2015

To appeal counseling memos , l e t t e rs o f instruct ion or work improvement memos,

To challenge proposed adverse actions at the Executive Director ’s level,

To challenge the results of a counseling session when (1) the results of the meeting are put in writing, and (2) the counseling memo refers to possible disciplinary act ion and (3) the counseling memo goes into your personnel file.

About Adverse Actions forBargaining Unit 18 members

▶

CAPT members and fee-payers in State Bargaining Unit 18 have the right to assistance and presence of a CAPT representative in the situations and adverse actions listed below:

WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

▶

▶

Help us help you! If you feel you are in need of representational assistance, or if you simply have questions or concerns, contact your chapter office or CAPT Headquarters right away. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can assist you.

An adverse action is the state’s formal method of taking disciplinary action against a permanent civil service employee. Adverse action means dismissal, demotion, suspension, and reduction in salary or an official letter of reprimand (LOR).

Other personnel actions such as rejection during probation period, automatic resignation, involuntary resignation, layoff for economic reasons and medical termination or demotion are not identified as adverse actions.

Adverse actions are appealable to the State Personnel Board or the California Department of Human Resources.

Please note: Gov. Code Sec. 19575 requires that an appeal from a disciplinary action must be filed within 30 days after the effective date of the notice of adverse action.

Documents such as letters of warning, letters of instruction or informal letters of reprimand may have a disciplinary component but are not considered to be adverse actions.

Such letters are not appealable to the SPB and must be processed through the complaint procedure.

Another form of action against an employee is called “non-punitive termination.” This action is defined as termination, demotion or transfer of an employee who fails to meet a requirement for continuing employment as specified in the State Personnel Board specification for the job classification. Example: The class of Psychiatric Technician requires a valid license. Failure to obtain a license could result in an action by management. This action is appealable to the SPB.

2015 MAY / JUNE - 23

CAPT got the concept of Catastrophic Leave off the ground two decades ago; the program’s been in our state Bargaining Unit 18 contract since 1989.

Article 6.9 of the CAPT contract gives state-employed Psych Techs and related professionals the right to request leave donations from coworkers in cases of financial hardship due to injury or the prolonged illness of the state Bargaining Unit 18 member or his or her family member, or for parental or adoption leave purposes.

You can help by donating vacation, annual leave, personal leave, CTO and holiday credits. Simply contact your personnel office to fill out a Catastrophic Leave donation form. And don’t forget: You can donate to state employees who work in different departments or facilities.

If you need help and have received department approval to get leave donations, contact CAPT to be included in our publications. You also may qualify for reduced union dues while you recuperate. Contact your chapter president to find out more.

Catastrophic Leave Donations help state-employed coworkers

Ready for Launch

On June 29, 2015, CalPERS will be launching a new and improved website developed with our users in mind. Our new website will feature . . . • Quick access to important information

• Improved search capability via Google Search

• Improved access for all devices, including mobile devices and tablets

• Improved organization, making it easier to find what you’re looking for

• Multiple pathways to the most requested tasks

• A life events area focusing on what members need to know during different stages of their career

• A clean, modern design

Discover for yourself how easy our new website is to use.Visit www.calpers.ca.gov.

Ready for Launch

On June 29, 2015, CalPERS will be launching a new and improved website developed with our users in mind. Our new website will feature . . . • Quick access to important information

• Improved search capability via Google Search

• Improved access for all devices, including mobile devices and tablets

• Improved organization, making it easier to find what you’re looking for

• Multiple pathways to the most requested tasks

• A life events area focusing on what members need to know during different stages of their career

• A clean, modern design

Discover for yourself how easy our new website is to use.Visit www.calpers.ca.gov.

Printed at CalPERSPrinted at CalPERS

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System will continue its series of events to support retirement planning with a schedule of nine events in the coming fiscal year. Whether new to CalPERS, in mid-career or close to retirement, the CalPERS Benefits Education Events (CBEE) offer all CalPERS members a wealth of information about their retirement and health benefits, supplemental savings plans, long-term care coverage, and more. Representatives from CalPERS Regional Offices will be on hand to answer questions.

Open both Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the events feature breakout sessions specific to both early through mid-career members and those nearing retirement. Topics to be covered include CalPERS Retirement Benefits, CalPERS Health Benefits and Deferred Compensation.

For more information and to register, go to the CalPERS Benefits Education Events page at http://www.calpers.ca.gov/index.jsp?bc=/member/benefits-education-events/home.xml.

2015 Events 2016 Events

Date Location Date Location

Jul 10, 11 Los Angeles - Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Jan 29, 30 Rohnert Park - Double Tree by Hilton Sonoma

Jul 17, 18 Riverside - Riverside Convention Center Feb 26, 27 Seaside - Embassy Suites Monterey Bay-Seaside

Aug 7, 8 Bakersfield - Double Tree by Hilton Apr 15, 16 Oakland - Marriott Oakland City Center

Aug 14, 15 Garden Grove - Hyatt Regency Orange County May 20, 21 Redding - Red Lion Hotel

Sep 18, 19 Sacramento - Sacramento Convention Center

Nine CalPERS Benefits Education Events Scheduled in FY 2015-16

Those requesting donations on our online and magazine lists will automatically be removed by the next Outreach publication date unless CAPT is informed of ongoing needs. If you still need to remain on our lists -- no problem! Just call Carol Wiesmann at (800) 677-2278.

California Association of Psychiatric Technicians

California Association of Psychiatric Technicians1220 ‘S’ Street, Suite 100Sacramento, CA 95811-7138

Non-Profit OrgU.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 46Sacramento, CA

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

■ DSH – Potential Incompetent to stand trial bed expansion for up to 105 beds between Atascadero and Coalinga

■ DSH – Potential funding for planning and design of a new fence around a 505 bed housing unit at Metropolitan State Hospital

■ DSH – Potential AB 1340 Enhanced Treatment Program construction funding of approximately $11 million

■ CDCR – Potential increase in PT staffing of up to 190 positions

■ DDS – Announced goal to close Sonoma DC by 2018, Fairview and the non-secure portions of Porterville by 2021

■ DDS – Increased conversation about the community state staffing plan in conjunction with the DC closures

OUTREACH

2015

psychtechs.netMay / June

STATEBudget Update