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OUTREACH2021May 6 - May 12National NursesWeekpsychtechs.netCalifornia Association of Psychiatric TechniciansCover photo by Nicholas-Bartos, UnsplashCHANGE SERVICE REQUESTEDNon-Profit OrgU.S. POSTAGE PAIDPermit No. 46Sacramento, CAMarch/AprilCalifornia Association of Psychiatric Technicians1220 ‘S’ Street, Suite 100Sacramento, CA 95811-7138
RemindersVolume 38, Issue 2March / April 2021&Christine Caro, Editor and Layout DesignerCarol Wiesmann, Managing EditorIMPORTANT INFOPsych Tech students: you may qualify for a scholarship!CAPT is represented byLyles, Wiesmann, Pizzotti and Associates, Inc.Imagesetting and Printing byCPS Publications and Mail ServicesSacramento, CAThe CAPT Scholarship Committee will award eight recipients 750 tohelp defray the costs of tuition, books, and other educational expenses.Two additional scholarships, one for 1,500 and one at 1,000, may beawarded to individuals whose application and supporting documents arefound to be exceptional. For eligibility information, see the story on page7. Application forms and instructions can be obtained by contacting CAPTConsultant Carol Wiesmann at (800) 677-2278 or by email at wiesmann@psychtechs.net. You can also download the documents from CAPT’swebsite at www.psychtechs.net under “Announcements.”Outreach is the official publication ofthe California Association of PsychiatricTechnicians and is printed at least six timeseach year.Don’t forget to notify the BVNPT of your new addressCAPT is a non-profit corporation serving asthe exclusive representative of all employeesin Psychiatric Technician Bargaining Unit 18in California State Civil Service.The Psych Tech Licensing Board requires that you notify it of any changeof address within 30 days of moving. This must be done in writing. Fordetails on what needs to be provided and how to submit the information,log on to www.BVNPT@ca.gov. You can also download the Board’s changeof address form by going directly to www.bvnpt.ca.gov/pdf/55p-4.pdf.Planning to retire soon?Don’t forget that CAPT offers its retired members insurance benefits similar to what it provides its activemembers. As a retired member, CAPT will continue toprovide -- 5,000 in Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage and 5,000 in Life Insurance -- withoutany age term.IMPORTANT: For your insurance to continue afteryour retirement -- for only 5 per month -- you mustcontact CAPT Headquarters at (800) 677-2278 within31 days of the last day in the month in which youretired. If you fail to do so, your policy will lapse andcannot be reinstated.psychtechs.netCheck out our catastrophic leave list on our website.Keep abreast of what’s happening! CAPT updatesits website frequently, making sure you have currentinformation on state, department, and CAPT news,at your facility and statewide.2 - March / April 2021Outreach is published by:CAPT Headquarters1220 ‘S’ Street, Ste 100Sacramento, CA 95811-7138Phone: Toll Free (800) 677-CAPT (2278)or locally at (916) 329-9140CAPT is also the professional association forall California Psychiatric Technicians.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 contactinformation is listed on the following page. If a voicemail is left on theircell or if you send an e-mail or text, be sure to leave your name, worklocation, 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 ofits professional and union information – is here for you whenyou’re on the go! Our site automatically optimizes to suityour mobile device, and you can download our “CAPTApp”for your mobile device as well. Check these helpful tools outtoday!us at: twitter.com/psychtechsand follow some of our chapters on
oCAPT BOARD OF DIRECTORSState President Eric SotoCAPT Southern Regional Office/Training Center13085 Central Ave., #7, Chino, CA 91710Mail to: 1220 S Street, Suite 100Sacramento, CA 95811-7138(909) 364-2486 / (909) 214-4298 (Cell) / eric.soto@psychtechs.netState Vice President: Paul Hannula (see Atascadero listing)State Secretary-Treasurer: Jaime Garcia (see Coalinga listing)CHAPTER PRESIDENTSAtascadero: Paul Hannula4401 El Camino Real, Ste. KAtascadero, CA 93422-2708(805) 235-7832 (Cell) / captashpts@gmail.com(805) 460-6131 (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) 961-4467 (Fax)Community Facilities: Donald CoferMail to: c/o CAPT1220 S St., Ste. 100Sacramento, CA 95811-7138(909) 583-7786 (Cell) / dcofer37@yahoo.comNorthern Corrections: Kim SouzaMail to: 1000 Lincoln Road STE H. PMB 207Yuba City, CA. 95991(916) 955-4807 (Cell) / Kim@kimsouza.comIndexCOVER: CAPT celebrates and honors its essential heroeswho, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, faithfully reported towork to serve and attend to the needs of those in their care.CAPT thanks all Psych Techs for standing by the patients,inmates, and residents residing in our state facilities, wherethe coronavirus unleashed fear, uncertainty, illness, anddeath. Your courage and dedication continues and will notbe forgotten.4State President's View: CAPT monitors theworkplace for COVID and much more5COVID-related ATO extended through end ofSeptember6The American Association of PsychiatricTechnicians7Anthony Myers Memorial Scholarship Program8American Rescue Plan Act9Contract Highlight: Psych Tech Career Ladder10-11Legislative Summary12-13National Nurses Week14-16New California Law Makes It Easier to Get Carefor Mental Health and Substance Abuse17The Benefits of the State's 'Annual Leave' Program18-19Studies and Research: Prominent Scientists Callon CDC to Better Protect Workers From CovidPorterville: Kara Johnson376 North D Street, Porterville, CA 93257-3665Mail to: PO Box 8703, Porterville, CA 93258-8703(559) 359-7857 (Cell) / kjohnsonspt@gmail.com(559) 781-2278 (Office) / (559) 781-4440 (Fax)20OSHA launches program to protect high-riskworkers from the coronavirus21Workers' Memorial DayStockton: Toni KingStockton Metropolitan Airport5000 South Airport Way, Suite 207Stockton, CA 95206(916) 914-4818 (Cell) / tonikingcapt@gmail.com22Notice of Election Released for CalPERS BoardElections23CAPT Board votes to endorse incumbent Miller,Pacheco for CalPERS BoardSouthern Corrections: Walter LewisMail to: P.O. Box 917Fullerton, CA 92836(760) 520-5159 (Cell) / waltlewissocalprez@yahoo.comFairview-STAR (North/South): Randy TyerOffice in Employee Org. Rm.PO Box 2796, Costa Mesa, CA 92628-2796(714) 612-4072 (Cell) / randy tyer@hotmail.com(714) 957-5332 (Office)Metropolitan: Carlos (Chuck) GarciaMetropolitan State Hospital, 11401 Bloomfield Ave., Norwalk, CAMail to: PO Box 59569, Norwalk, CA 90652-0569(626) 644-8030 (Cell) / captmetrochapter@gmail.com(562) 286-8007 (Fax)Napa: Chris CullenCullenPO Box 10906, Napa, CA 94581-2906(707) 363-2667 (Cell) / captnsh@gmail.com(707) 736-7022 (Fax)Patton: Sylvia Hernandez2544 E. Highland Ave., Highland, CA 92346Mail to: PO Box 680, Patton, CA 92369-0680(909) 709-8633 (Cell) / pattonchapter@gmail.com(909) 864-1610 (Office) / (909) 864-1695 (Fax)2021 March / April - 3
The President’s ViewCAPT monitors the workplace forCOVID and much moreCAPT Brothers and Sisters,It has become evident that much of the hardwork and sacrifice of health care professionals suchas Psychiatric Technicians is paying off throughoutCalifornia. Throughout the departments and facilitiesin which we work, the number of Covid positivepatients/inmates and staff has dropped significantly.This is a testament to the vaccination efforts amongthe patient/inmate population, healthcare workers,and the general population.In the early days of the pandemic, CAPT beganmeeting with its local chapters by department everyweek to assess immediate issues and held weeklymeetings with each respective department to push forand demand that our member’s safety be taken intoaccount. While things have settled down to a degree(based on Covid Testing reports), CAPT continues tomeet regularly with each chapter’s leadership to assessthe needs and concerns of our Brothers and Sisters.With Covid rates down, CAPT maintains its vigilanceover the pandemic and its impact on our members. Weare also focusing time and effort on several issues goingon throughout the state. As many are aware, CAPT haspreviously informed our members that the Californialegislature passed and the Governor signed into lawSenate Bill 95, which provides supplemental paid sickleave during the Covid pandemic. This supplementalpaid sick leave is retroactive to January 1, 2021, andruns through September 2021 for those that qualify.Tessa Hannula, the Atascadero chapter Secretary whois CAPT’s expert on FMLA and other types of leave, hasbeen invaluable in assisting CAPT members throughoutthe entire state navigate this process.In recent news, a DSH employee based in Sacramentoinappropriately accessed patient and employee recordsfor Atascadero State Hospital. Some of the accessedrecords include vaccination information, date of birth,4 - March / April 2021addresses, and social security numbers. CAPT has notreceived any additional information; however, we arescheduling a meeting with the department to assess theextent of the data breach and its potential impact uponour members. We will share any information we receive.In Corrections, CAPT is working on numerouscomplaints from our members, pointing out that someinstitutions have placed the sign-in sheets at separateand quite distant locations than key control. This hasled to discrepancies alleged by the state between thetime our members have picked up their keys and thetime they have signed in. CAPT’s position is that ourmembers are considered on-duty and on-the-clockthe minute they are issued keys. CAPT is arranging ameeting with the department.As most of our members may be aware, the MayRevision to the state budget will be coming out in amatter of weeks. CAPT will be meeting with the state toassess the impact of the May Revise on bargaining unit18. It is CAPT’s view that the PLP program should endand that CAPT’s negotiated raises should be restored.We will certainly keep our members informed on allprogress.Solidarity Forever!Eric SotoCAPT State President(909) 214-4298eric.soto@psychtechs.netFriend Eric on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/statepres.soto
COVID-related ATO extendedthrough end of SeptemberThe COVID-19 extended sick leave program that expired December 31, 2020, has beenextended retroactively from January 1, 2021, through the end of September 2021.SB 95, authored by Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, was introduced December 16, 2020, to preempt the program’s expiration. After a series of policy hearings, amendments, and votesfrom both houses of the State Legislature, the bill’s final language was passed to the governor on March 18. Governor Newsom signed SB 95 into law March 19.SB 95 provides 80 hours of additional sick leave for COVID-related absences and illnesses,including vaccine-related illnesses and absences. The leave program functions in the samemanner as that fought for and acquired last April. As you may recall, CAPT pressured thestate to deliver an alternative leave program in the form of Administrative Time Off afterthe state moved to exempt Psych Techs from the expanded employee leave benefits created by last year’s FFCRA.Since last April, BU 18 employees have been entitled to receive up to 80 hours of ATO for a COVIDrelated illness. Thanks to SB 95, the ATO program remains in full force through September as ifit was never interrupted. If you used your own sick time for COVID-related absences, you areentitled to replace your sick leave with ATO. For complete policy details outlined by CalHR,visit the CalHR Human Resources Manual at Policy Section 2127. Covid-19 Supplemental PaidSick Leave or at 27.At the start of the pandemic, CAPT designated FMLAexpert Tessa Hannula as the point person toassist CAPT members with their extendedleave benefits. Tessa, who serves theAtascadero Chapter as its chaptersecretary, has been instrumentalas an advocate and navigator ofour leave benefits during thisunprecedented public healthcrisis. If you have any issuesgetting the leave benefityou are entitled to, pleasecontact Tessa Hannula atTessa.fmla@yahoo.comfor assistance.2021 March / April - 5
The American Association ofPsychiatric TechniciansThe American Association of Psychiatric Technicians is a nonprofit organization that administers a national certificationprogram for mental health workers. The AAPT administersthe voluntary certification examination to test psychiatrictechnology knowledge. The exam benefits mental healthworkers in the 46 states that do not license PsychiatricTechnicians and those in the armed forces.The National Certification Psychiatric Technician exam isan open-book test that individuals take at home. While theexam tests for basic knowledge about nursing, mental illness,and developmental disabilities, it isn’t as comprehensive asCalifornia’s PT licensing exam.National certification allows individuals to put the initialsNCPT after their names. Voluntary certification is a way forunlicensed Psychiatric Technicians to gain recognition aspara-professionals, with the legitimate right to participate asmembers of mental health treatment teams. In some cases,NCPTs receive better pay and promotional opportunities. Andin some instances, employers require National Certification.The AAPT was founded in 1992 by George Blake, Ph.D. In thelate 1990s, AAPT’s leadership had dwindled to the point thatBlake was the last remaining board member. He was also itsonly staff member. Blake continued to administer the programuntil he decided to leave AAPT to become an army chaplain.Before leaving the association, Blake, who had expressedrespect for CAPT and its mission, thought CAPT would be thelogical entity to run the day-to-day operations of AAPT. Blakewas willing to hand over AAPT operations to CAPT at no cost.His only desire was that the association did not die.CAPT union members or students related to CAPT members.For more information about CAPT’s popular scholarshipprogram, officially known as the Anthony Myers MemorialScholarship Program, see CAPT's scholarship announcmenton the next page.The AAPT team is comprised of a three-member board ofdirectors, filled by CAPT’s three state officers. CAPT OfficeManager Debi Loger runs the AAPT day-to-day operationsand serves as the AAPT executive director.“AAPT had the biggest year in 2020,” said Debi Loger, AAPTexecutive director. “AAPT issued 50 more certificates in 2020than previous years.” The increase in certification was partlydue to the pandemic and the demand for more Psych Techs,said Debi. “At the beginning of the pandemic, many PTs werereluctant to go to work for fear of catching the virus. Thiscreated an immediate need for Psych Techs in mental healthfacilities across the US. Employers were hiring fast, and PTswere getting certified as they were being hired.”Other than sharing office space and officers, there is noconnection or affiliation between AAPT and CAPT. CAPT’sloose association with AAPT allows California Psych Techs tohave an important influence in the direction that psychiatrictechnology takes across the country. For instance, AAPT maybecome the moving force in expanding the number of statesthat train and license Psych Techs, thereby providing morecareer mobility for Psych Techs everywhere.For more information about the AAPT, visithttps://psychtechs.org/After evaluating Blake’s proposal, the CAPT Board of Directorsvoted unanimously in May 2000 to accept the offer topreserve the national exposure of Psych Techs and relatedcare providers. To this day, AAPT’s financial operations remainindependent from CAPT. The association derives its operatingrevenues from fees paid for initial certification and renewal.Additonally, the AAPT supports the Psychiatric Technicianprofession by providing grant-funded scholarships awarded to6 - March / April 2021George Blake, Jr.President Emeritus and FounderDebi LogerExecutive Director
Attention: Psych Tech StudentsCAPT is currently acceptingapplications for its 2021Anthony Myers MemorialScholarship ProgramCAPT is now accepting applications for the 17th round of scholarships it will award to students enrolled in Psychiatric Technicianeducation programs.For applications to be considered, they must be postmarked nolater than Friday, July 16, 2021. The scholarship winners will beannounced by CAPT in late September.CAPT will award up to 10 scholarships to help students with thecost of tuition, books and other expenses. This year, eight scholarships may be awarded for 750 each. Two additional scholarships may be awarded to the individuals whose applications arenot only accurately completed, but whose signed statements areexceptionally inspiring and letters of recommendation are highlysupportive. One top scholarship may be awarded in the amountof 1,500 and a runner-up awarded in the amount of 1,000.To receive a scholarship, anindividual must be enrolledand actively participatingin a Psych Tech education program accredited orapproved by the BVNPT.The recipient must alsobe a CAPT member, a relative of a CAPT memberor someone residing in aCAPT member’s immediatehousehold.In 2014, CAPT’s Board of Directorsvoted to rename its annual scholarshipprogram the Anthony Myers MemorialScholarship Program in honor of CAPT’sprevious state president who passedaway from cancer.The Board agreed that it was onlyfitting to rename the program after Tony,who was not only instrumental in establishing the scholarship program, but dedicated to the education of Psych Techsand advancement of the profession.Tony was first elected as state president in 2000. He continued to be re-elected and held office through 2013.The scholarships are funded froma grant by the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians,which provides services to mentalhealth workers in the 46 statesthat do not license Psych Techs.Complete eligibility requirements and an application are availableonline at www.psychtechs.net. under ‘Announcements’located at the top of our home page. Or, have onemailed to you by contacting CAPT Consultant Carol Wiesmann at(800) 677‑2278 or e-mail a request to her at wiesmann@psychtechs.net.2021 March / April - 7
American Rescue Plan ActPackage adds 26 billion to California’s better-than-projected budgetPhoto by Maarten van den Heuvel, UnsplashSpecificspendingdetails awaitsMay Revision8 - March / April 2021Despite the pandemic, two statewide shutdowns, and the economicuncertainty that followed, the State of California appears to be in goodfiscal shape due to higher-than-expected tax revenues and a federallypassed relief package that gave California 42 billion earmarkedfor state government, counties, and cities. The bill, which receivedcongressional approval March 10 and was signed by President BidenMarch 11, allocates 16 billion to be split among local governments,leaving 26 billion for the state government.CAPT is closely monitoring the annual state budget process foropportunities to restore part if not all of BU 18’s compensation lossessuffered due to last year’s economic uncertainty. The governor’s initialbudget proposal submitted in January is being revised with the updatedestimate of state revenues, expenditures, and newly proposed budgetchanges. The governor has until May 14 to publish the “May Revise.”Once the May Revise is published, CAPT expects an invitation back tothe table to re-negotiate the compensation losses reached in BU 18’sJune 2020 side letter.
Due to continued prolonged economicuncertainty, it is too early to say with anyconfidence whether or not the state will fullyrestore our compensation losses. We know thatt
Phone: Toll Free (800) 677-CAPT (2278) or locally at (916) 329-9140 . Don’t forget to notify the BVNPT of your new address. . the number of Covid positive patients/inmates and staff has dropped significan
