Advocacy Alert: September 2023 Legislative News Round Up

October 5, 2023

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 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.

CA | Gavin Newsom gives ground to critics on his mental health plan. Will voters back it?
Shared 9/6/2023
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants counties to spend some revenue from California’s so-called “millionaire’s tax” on the state’s homeless crisis. That alarms advocates for programs that are getting that money today.

MT | State officials seek more control over judicial involuntary commitments
Shared 9/8/2023
But because of bottlenecks in services across the country, people in jail with serious mental illness are waiting months to receive the care needed to “restore” their competency to stand trial.

Ministers set to ban single-use vapes in UK over child addiction fears
Shared 9/13/2023
Government understood to have concluded the disposable nicotine products are mainly aimed at under-18s.

Biden’s getting tough with health insurers
Shared 9/19/2023
The administration says insurance companies are using loopholes to deny mental health care. Insurers say that’s not the case.

US Rep. Madeleine Dean and son Harry Cunnane reflect on ongoing opioid epidemic
Shared 9/20/2023
Mother and son advocate for better treatment resources.

Behavioral health system's illegal sober home kickbacks endangered vulnerable patients, DOJ alleges
Shared 9/21/2023
A Massachusetts behavioral health system allegedly pushed thousands of substance abuse patients to choose its services by illegally offering free sober housing at facilities it knew to be unsafe, according to a complaint made public Monday by federal law enforcement.

NH | New law eliminates insurance pre-approval for crisis mental health, substance use care
Shared 9/21/2023
Insurance companies in New Hampshire can no longer require their members to get prior authorization before getting coverage for emergency mental health or substance use care when it is provided by a mobile crisis team, outside a licensed hospital.

Keir Starmer says no to UK drugs reform
Shared 9/22/2023
Opposition Labour Party leader says if he comes to power, his government would be focused on the 5 missions he has already set out.

DE | Delaware Officials Underscore Urgency Regarding Health Equity in Outcomes Related to Substance Use Disorder
Shared 9/22/2023
Leaders from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) joined partner community agencies for a community response briefing to provide the latest information regarding the state’s efforts to address disparities in outcomes related to Substance Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder for minority and vulnerable populations.

MS | 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals challenges Mississippi’s mental health practices decision
Shared 9/25/2023
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has challenged a prior decision regarding Mississippi’s mental health practices, specifically its tendency to institutionalize those with mental health conditions rather than focusing on community-based care.

NV | NV Supreme Court upholds fines against state for delaying defendants’ mental health care
Shared 9/25/2023
The Division of Public and Behavioral Health must continue paying $500 for every day that a criminal defendant's transfer to a psychiatric facility is delayed.

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.