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Advocacy Alert: Persons with SUD Declared Eligible for Early Vaccination in California
CCAPP is pleased to announce that advocacy to ensure that clients receive priority vaccination has been cleared by the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Health Care Services.
Advocacy Alert: Model Recovery Residence Certification Act
The LAPPA (Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association) has a new publication: The Model Recovery Residence Certification Act.
Advocacy Alert: February 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in February 2021.
Advocacy Alert: The Addiction Recovery Community Unites for National Change!
37 addiction recovery advocacy organizations sent out a letter urging Congress to establish a dedicated Center for Addiction Recovery at The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Advocacy Alert: February 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Excellence in Recovery Housing Act, and more.
Advocacy Alert: January 2021 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in January 2021.
Advocacy Alert: Initial Findings: Improving Substance Use Treatment Outcomes During COVID-19
Our partner Faces & Voices of Recovery shares some findings and recommendations from a project to improve outcomes from substance use treatment and recovery services.
Advocacy Alert: January 2021 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about some of the changes that the recent presidential election will hope to achieve, and some funding updates.
Advocacy Alert: DHCS Confirms Priority Vaccinations for SUD Counselors, Registrants, Staff
Our partner CCAPP is pleased to announce that advocacy to ensure that the SUD workforce is not forgotten in the vaccine priority schedule for California has been successful.
Advocacy Alert: Senators Stabenow, Blunt Secure Three Year Extension of Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act & Significant Additional Investment in Community Mental Health and Addiction Services
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) announced that they successfully secured $850 million in funding for the national Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grants program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes emergency COVID-19 assistance and federal funding for FY 2021.
Advocacy Alert: December 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in December 2020.
Advocacy Alert: 2020 Advocacy Year in Review Update
Our advocate Andrew Kessler gives an advocacy 2020 Year in Review.
Advocacy Alert: Insurance Commissioner Issues Memorandum for Plan Reviews to Assess Parity Compliance to Meet SB 855 Requirements
BHAP shares an alert from CCAPP about parity compliance for the state of California.
Advocacy Alert: Excellence in Recovery Housing Act
Information on the Excellence in Recovery Housing Act, which BHAP endorses.
Advocacy Alert: December 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the Excellence in Recovery Housing Act, the State Opioid Response Grant program, and working with the transition team.
Advocacy Alert: Dear President-Elect Biden…
BHAP is just one of many organizations that signed this letter to President-Elect Biden, urging a reprioritization of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
Advocacy Alert: November 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we shared in November 2020.
Advocacy Alert: November 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he updates how the election will be shaping legislation, as well as updates to funding.
Advocacy Alert: October 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in October 2020.
Advocacy Alert: October 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding. He also provides information on the Family Support Services for Addiction Act.
Advocacy Alert: California Governor Signs Peer & Parity Bills
Governor Newsom has signed SB 803 and SB 885. Learn more about them.
Advocacy Alert: September 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in September 2020.
Advocacy Alert: Sign Petition to “Change the Name: End the Stigma”
The words that we use matter. We urge you to sign this petition to change the name of three federal agencies to get away from the word ‘abuse’ when it comes to addiction.
Advocacy Alert: Nominations Open for the Richard Lane/Robert Holden Patient Advocacy Award
Read about how to nominate someone for NAMA’s Richard Lane/Robert Holden Patient Advocacy Award.
Advocacy Alert: September 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding. He also provides information about some opioid-related legislation and some emergency department legislation.
Advocacy Alert: August 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in August 2020.
Advocacy Alert: August 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding.
Advocacy Alert: Congressman Kennedy Unveils Universal Mental Health Care
On July 21, 2020, Congressman Joe Kennedy III unveiled a resolution calling on Congress to pursue universal behavioral health care and address the systemic inequities that plague the current system. The Behavioral Health Association of Providers was one of the organizations that endorsed this proposal.
Advocacy Alert: July 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in July 2020.
Advocacy Alert: FCC Designates ‘988’ As 3-Digit Number for National Suicide Prevention Hotline Regulation Now in Effect
On July 16, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to establish 988 as the new nationwide 3-digit phone numbers for Americans needing help with suicide prevention. The Behavioral Health Association of Providers was one of the organizations that endorsed this proposal.
Advocacy Alert: Changes to 42 CFR Part 2 Regulation Now in Effect
SAMHSA has revised Privacy Rule 42 CFR Part 2 for substance use patients. Here’s a breakdown.
Advocacy Alert: July 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding.
Advocacy Alert: June 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in June 2020.
Advocacy Alert: June 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and funding.
Advocacy Alert: May 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in May 2020.
Advocacy Alert: Are You Compliant With DHCS’ New Addiction Treatment Facility Certification Standards?
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) recently released updated Alcohol and/or Other Drug Program Certification Standards for residential and outpatient addiction treatment programs. Our partner Nelson Hardiman breaks down these new standards.
Advocacy Alert: May 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he continues to update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) – this time regarding funding.
Advocacy Alert: Governor Signs Executive Order Implementing Key Provisions of CCAPP’s COVID-19 Response Strategy
On April 23, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom posted Executive Order N-55-20, which contains key provisions CCAPP has advocated for to assist treatment programs and professionals to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advocacy Alert: April 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in April 2020.
Advocacy Alert: BHAP Signs Letter for MAT Treatment Recommendations
The novel coronavirus (coronavirus 2 or “SARS-CoV-2,” which causes COVID-19) has placed healthcare professionals in a challenging situation in terms of needing to respond to the crisis, while at the same time minimizing contact with all patients in order to curb the spread of the disease. Our partner Nelson Hardiman breaks down the relaxed rules regarding telehealth during this crisis.
Advocacy Alert: April 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes an update regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Advocacy Alert: March 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in March 2020.
Advocacy Alert: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Prompts Relaxed Enforcement of HIPAA Requirements Relating to Telehealth
The novel coronavirus (coronavirus 2 or “SARS-CoV-2,” which causes COVID-19) has placed healthcare professionals in a challenging situation in terms of needing to respond to the crisis, while at the same time minimizing contact with all patients in order to curb the spread of the disease. Our partner Nelson Hardiman breaks down the relaxed rules regarding telehealth during this crisis.
Advocacy Alert: March 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the ‘Combating an Epidemic: Legislation to Help Patients with Substance Use Disorders’ hearing, the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force Legislative Agenda, and the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Advocacy Alert: TIME SENSITIVE — SUD Workforce Expansion Budget Proposal
Section 805.8 of the California Business and Professions Code was added to the statutory framework. Our partner Nelson Hardiman breaks down what that means for you and your facility.
Advocacy Alert: February 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in February 2020.
Advocacy Alert: New Mandatory Reporting Requirement: Patient Allegations of Sexual Misconduct by his/her Licensed Provider
Section 805.8 of the California Business and Professions Code was added to the statutory framework. Our partner Nelson Hardiman breaks down what that means for you and your facility.
Advocacy Alert: February 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the Family Support Services for Addiction Act, the federal budget, and some new policies from the White House.
Advocacy Alert: January 2020 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in January 2020.
Advocacy Alert: BHAP Endorses New Legislation to Make Behavioral Health More Affordable
The Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act would require insurance to cover three primary care visits and three mental health or substance use disorder treatment visits per year without charging patients out-of-pocket.
Advocacy Alert: January 2020 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the budget and how the policy priorities of BHAP for the upcoming year begin to take shape.
Advocacy Alert: December 2019 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in December 2019.
Advocacy Alert: The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights Settles its First Right of Access HIPAA Enforcement Action Under New Initiative
On September 6, 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) settled its first HIPAA enforcement action under its Right of Access Initiative. Announced earlier this year, the Initiative is aimed at protecting the right of patients to receive copies of their medical records in a timely fashion and without being overcharged.
Advocacy Alert: November 2019 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in November 2019.
Advocacy Alert: AB51 – Eliminating Most Mandatory Arbitrations in Employment and Labor Law Settings
Governor Newsom signs controversial AB 51 anti-arbitration law. Our partner Nelson Hardiman breaks down what this means for behavioral health providers.
Advocacy Alert: November 2019 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about the budget with regards to appropriations and veteran legislation.
Advocacy Alert: October 2019 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in October 2019.
Advocacy Alert: Legal Changes in California Behavioral Health and Addiction Treatment Industries: Key Takeaways
The 2019 California legislative session has closed. Our partner Nelson Hardiman provides some key takeaways for behavioral healthcare providers from this session.
Advocacy Alert: California AB 5 Codifies the Dynamex Independent Contractor Test and Expands the Definition of Employee
The State of California expands the definition of employee versus independent contractor. Our partner Nelson Hardiman provides a breakdown of what that means, and how it may apply to healthcare facilities.
Advocacy Alert: October 2019 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about education programs for incarcerated individuals.
Advocacy Alert: September 2019 Legislative News Round Up
A round-up of legislative news stories we posted in September 2019.
September 2019 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about federal funding and patient confidentiality.
Advocacy Alert: Health Care Services Director Jennifer Kent Resigns
California Department of Health Care Services Director Jennifer Kent is resigning as head of the state’s largest agency, which provides health care benefits for 13.2 million low-income people, POLITICO has learned.
August 2019 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
An Advocacy Update for BHAP members only from our advocate in Washington, DC: Andrew Kessler with Slingshot Solutions.
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
This month, he writes about social determinants and the Turn the Tide Act.
July 2019 Advocacy Update for BHAP Members
On behalf of Slingshot Solutions, thank you for your membership in BHAP and your commitment to advocacy that will shape the future of behavioral health. As your advocate in Washington, D.C., it is my responsibility to keep you informed when it comes to policy developments, and to represent your interests before the federal government. We do this by working with Congress, the White House and executive agencies, and other interest groups and coalitions.
I look forward to our work together!
Andrew Kessler
Principal
Slingshot Solutions LLC
You must be a BHAP member (and logged in) to view this content.
Legislative Alert: California Laws on Opioids and Conservatorship
California passed two laws in September 2018: one on opioid education, and the other on the procedures to appoint a conservator for a person who is incapable of caring for their own health and well-being due to mental illness and substance use disorder.
Advocacy Alert: Spencer Recovery Parity Act Claims
California and Florida treatment facilities claim parity act violations against United Behavioral Health and Optum.
Advocacy Alert: Recovery Housing, Prescription Forms, and an Addiction Caucus
Pennsylvania is finalizing regulations for recovery houses, California recently passed a bill regarding security measures on prescriptions for controlled substances, and Facing Addiction has a new petition.
Legislative Alert: Colorado Modernizing Behavioral Health Terminology
Back in March, Colorado passed a bill that helps modernize terminology used in the behavioral health industry.
Advocacy Alert: Federal Bills on Recovery Residences
BHAP’s positions on two bills that are dealing with recovery residences.
Advocacy Alert: Federal Acts for SUD and Opioid Crisis
BHAP’s positions on SB 3462, which deals with substance use disorder, and HB 4284, which is legislation around the opioid crisis.
Legislative Alert: Administration Provides Flexibility for IMD Exclusion
On November 13, 2018, HHS Secretary Alex Azar stated that the CMS is expanding the IMD Exclusion.
Advocacy Alert: Massachusetts Substance Use Disorder Treatment Bills
BHAP’s positions on two bills in Massachusetts, H 2181 and S 1096.
Advocacy Alert: New Jersey Opioid Crisis Bills
BHAP’s positions on New Jersey AB 4300 and SB 2638.
Legislative Alert: Rhode Island Naloxone Access, Good Samaritan Act, and Chemical Dependency Professionals
On July 2, 2018, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed a number of bills relating to the addiction industry: HB 8313, SB 2930, SB 3004, and SB 2225.
Advocacy Alert: California Substance Use Disorder Bills
BHAP’s positions on California AB 1929, AB 2904, and SB 1290.
Legislative Alert: Hawai’i Counselor Licensure and Opioid Antagonists
In July, Hawai’i Governor David Ige signed SB 2647 (Relating to Mental Health Counselors” and SB 2247 (Relating to Opioid Antagonists).
Advocacy Alert: Federal Synthetic Drug and Medicaid Institutes for Mental Disease
BHAP’s positions on federal House Bills 449 (Synthetic Drug Awareness Act of 2018) and 5800 (which deals with Medicaid institutes for mental disease).
Advocacy Alert: Empowering Pharmacists and Better Data Act
BHAP’s positions on federal House Bills 4275 (Empowering Pharmacists in the Fight Against Opioid Abuse Act) and 5473 (Better Pain Management Through Better Data Act of 2018).
Legislative Alert: Senate Passes Opioid Package – Final Round
The Senate passed the Opioid Package, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6).
Legislative Alert: Florida Certification for PHPs
Florida’s unregulated recovery residences recently had a new order involving certification.
Legislative Alert: New California Treatment Facility Regulations
California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law four laws relating to regulations surrounding alcoholism or drug abuse treatment facilities: AB 3162, SB 992, SB 823, and SB 1228.
Advocacy Alert: Ohio Senators Add Proposal to Lift the IMD Exclusion
Ohio Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown have added a bipartisan proposal to lift the IMD Exclusion.
Legislative Alert: California Addiction Treatment Referral Payments
More information on California Senate Bill 1268, regarding addiction treatment referrals and payment.
Advocacy Alert: Federal Opioid Acts: Connections, Abuse Deterrent, and Comprehensive Recovery Centers
BHAP’s views on HB 5812 (Connections Act), HB 5582 (Abuse Deterrent Access Act of 2018), and HB 5327 (Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act of 2018).
Legislative Alert: Senate Passes Opioid Package
On September 17, 2018, the Senate passed its opioid package of 70 bills. Here’s some information about it.
Legislative Alert: Missouri Modified Provisions to Health Care (MO SB826)
Information about Missouri’s Senate Bill 826, which modifies certain provisions relating to health care.
Advocacy Alert: Getting Involved in California (AB3055), Massachusetts (S2202), and Louisiana (HB690)
We provide some more information about California AB 3055, Massachusetts S2202, and Louisiana HB 690.
Advocacy Alert: Federal Acts for Counterfeit Drugs and Opioid Response (HB 5228 and HB 5109)
Information on the SCREEN Act (Stop Counterfeit Drugs by Regulating and Enhancing Enforcement Now Act) and the Federal Opioid Response Fairness Act of 2018.
Legislative Alert: MA H4742: An Act for Prevention and Access to Appropriate Care and Treatment of Addiction
Information about Massachusetts H4742, which deals with combating the opioid crisis.
Advocacy Alert: California Licensure and Insurance Issues
California has two bills: one on alcoholism or drug abuse treatment facilities and one on health care service plans: 3rd-party payments.
Legislative Alert: Hawai’i Opioid Crisis: Prescriptions and Labeling
Information about Hawai’i’s SB 2244 (Relating to Workers’ Compensation) and HB 1602 (Relating to Opioids).
Legislative Alert: New Hampshire State Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services Program
Information about New Hampshire’s SB 487, which establishes a state substance use disorder treatment program.
Advocacy Alert: New York Addiction Amendments to Public Health Law
BHAP’s positions on two bills in New York dealing with amendments to the public health law, S00687 and A07408.
Advocacy Alert: Federal Money: EHRs, Opioid Alternatives, and SUE Workforce Loans
BHAP’s positions on three federal bills that deal with money: HB 3331 (EHR adoption), HB 5197 (ALTO Act), and HB 5102 (a loan repayment act).
Legislative Alert: Rhode Island Insurance Coverage for Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
Rhode Island passed S 2540, “Insurance Coverage for Mental Illness and Substance Abuse”.
Advocacy Alert: California After School Programs, Opioid Prevention, and Medi-Cal Reimbursement
BHAP’s positions on three assembly bills from California: AB 1744 (dealing with after school programs), AB 2486 (the Opioid Prevention and Rehabilitation Act), and AB 1963 (dealing with Medi-Cal reimbursement).
Legislative Alert: Updates to Hawai’i’s Uniform Controlled Substance Act
Hawai’i Governor David Ige signed two bills that update the state’s Uniform Controlled Substance Act.
Advocacy Alert: Federal Bills on Overdose Funding and Evidence-Based Standards
BHAP’s positions on two federal bills: HB 5176 and HB 5272.
Advocacy Alert: Federal Opioid Legislation
There are two pieces of federal legislation currently in Senate committees that BHAP would like to inform you of: HB 5685 (Medicare Opioid Safety Education Act of 2018) and HB 5353 (Eliminating Opioid Related Infectious Diseases Act of 2018). Also, we’ve updated our “Frequently Asked Questions” for Washington.
A national membership association that provides education and advocacy for those in the behavioral health and addiction treatment industries.
We are the leading and unifying voice of addiction-focused treatment programs.
