Advocacy Alert: December 2024 Legislative News Round Up

January 2, 2025

For those of you who follow us on social media know, we post news stories on a daily basis that are connected to the behavioral health and addiction treatment industry.

Many of these are news stories regarding legislation, so once a month we send out a 'news roundup' of related news stories we've posted. Unless otherwise stated, NBHAP has no official stance on any of these stories: the intention is to share so that we're all better informed as to what's happening in the legislative world.

A reminder that NBHAP members get access to a monthly update with our advocate in Washington, DC, to find out what is going on and ask any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us for more information on that.

OR | Oregon Health Authority director outlines goals to improve state's health care system
Shared 12/16/2024
Oregon Health Authority Director Sejal Hathi wants to improve Oregon’s health care system, including keeping rural hospitals open, supporting homeless people and testing children for lead poisoning.

CO | Backers of a Denver mental and behavioral health tax promised a "gamechanger."
Shared 12/19/2024
With limited transparency, the money was spent but has not had the impact supporters envisioned.

CMS Announces Participating States in the Innovation in Behavioral Health Model
Shared 12/23/2024
On December 18, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that state Medicaid agencies in Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, and South Carolina were selected to participate in the Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model.

GA | Georgia lawmakers consider making opioid alternatives more affordable
Shared 12/23/2024
State legislators say alternative pain management drugs will continue to lower addiction rates.

IL | Illinois rolls out first phase of plan to modernize professional licensing
Shared 12/27/2024
State regulators start with clinical psychologists, music therapists and nail technicians.

PA | Pennsylvania eases rules for drug and alcohol treatment providers with new virtual-only license
Shared 12/31/2024
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced this week that the state's Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs will allow treatment providers to apply for a telehealth-only license, which effectively eliminates the need for a physical location.

Questions? Concerns?

As always, we want your input.

A reminder that NBHAP members get regular access to our advocate in Washington, DC. If you have any questions about NBHAP's advocacy efforts, please contact us.