APA Announces Two New Membership Categories

Beginning in January 2022, APA is instituting two new membership categories approved by the Board of Trustees and Assembly in 2018. The membership categories are “semi-retired” and “retired,” and qualified members can opt into these categories for the 2022 membership renewal year at my.psychiatry.org and select the “Retired Opt in” tab.

A semi-retired member is defined as a general or life member who is near retirement age and works less than 15 hours a week in all administrative or clinical roles. A retired member is defined as a general member who has reached retirement age and is fully retired from all administrative or clinical roles. These categories will replace the “Rule of 95” starting with the 2022 renewal year. Those in the life category prior to 2022 can remain there or can move into one of the new categories. Once moved into a new category, it is not possible to move back into the life category.

The Rule of 95 allowed members whose age and years of APA membership equaled or exceeded 95 to become life members and pay dues on a graduated basis. The new categories provide more flexibility for a more diverse and changing workforce and simplifies the membership structure. Life status will no longer be tied to the Rule of 95 but will be achieved by either being a member for 30 or more years or paying lump-sum dues. ■