NJAMHAA Pres./CEO Highlights Positive Provisions of Behavioral Health Reform Bill
Debra Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA, recently
participated in a roundtable discussion, Strengthening our Mental
Health System across the Full Continuum of Care, convened by
Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-6th District), a ranking member
of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chair of the
Health Subcommittee. His goal was to gather a group of
stakeholders from different areas of the health and mental health
communities to engage in a discussion of controversial provisions
of several mental health bills that are impeding Congress from
moving forward on a bill. "Without consensus, no bill will ever
get to the President," Congressman Pallone said.
The two main competing bills are the Comprehensive Behavioral
Health Reform and Recovery Act of 2016 (H.R.4435), sponsored by
Gene Green (D-TX), which focuses on prevention and early
intervention, and the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis
Act of 2013 (H.R.3717), sponsored by Tim Murphy (R-PA), which
focuses on the most seriously ill. "We need to do it all,"
Congressman Pallone said.
"So much of what is working well is supported in this new bill,"
Dr. Wentz said, referring to the Comprehensive Behavioral Health
Reform and Recovery Act of 2016. "This bill supports peer
services, Assertive Community Treatment programs, parity
enforcement, integrated care, workforce development and a wide
array of substance use treatment services, among others. When
combined with the totality of the provisions, they give evidence
to the recognition that those with mental health and substance
use disorders deserve effective, quality services that are
delivered in a timely manner in the least restrictive setting
along the full continuum of care," she said.
"Parity enforcement is essential. The provisions in the recently
introduced Comprehensive Behavioral Health Reform and Recovery
Act of 2016 are encouraging. However, true parity will remain
elusive as long as the IMD [Institutions for Mental Disease]
exclusion remains," Dr. Wentz stated. "We recognize this will not
disappear in one fell swoop, but limiting the current proposal to
match the Medicaid and CHIP Managed Care proposed rule, which
only allows for 15 days per month and then only within a
capitated payment system, is insufficient. Other bills being
discussed allow as much as an average 30 day stay, which is much
more reasonable. The extension and expansion of the Medicaid
Emergency Psychiatric Demonstration Project is a significant step
in the right direction, but we should take advantage of the
current support for comprehensive change to make other advances
in the area of IMD stays and that would include removing the
budget neutral provision."
"There are so many excellent grant programs authorized in the
bill including for integrated care, needle exchange programs,
mental health in schools, mental health on college campuses and
reducing overdose deaths, to name just a few. Combined with the
many proposed required reports and studies, they support those in
need while advancing an effective, comprehensive accessible
continuum of care," Dr. Wentz added.
"Another critical provision is the Behavioral Health Information
Technology provision, which would finally allow behavioral health
providers to participate in the meaningful use incentive program
for electronic health records. Our providers were overlooked in
the initial development of these incentives and their inclusion
is long overdue," Dr. Wentz said.
"We are very glad to see the many improvements in this bill over
others that have been previously introduced, particularly
maintaining SAMHSA's structure and authority while also
establishing a cabinet level position for the Administrator;
support for peer services; and no restrictions on the Protection
and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness programs," Dr.
Wentz added.
