It refers issues for study to various components and coordinates their recommendations for further consideration by the Board or the Assembly. Each council is composed of five voting members and has authority to create supporting committees, subcommittees, and task forces, but must obtain funding from the Joint Reference Committee and the Board. Ad hoc committees are renewed or terminated annually. They often include representation from the Assembly. Several boards and special committees report directly to the Board, such as the editorial boards of APA s newspaper and journals.
Joint commissions perform specific functions that relate to psychiatry and psychiatrists in general.
Commissions are established to focus on a specific issue. The seven Area Councils are regional links between the Assembly and the district branches. They consist of representatives from each of the district branches within the Area, an Area representative and deputy representative, an Area ECP representative and deputy representative, an Area MIT representative and deputy representative, elected by the council itself, the Area trustee, and the Area public affairs and legislative representatives. They promote relationships between organized psychiatry and state governments, coordinate a range of branch activities, hold scientific meetings and other programs in continuing education, and provide a forum for discussion of national and regional issues. District Branches Constituent parts of the Association, district branches work locally to foster the science of psychiatry, promote its progress as a healing profession, and maintain high professional standards.