Advocacy Alert: May 2022 Legislative News Round Up

June 2, 2022

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.

WI | Groups Advocate on Issues Around Substance Use Disorders, Recovery
Shared 5/2/2022
Advocates and supporters from around Wisconsin gathered at the Capitol to educate and advocate on issues around substance use disorders, mental health and recovery.

IL | Statehouse Measure Aims To Increase Illinois Mental Health Workers
Shared 5/3/2022
Senate Bill 3617 also suspends requirements for social workers, professional counselors, and clinical psychologists with inactive licenses.

Mental Health Shouldn't be "treated like a stepchild" to Physical Health, Says HHS Chief
Shared 5/4/2022
The Biden administration plans to ramp up mental health services to aid millions of Americans struggling from the disruptions, hardships and grief of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation's top federal health official says, but needs more money from Congress to do "transformative work on mental health."

Naomi Judd Championed Mental Health. Here's How You Can Find Help and be an Advocate
Shared 5/5/2022
Naomi Judd spoke openly about her own mental health over the years, encouraging others not to struggle alone and penning a book about her journey.

OR | Oregon Mental Health Advocates Ask top U.S. Official for Help
Shared 5/6/2022
A top official in the Biden administration visited Portland Thursday to find out how young Oregonians are working to prevent suicide and help fellow teenagers in crisis.

KY | Kentucky Mental Health Program Could be Roadmap for Criminal Justice Reform
Shared 5/6/2022
The General Assembly passed a bill this session to look at possibilities for alternative sentences for those suffering from some disorders.

MN | DFL Pushes for Greater K-12 Mental Health Funding as Education Bill Negotiations Open
Shared 5/12/2022
The House DFL-led proposal would use the state's historic $9.25 billion budget surplus to boost education funding by $3.3 billion into 2025.

NY | Advocates Urge Support for Child Behavioral Health Providers in New York
Shared 5/12/2022
The Campaign for Healthy Minds Healthy Kids in a letter released this week to top New York officials urged them to stem the tide of child behavioral health providers from leaving the state.

VA | State Agencies Try to Sort Out Scope of Youngkin's Telework Policy
Shared 5/14/2022
Virginia's behavioral health agency says its regional staff -- including employees in the field -- won't be affected by a new telework policy that Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued last week.

Mental Health, FDA Bills Advance in House
Shared 5/16/2022
H.R. 7666 is bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize over 30 programs set to expire in September that support mental health care, prevention, education and workforce training.

KS | Capitol Update: Rep. Susan Ruiz Says State Must Do More to Address Mental Health
Shared 5/17/2022
There are many factors that can contribute to developing a mental health condition.

WA | 5 Things Washington: Q&A w/U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, Health initiatives, Inflation & Medicare
Shared 5/17/2022
State of Reform takes a look at health-related initiatives, new updates on federal health policy that could impact Washington State, and $47 million in grant funding that aims to increase behavioral health service capacity.

AHA, Others Urge Appeals Court to Rehear Landmark Behavioral Health Coverage Case 
Shared 5/18/2022
The AHA and other hospital and health care organizations urged the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit to rehear Wit v. United Behavioral Health.

House Homeland Security Committee Hearing on DHS Efforts Against Opioid Epidemic
Shared 5/22/2022
The House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

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.