Public policy: extending psychology's contributions to national priorities.
BACKGROUND
Much of today's psychological research and practice is relevant to our national health agenda and can serve the public interest. President Obama's landmark health care reform success provides an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize society's definition of "quality care" and highlight rehabilitation's potential. Advocacy, vision, and a public policy presence with persistence are critical. Those involved often focus exclusively upon specific issues (e.g., reimbursement, research funding, or graduate student support).


CONCLUSIONS
By developing a "bigger picture" approach addressing society's real needs and embracing the changes technology will ultimately bring, psychology can have a more lasting impact. There are unlimited opportunities to advance the profession through personal involvement in the public policy arena. It is essential that psychology's next generation receives relevant mentoring.
DeLeon
Patrick H
PH
American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, USA. Patdeleon@verizon.net
Kazdin
Alan E
AE
D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011584:Psychology / Q000639:trends*; D011640:Public Policy; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012046:Rehabilitation; D012924:Social Conditions; D014481:United States