Advocacy Alert: December 2023 Legislative News Round Up

January 4, 2024

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.

Sweeping bill to fight opioid addiction will be considered by Senate health committee
Shared 12/5/2023
The proposal would reauthorize a number of programs first created by the SUPPORT Act, an addiction-focused bill that Congress first passed in 2018.

IL | Central Illinois receives $1 million in mental health funding
Shared 12/7/2023
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) alongside the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $1 million for Central Illinois mental health services on Wednesday.

OR | Oregon behavioral health networks asks lawmakers for millions to care for aid and assist patients
Shared 12/7/2023
Oregon's behavioral health networkers are asking lawmakers to up their biannual budget by $14 million to cover the cost they say early state hospital discharges are putting on them.

New Bill to Expand Home-Based Virtual Mental, Substance Use Care
Shared 12/8/2023
The bill will provide grants to support the delivery of mental health and substance use care via telehealth for rural farming, fishing, and forestry communities.

MA | Mass. bill would ease penalties on probationers who fail drug tests
Shared 12/8/2023
Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing a bill that would require courts prioritize treatment over penalties for people on probation who fail drug or alcohol tests.

US House passes bill aimed at providing federal funding to battle opioid epidemic
Shared 12/13/2023
The SUPPORT Act, Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities, became law in 2018.

NY | Governor Hochul Announces Doubling of Community Behavioral Health Clinics, Funding 13 New Clinics Across New York
Shared 12/13/2023
Clinics Serve Roughly 65,000 New Yorkers Annually; Provide Behavioral Health Services Regardless of Ability to Pay

Court Sets New Parity Standard; United Behavioral Appeals to Supreme Court
Shared 12/14/2023
The fight for behavioral health parity has momentum heading into 2024 following three major decisions at the appellate level.

KY | Recovery organizations host roundtable with Kentucky lawmakers ahead of regular session
Shared 12/14/2023
State lawmakers spoke with members of the Kentucky Association of Independent Recovery Organizations to discuss ways to improve addiction treatment policy ahead of the upcoming general legislative session.

Senate hearing, staggering OIG report underline need to address seniors’ substance use disorders
Shared 12/15/2023
A Congressional hearing and a stunning new report issued by a government watchdog show seniors need more help accessing care for substance use disorders, finding providers willing to treat them and getting required services covered.

MT | Legislative Commission to Mend Montana’s Mental Health System Comes to Kalispell
Shared 12/18/2023
The Behavioral Health Systems for Future Generations Commission, chaired by Bigfork Rep. Bob Keenan, will meet in Kalispell to hear from the community and move towards fixing the state’s dysfunctional mental health infrastructure

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.