As we observe Black History Month, it is essential to reflect on the profound significance of this period and recognize the remarkable contributions of Black individuals throughout history. This month not only commemorates the resilience and strength of these individuals but also serves as a critical reminder of the enduring spirit that has shaped our nation and our profession.

In the face of systemic adversity, a multitude of Black leaders, visionaries, and everyday heroes have illuminated pathways of hope and healing. Their narratives inspire us to carry forward a legacy of compassion, justice, and service that is central to our vocation as chaplains. It is imperative to remember that our roles extend beyond providing care in moments of crisis; we are also called to advocate for fairness, understanding, and love in a society that often grapples with inequities.

As members of the Association of Professional Chaplains, we have a responsibility to honor this rich history by fostering a climate of inclusivity and embracing the multiplicity of perspectives within our practices. Each individual we encounter possesses a unique narrative and set of challenges, and it is our sacred duty to offer support that respects and affirms their distinct experiences.

Furthermore, our commitment to promoting justice necessitates a critical examination of the systemic barriers that have historically marginalized communities. By actively working to dismantle these inequities, we can create an environment where access to resources and opportunities is equitable for all. This endeavor requires us to engage in ongoing self-reflection and to cultivate a practice that prioritizes inclusivity and fairness in all aspects of our work.

Additionally, this moment in time offers us a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of Black history and culture. Engaging with the experiences and contributions of Black individuals not only enriches our understanding but also enhances our capacity to provide empathetic and informed support to those we serve. By fostering a culture of awareness and appreciation, we can strengthen our connections within the communities we engage with professionally.

As we honor the past, let us also look toward the future with a sense of hope and determination. Together, we can continue the vital work that so many have courageously undertaken before us. May we inspire one another to be advocates for compassion and change, creating a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and service. Let us draw inspiration from our collective history as we strive toward a future characterized by love, healing, and justice for all.

With sincere appreciation and hope,

Rev. Inetta A. Reddell, MA, MDIV,MA-Bioethics, BCC
President, Association of Professional Chaplains

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In the heart of Chicago, a city pulsating with the rhythm of hope and resilience, my grandfather, Reverend William Lee Lambert, stood as a towering figure of inspiration and change. As a distinguished pastor, humanitarian, and educator, he not only pioneered the civil rights movement in Chicago but also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality continues to resonate through the halls of history, lighting the path for future generations.

Growing up in the shadow of his legacy, I was imbued with a profound sense of purpose and responsibility. As a chaplain / chaplain educator candidate, I have strived to carry forth his torch of compassion and understanding, nurturing the hearts and minds of those entrusted to my care. Through my work, I seek to honor his memory by fostering a spirit of unity and empathy, transcending boundaries of race and culture.

Reflecting on the journey from the tumultuous days of the civil rights movement to the present moment, I am reminded of the indomitable spirit of resilience that has guided us through the trials and tribulations of history. The struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us have paved the way for the progress we see today, reminding us that change is born from the collective efforts of individuals dedicated to a common cause.

As we stand at the crossroads of past and present, it is essential to recognize the strides we have made and the challenges that lie ahead. The legacy of the civil rights movement serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, urging us to continue the fight for justice and equality in an ever-evolving world.

Looking towards the future, I am filled with optimism and determination, knowing that the seeds of change sown by my grandfather and his contemporaries continue to bear fruit in the hearts and minds of a new generation.  It is our duty, as inheritors of this rich legacy, to carry the torch forward with courage and conviction, building a more just and equitable society for all. 

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it is imperative that we draw strength from the resilience and perseverance of those who came before us, recognizing that our past is not a burden to bear but a legacy to uphold.

In embracing our history and honoring the struggles of our ancestors, we affirm our commitment to creating a more just and equitable society for all. Let us stand united in our diversity, guided by the principles of compassion, empathy, and understanding. Together, we can forge a path towards a brighter future, one built on the foundations of equality, opportunity, and mutual respect.

As I carry forth the torch passed down to me by my grandfather, I am reminded of the power of perseverance, the strength of community, and the enduring legacy of resilience that binds us together. In honoring the past, we illuminate the path forward, ensuring that the voices of the past are not forgotten but elevated in the tapestry of our shared history.

May we continue to navigate the intricate landscape of Black history with reverence, courage, and determination, knowing that our journey is part of a larger narrative of triumph and transformation. Through the echoes of the past and the hopes of the future, let us weave a tapestry of resilience that will inspire generations to come.

Together, let us forge a future where the struggles and triumphs of Black history are celebrated, honored, and remembered as a testament to the resilience and strength of a people united in their quest for justice and equality. 

In closing, let us remember the timeless words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who eloquently stated, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” As we reflect on the journey of Black history, let us take solace in the knowledge that progress is not always swift, but it is steady. Each generation plays a vital role in advancing the cause of equality and justice, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are honored and the dreams of the future are realized.

Together, we can continue the march towards a more inclusive and equitable society, guided by the principles of love, compassion, and unity. Let us be inspired by the resilience of those who have come before us and energized by the potential of a brighter tomorrow. In the tapestry of Black history, let our voices be heard, our stories be shared, and our legacy be celebrated. As we stand on the shoulders of giants, may we never forget the enduring power of hope, faith, and solidarity in shaping a world where all are truly free at last. 

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The following is the text of APC President, John Simon’s remarks delivered to the attendees of the Grand Banquet at the 2023 APC Annual Conference on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in Houston, Texas.

We are blessed here at the Association of Professional Chaplains. (Give yourselves a hardy round of applause! Because we made it!

*******

I’m reminded of an old African spiritual that says, ‘My soul looks back and wonders, how I got over.’

As I look back over the last 3-years since COVID, my soul looks back and wonders how we got over. 

This is the first time we’ve been able to safely share ‘the air’ of sacred space in conference physically together.  It is both a mercy and a most beautiful thing that we are still here, still standing. 

When my soul looks back:

• I can still see the fear on faces wondering what was sweeping the world’s landscape taking generations away in its wake.

• I can still hear the shaky voices of so many speaking of the hardships of sleeping away from home to protect loved ones from uninvited COVID-19 visitors 

• I recall the chore of stripping, that is changing clothes in the garage or at the front/back door, bagging and dumping them in the washer, showering immediately afterward or being ‘Lysol-ed-down’ to calm frayed nerves of loved ones.

• I remember the ‘straight talk’ of medical colleagues in creating last wills and testaments, just in case. 

• I remember changing gears in my dress. Exchanging suits and ties for blazers,  scrubs and clogs.  

When my soul looks back:

• The first, second and third times I caught COVID. Ash Wednesday of 2020–that lasted 6-months. When I received my booster that brought symptoms that lasted 6-months. And the 3^rd time—over the 2022 holidays. Always wondering what will my life be like. Would I ever get my strength back?

• I remember learning how to don and doff PPE to go into COVID+ pt rooms.

• I still remember the starts and stops of hybrid pt visits; IPADS, Zoom calls and meeting too many families in the Lobby escorting only a few to see their loved ones for the last time thru the glass or at the bedside; in white bunny suits being cautioned not to touch—an almost impossible task.

• I recall never being able to fully adjust to breathing in/out of the N95s and surgical masks.

When my soul looks back:

• I can still remember rounding on patients and staff–walking the corridors filled with pts on vents lying on their chests;

• I can still see bedsides empty of family and loved ones.

• I can still see many houses of worship closing their doors.

• I remember ZOOM celebrations of life.

• I remember the absence of repasts, the hugs, tears, food and fellowship moments—making the work of grief much harder. 

• I remember and am still recovering from the exhaustion and the exhilaration of the renaissance and re-discovery of spiritual care providers in many spaces and our vital roles going places where other leaders dared to tread.

• I remember wondering if and when it would ever be over? Where was the bright side? What would a new-normal look like?

But here we are. Still here by grace and mercy. Tested but Stronger. Weathered but Wiser. 

Some gifts come to us oddly wrapped. During the past 3years, there were many lessons gifted to us at the back door of our sufferings. Lessons learned:

• We are stronger together 
• We can disagree without being disagreeable
• It’s kind to be kind (or as my mother would say, ‘it’s just nice to be nice.’

Lessons learned:

• We can validate other’s feelings without agreeing with them.
• We can help build a better world by acknowledging our unique differences and divergent perspectives yet bond over the essential things we have in common.
• We can disagree without caustic discourse that demonizes and degrades, and divides, if we choose to rise to the occasion.

Or as African-theologian Augustine is believed to have said, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

This is by far what resonates with me as President of our organization. 

And in these moments, I am also reminded that our future is ahead of us not behind us.

What should we be proud of facing the future? (Just four things—to respect our time not repeating issues shared in my previous Presidential messages.)

1. Our new strategic plan with its five pillars to reset, refocus and remember  who we are; what is our purpose—discerning where do we go from here.

We should be proud of our strategic plan as we push and pull together in the same direction to make it happen. Especially here on the home soil of my birthplace. In this week of Juneteenth, where we remember slavery having been legally ended, but the conspiracy of silence and lies in Texas kept the truth of freedom a secret for two years keeping many of our African ancestors gripped in the vice of chattel slavery.

I’m glad we are here in Texas at this auspicious time as many remember and celebrate the history and history-makings of African-Americans. Because many love our rhythm but not our blues. Yet it is indisputable, we helped build this great this great nation and democracy of ours, that remains under threat to this very hour.

But I’m so glad to be part of APC, an organization filled with freedom-loving folks of good will, who are committed to being known by what we do, not by what we just say on paper.

Our internal efforts to root out racism and bias in our organization has never been more focused. We are working to ensure fairness, equity and justice minimizing racist-tendencies, and cultural conditioning in our certification and ethics processes.

We should be proud of our new strategic plan.

What should we be proud of facing the future?

It has been said, “if one is blessed, build a longer table not a taller fence.”

• I am humbled to announce we have initiated the first Common Council. The creation of “a new table.” Not a merger nor acquisition. But first among equals.

The hope is creating  a new atmosphere of collaboration where chaplain membership organizations in the eco-system of spiritual care will endeavor to collaborate in good faith as communities within community. (No one entity owns or speaks for the entire eco-system of spiritual care. No one.)

We need a Common Council—a new Table!

Gone are the days of rancor and disrespect. That game of “I’m the king of the hill and no-one can knock me down”—is reserved for the playground.”

It is to our mutual benefit to respect, invite, welcome and journey together on issues of common agreement and concern that impacts our future. Working together works!

We need a Common Council—a new Table! Because a ‘try’—beats ‘a no-try’ any day.’

We should be proud that 18 chaplaincy membership groups have consented to accept the invitation to have a seat at this “new table.” At this “new table” all voices are heard, valued and respected with a rotating-Chair for each meeting being passed around to those who have the desire and organizational bandwidth to host future virtual gatherings. Working together works as we discuss, discern and decide; digging deeper into addressing real issues of common concern guided by the spiritual tenants of honor, love, justice and mutual respect.

As Big Momma said in the movie, “Soul Food” teaching a lesson at the dinner table. She raised her hand and said, “separately these individual fingers are nothing—but balling up her fist, Big Momma said, “but together they can strike a mighty blow.

This Grandma theology speaks of unity in community within eco-system of spiritual care.”

This is the strategy of the Common Council. Many were invited—3/4 accepted.

These are they who have said yes to participating in the Common Council:

Association of Clinical Pastoral Education

Association of Religious Endorsing Bodies (AREB)

Canadian Association for Spiritual Care

Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI)

College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP)

Islamic Society of North America: Chaplaincy Services

Military Chaplains Association (MCA)

Muslim Endorsement Council Inc.

National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC)

National Association of Veteran’s Affair Chaplains (NAVAC)

Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC)

National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces

National Institute of Business and Industrial Chaplains (NIBIC)

Pediatric Chaplains Network (PCN)

Presbyterian Federal Chaplains

World Spiritual Health Organization (WSHO)

I still believe that African proverb that I use in every area of my life. To go fast—go alone. But to go far—go together.

The goal is build a longer table—not a taller fence to keep others out.

May we at APC be known for who we include—not those we exclude!

Our future is bright!

Third:

What should we be proud of facing the future?

3) APC is leaning into innovation. We are working to adapt and be inclusive; we are looking for ways to do what we do, but better.  From launching a new website; to taking the BCCI Application process digitally.

APC is not shying away from what we can do and how we can improve. 

APC is in talks with educational institutions that are working on new paths for chaplains to entire into this important profession.

APC is energized with new ideas and programs that are reflected in the strategic plan.  

APC is exploring new relationships and partnerships with groups we have not previously worked with. 

A more formal announcement will be shared at the proper time. But this is Good News!

Why do they want exclusive partnership with the Association of Professional Chaplains? (I’m glad you asked.)

Because our members and leaders have demonstrated:

• value in workspaces;
• professionalism and grace under fire
• creativity and innovation in our organization to make our best better.

What should we be proud of facing the future?

And fourth and finally: 

Our relationship with our Strategic Partners, though tried in the fire and tested, remains strong. With time, distance, respect for autonomy and understanding how business decisions are made—we have worked behind the scenes rebuilding frayed relationships.

Thank you Shawn Mai and Csaba Szi-la-gyi for taking my calls. I enjoy the mutual-sharing, the real-talk, the mixing it up on our ZOOM calls and check-in texts to move our relationship forward.

(PAUSE)

APC Friends and Colleagues; it’s because of all ya’ll—that these four strategic steps are possible.

There are no big ‘I’s’ or little ‘you’ here. There are different kinds of smarts. Everybody is somebody in APC.

And what about our rock-star national office staff that makes it and easy to serve as a labor of love.

So please rise on your feet, if you can, put those hands together and give yourselves what you so greatly deserve—a standing ovation because:

We are still here.

We are stronger together

And our future is bright!

Give your neighbor a high-five—tell them. We’ve still here. Still standing.

Our future is bright!

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APC and BCCI continue to support and promote the value of employing professional chaplains in a variety of settings beyond healthcare, provided that the chaplains meet the appropriate education and training needed for the position, and the chaplains adhere to appropriate ethical standards and conform to established professional standards.

Members and certified chaplains with APC/BCCI are required to adhere to the association’s established Standards of Practice and Ethical Standards as part of their membership and/or certification status.  These rigorous standards have been enacted to help ensure that care recipients receive high quality and inclusive spiritual care.  These standards do not reflect professional work or responsibilities outside the scope of professional chaplaincy.

If you would like to contact your elected officials to voice your interest or concern regarding these, or any legislation, we encourage you to visit www.usa.gov/elected-officials to find contact information for your elected representatives.

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New Codes for Chaplain Services

Removing the “department of veterans affairs” qualifier means that the Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) has approved three HCPCS Level II procedure codes for all chaplain services.  These codes are:

Q9001 – Assessment by chaplain services
Q9002 – Counseling, individual, by chaplain services
Q9003 – Counseling, group, by chaplain services

These codes are in addition to the long established G9473 which is used for chaplain visits in the hospice setting.

The approval of these revised codes will give CMS and other insurance providers a standard way to process claims reporting for chaplain activity now and as new quality measures are put in place. Insurers will now have a means of tracking claims data for spiritual care services offered as a plan benefit. The “Q” codes will give chaplains the ability to note their contributions to patients’ overall care through spiritual assessments, individual spiritual counseling, and group spiritual counseling.  CMS has stated that it will be releasing more detailed guidance and definitions for how these codes are to be used soon.  Until we have further guidance from CMS, APC recommends connecting with you chargemaster department to make them aware of the new HCPCS codes for chaplain’s services.

The new “Q” codes will not provide additional revenue for a care facility at present.  They do move chaplains into a better position by providing more equal footing with professionals in the healthcare setting.  The question around future revenue from chaplain visits is still open and is related to the payment models currently in use by CMS and other insurance providers. 

Most Common Payment Models

The most common payment model is based on DRG’s.  DRG stands for Diagnostic Related Group.  This is the model CMS uses for Medicare, Medicaid payments.  Many insurance carriers also use a DRG model.    There is a DRG code for a given diagnosis, complexity of the diagnosis with some additional modifiers.  For example, there are three DRG’s for gallbladder, DRG 444, 445 and 446, based on complexity of the case.  In the DRG model, the hospital gets a set payment based on the DRG.  All care, medication, therapy and services are covered by the single DRG payment.  Physician services are typically a separate entity and do bill separately with some exceptions. In this payment model, the only way chaplains (and all care providers) can impact revenue is by demonstrating the care meets the requirements of a more complex DRG for a given diagnosis.

The second most common model is a fee for service.  The hospital or system has a negotiated payment rate based on the services provided.   Most typically this is based on the bill with discounts and modifiers.  For chaplains, an insurance providers would have to agree the hospital can bill for the services and determine a payment rate.

About the Coding System

HCPCS stands for “Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System”.  HCPCS is a collection of standardized codes that represent medical procedures, supplies, products, and services. The codes are used to facilitate the processing of health insurance claims by Medicare and other insurers. The coding system is divided into Level I and level II.  

Level I codes, which are commonly referred to as CPT codes, provide a descriptive list of medical services and procedures with a code to identify for billing purposes.  For example, a cardiac bypass graft is 92944.  Level II HCPCS codes identify products, supplies, and services not included in CPT.

Level II codes consist of a letter followed by four numeric digits.  HCPCS codes may or may not be billable.  It should be noted that the three approved codes are Q9001, Q9002, Q9003.  “Q” codes are considered temporary codes by CMS.  “Q” codes can remain indefinitely but are often transitioned to another letter as a permanent designation or they can be eliminated at some future date.  The current hospice chaplain code, G9473, is also temporary code and has been used since 2016.

CMS has already stated that it will provide code users with updates as to how best to implement these codes soon.  Until we have additional guidance from CMS, APC is encouraging professional chaplains to share the updates to the Q9001-9003 and the G9473 codes with their chargemaster and other relevant personnel within their organizations.  We will share any new information that we receive as soon as we can.  If you have information or feedback regarding these codes, we welcome you to send your comments to info@apchaplains.org.

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