In February 2016, the MPS Council approved a change to the organization’s bylaws that would cut the time allowed for members to pay their MPS dues from ten months to six. Anyone who still owes dues six months after the initial bill is sent would be dropped from membership in both the MPS and the APA. MPS members will vote this month on whether to implement the change. Ballots will be mailed on February 29 and must be postmarked by March 31 in order to be counted. The bylaws change is as follows:

SECTION 8. DISMISSALS AND RESIGNATIONS.
Any member who fails to pay dues or other assessments for (ten months) six (6) months from the initial mailing of a dues statement shall automatically be dropped from membership (thirty days) after verified contact by a member of the MPS Membership Committee, MPS leadership, or MPS staff notifying the member of such proposed action. This procedure may be waived for good cause by action of the Council. Only members in good standing shall be allowed to resign. Loss of membership in the MPS or in the American Psychiatric Association shall entail loss of membership in both.

As MPS President Brian Zimnitzky explained in his February column, this change is needed in order to align the MPS dues year with the APA’s calendar dues year. Members will see other changes as well, which he described in detail. Re-minders will be included in future newsletters. Please call the MPS office at 410-625-0232 with any questions.