Advocacy

GPA's Legal and Legislative Committee

GPA is the only organization advocating for your license and profession in Georgia

The LLC monitors all legal and legislative issues that impact or might impact the mental health of Georgians. In addition to monitoring issues and bills brought before the State Legislature, the committee works in concert with the GPA lobbyist to influence and educate state legislators and to keep the GPA membership informed of actions related to legislative advocacy.

2024-2025 Members:
William Buchanan, PhD- Chair
Ann Abramowitz, PhD
Ashley BAker, PhD
Susan Furman, PhD
Kamieka Gabriel, PhD
Erica Marshall-Lee, PhD, ABPP
Jan Mooney
Emily Mouilso, PhD
Daniel Rogers, PhD
Jennifer Steiner, PhD, ABPP
Anita Brown, PhD (Ex Officio)
Gayle Spears, PhD (Ex Officio)

Legislative Success for GPA

1980: "Treating and diagnosing mental illness" added to scope of practice

1982: Mental Health Parity

1983: Psychologists gain hospital privileges

1988: Psychologists authorized to sign 1013 (involuntary commitment)

1991: Full inclusion in mental health code

1992: Neuropsychology added to scope of practice

1993: Rules define psychological testing in law

1996: Psychologists can write orders for nurses in hospitals

1996: First prescribing class begins

1997: Mental health parity improved

1998: Maintained "best interest of the child" in child custody law

1999: Patient protection right to appeal managed care decision

2001: Authorization to provide involuntary evaluations for the court

2003: Amicus Brief submitted on Child Abuse Reporting

2016: Psychological testing defined in law

2019: PSYPACT passes in Georgia Legislature

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GPA's Lobbyists

GPA's legal and legislative efforts are assisted by our lobbying team from Nelson Mullins, who work closely with the LLC, Director of Professional Affairs, and Executive Director to use their experience in government relations to support GPA's advocacy efforts.

Stanley S. Jones, Jr.

Stan Jones is a partner at Nelson Mullins and practices in the areas of healthcare law, governmental relations and public policy, and administrative law. Stan has received numerous awards and recognitions for his leadership and service related to mental health issues at the state and national levels.

Helen Sloat

Helen Sloat is a legislative consultant at Nelson Mullins and a Georgia Registered Lobbyist practicing in the areas of healthcare, insurance, education, and child welfare. Helen has served in numerous leadership positions in Georgia in areas related to government affairs, lobbying, and paralegal education.

George Ray

Georgia Ray is an associate at Nelson Mullins and practices in the areas of government relations, state and local administrative law and regulatory proceedings, and business litigation.