Advocacy Alert: September 2024 Legislative News Round Up

October 3, 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.

A 'miracle molecule' could cut fentanyl deaths in half — or lead more into addiction
Shared 9/6/2024
America's sky-high rate of fatal fentanyl overdoses could be halved if users were treated with another opioid, Biden administration officials and a bipartisan group of senators believe.

CO | Colorado Rep. Pettersen wants more states to cover substance use disorder treatment under Medicaid
Shared 9/6/2024
Inspired in part by her own family's experience, Democratic Rep. Brittany Petersen is introducing a new bill to help more people get in-patient treatment for drug addiction.

Hundreds of thousands of parents died from drugs. Their kids need more help, advocates say.
Shared 9/9/2024
More than 321,000 children in the U.S. lost a parent to a drug overdose in the decade between 2011 and 2021, according to a study by federal health researchers that was published in JAMA Psychiatry in May.

NE | Nebraska DHHS faces cuts despite demand for mental health, substance use programs
Shared 9/9/2024
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has seen a $15 million cut to its Behavioral Health Division this year and more cuts are being proposed, despite soaring demand for mental health and addiction treatment programs.

MA | Here are the major health bills advocates wish lawmakers passed
Shared 9/11/2024
Some former state lawmakers say it's time for a major shake-up. That could mean the Legislature changes rules, deadlines or goes back to one-year sessions.

CT | Connecticut State Senators Move To Classify Addiction As Occupational Disease
Shared 9/13/2024
Earlier this week, state senators in Connecticut held a press conference to announce what they believe could be a groundbreaking piece of legislation for those struggling with addiction.

House, Senate Committees Release Dueling Mental Health Spending Bills
Shared 9/16/2024
While there is still a way to go until the FY 2025 appropriations process is finalized, the bill language reveals important details on mental health funding priorities in each chamber, with the Democratic-controlled Senate committee proposing $15.2 billion more than the Republican House committee in spending on health and mental health.

VA | Legislators lobby for creation of a 'Virginia Gaming Commission' to help curb gambling addiction
Shared 9/16/2024
Virginia legislators are sounding the alarm on problem gambling as the number of casinos in the state is expected to increase in coming years.

NY | As Overdoses Soar, Addiction Treatment Funding Stagnates
Shared 9/18/2024
Hochul's budget would level off funding for addiction treatment — and use opioid settlement funds to fill the gaps.

Providers Beware: Behavioral Health Parity Rule Won't Fix All of the Industry's Problems
Shared 9/19/2024
Finalized on Sept. 9, the new rule focuses on updated requirements for health plans to generate reports comparing how they treat behavioral health benefits compared to physical health benefits.

NH | On the issues: Gubernatorial candidates weigh in on marijuana
Shared 9/26/2024
In sharp contrast to Gov. Chris Sununu, the Republican candidates running to replace him have vowed to veto any future efforts to legalize cannabis.

New federal rule to force fair insurance coverage for mental health
Shared 9/30/2024
The rule gives more muscle to a 2008 law on parity of access to coverage.

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.