In February 2025, the NCPS membership concluded a vote on proposed updates to the organization's bylaws, with 97% of members that voted approving the revisions. This endorsement keeps NCPS in alignment with recommendations from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and addressing some unresolved issues within the organization.

Background

In recent years, the APA recommended that NCPS update its bylaws, particularly those pertaining to chapter designations. The APA provided model bylaws, including sections on chapter designations, to guide this process. The last revision of the NCPS bylaws occurred in 2023 under the leadership of Dr. Syd Wright, Chair of the Bylaws Committee. Despite these efforts, several issues remained unresolved, necessitating further amendments.

Issues at Hand

Currently, NCPS has only one chapter, the North Bay Chapter (NBC), led by Dr. James Eyerman. NBC operates independently, holding its own meetings and managing its own funding streams. However, many NBC members are not NCPS/APA members, which has raised concerns about liability and oversight. The APA and NCPS have voiced concerns about potential tax and legal implications if NCPS continues to serve as the parent organization without sufficient oversight.

Recent Developments

Throughout the council year starting in May 2024, the NCPS Council addressed these concerns. Dr. Eyerman, as NBC president, participated in council meetings and received minutes from each session. In late 2024, the NCPS Bylaws Committee reviewed and proposed updates to the NCPS Constitution and Bylaws. These proposed revisions underwent legal review by Colleen Coyle of the APA, who found no legal issues. The NCPS Council then voted to recommend the amendments, moving the decision to a general membership vote.

Implications of the Vote

The approval of these amendments means that NBC members will now be required to establish, maintain, or renew their NCPS/APA membership. NCPS will manage NBC's funds, particularly for tax purposes, ensuring compliance with the NCPS Constitution and Bylaws. The NCPS Council will annually review the chapter's status and designation, providing improved oversight both administratively and fiscally. This change will allow NBC to continue using NCPS's name and resources with enhanced governance.

Conversely, had the amendments been rejected, NCPS and APA would have continued facing legal and financial liabilities due to the lack of oversight. Non-NCPS/APA members would have remained able to influence NBC's direction without NCPS/APA oversight.

You can read the updated bylaws at the following link: Bylaws | NCPS