Advocacy Alert: April 2020 Legislative News Round Up

May 1, 2020

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, BHAP 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 BHAP members get access to a monthly call 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.

HI | Coronavirus Clouds Prospects for Hawaii's Mental Health Reforms
Shared 4/1/2020
Among the business Hawaii lawmakers left unfinished when they abruptly suspended the Legislature to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus were proposals to improve psychiatric care for the state's mentally ill.

AL | Alabama House Passes Package of Bills Aimed at Improving Mental Health Care
Shared 4/1/2020
The effort, if made law, would be the first voluntary investment in mental health by the State of Alabama since the 1960s.

How Behavioral Health Care Rules Are Evolving For COVID-19
Shared 4/2/2020
In response to COVID-19, federal and state regulators are taking measures to help facilitate continued and increased safe access to mental health and SUDs treatment, including expanded telemedicine, relaxed Health Insurance Portability and Accountability

ME | Maine Relaxes Needle Exchange and Methadone Rules During Coronavirus Pandemic
Shared 4/14/2020
An executive order from Gov. Janet Mills has temporarily eliminated the requirement that syringe exchange programs collect one used syringe for every clean syringe they hand out.

MS | Gov. Reeves Stresses Importance of Mental Stability During Coronavirus Calamity
Shared 4/15/2020
With many Mississippians filing unemployment claims and the number of coronavirus cases in the state continuing to rise, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves chose to address the significance of mental stability during his daily press briefing Tuesday.

CA | Telehealth Is Grabbing the Pandemic Spotlight. Can California Do More to Help It Grow?
Shared 4/23/2020
A Q&A with telehealth policy expert Mei Wa Kwong.

DEA Asks Americans to Secure Prescription Opioids
Shared 4/24/2020
This week, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) started a public awareness campaign, asking Americans to safely secure their prescription opioids until they can be properly disposed of.

COVID-19 Resources and News

As you know, COVID-19 is affecting every aspect of our lives right now. The behavioral health industry is especially hit, with social distancing regulations and event closings hurting on-site services, affecting the economy, and increasing everyone’s stress levels.

We here at the Behavioral Health Association of Providers want to be here for you and your organization during this emergency. We are based in California, which is currently under a statewide ‘shelter in place’ order. However, we are able to work remotely and so will be able to help with your questions and concerns about supporting your clients. We also want to keep you updated as to resources specific to this pandemic.

We're keeping an updated list of COVID-19 Resources for Behavioral Health.

This includes webinars we've presented, available to watch for free.

Questions? Concerns?

As always, we want your input.

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