Advocacy Alert: December 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members

December 15, 2020

Greetings, BHAP!

On behalf of Slingshot Solutions, thank you for your membership in BHAP and your commitment to advocacy that will shape the future of behavioral health. As your advocate in Washington, D.C., it is my responsibility to keep you informed when it comes to policy developments, and to represent your interests before the federal government. We do this by working with Congress, the White House and executive agencies, and other interest groups and coalitions.

Andrew Kessler
Principal
Slingshot Solutions LLC

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In the first week of December, U.S. Representatives David Trone (MD-06), Judy Chu (CA-27), and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Excellence in Recovery Housing Act, which will help states expand recovery housing as an option for those in and seeking recovery from a substance use disorder. BHAP was one of the first organizations to endorse this legislation, which is also endorsed by the National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR). BHAP was in contact with Rep. Trone’s office as the bill was drafted, and provided feedback during the process.

Many state and local governments do not currently regulate the quality of these facilities. The Excellence in Recovery Housing Act would require the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in coordination with national accrediting entities and reputable providers of recovery housing services, to develop guidelines for states to promote the availability of high-quality recovery housing. The bill would also provide grants to states to implement these guidelines and promote high-quality housing, would require the National Academy of Sciences to study the issue and issue a report with recommendations for increasing availability, improving data collection, and improving inclusivity for individuals who take medication-assisted treatment.

The House of Representatives has also passed a reauthorization bill for the State Opioid Response Grant program, in the amount of $1.5 billion. While the SORG was created to solely address opioid use disorders, the funds distributed to the states may be used to address any and all issues arising from all substance use disorders, including recovery support services. We await passage of the bill in the Senate, which has been slow to act.

We remain cautiously optimistic that when Congress does indeed produce another COVID response bill that there will be funding included for SUD services. While the most recent House of Representatives proposal includes $8.5 billion for SAMHSA, including $3.5 billion for the SAPT block grant, none of the funds are set aside specifically for recovery. A bipartisan group of Senators has released a competing plan, allocating $5 billion to SAMHSA, with $1.5 billion for the same block grant.

BHAP has also been active in the transition to a Biden administration. Our leadership, always active in the Coalition for Whole Health as well as the Addiction Leadership Group, has had the opportunity to put forth our policy priorities to the transition teams responsible for setting the agenda at both the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Our emphasis remains on strengthening the SUD workforce, via both the expansion of loan repayment programs and improved policies for Medicare and Medicaid.

BHAP is also taking part in a project hosted by the National Association of Model State Drug Laws, aimed at weeding out fraudulent and predatory practices in the SUD treatment and recovery industry. We are one of several stakeholders taking part in meetings and sessions that will analyze the roots of the problem and propose solutions that will protect consumers, as well as the reputation of earnest professionals and programs around the country.

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Questions? Concerns?

As always, we want your input. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you have about our advocacy efforts.