Several states are advancing behavioral health policy changes, from syringe service program restrictions in Indiana to Medicaid reimbursement debates in Maryland and workforce reforms in Oregon. Here are eight updates to know: 1. Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a bill…
Government & Regulation
A House subcommittee roundtable is examining worsening mental health outcomes in the U.S. despite expanded access to care. Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services Chairman Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., said the number of adults receiving mental health treatment grew from…
Idaho has restored Medicaid-funded mental health programs after Gov. Brad Little signed a bill April 2, the Idaho Capital Sun reported April 3. The legislation will use one-time legal settlement funds to reinstate the Assertive Community Treatment program and peer…
HHS, the Treasury Department and the Labor Department plan to issue new proposed rules revising requirements tied to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, according to a March 30 filing in the U.S. District Court for the District…
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in an 8-1 decision March 31 that a Colorado law banning conversion therapy for minors may violate the First Amendment when applied to talk therapy, reversing a lower court decision and remanding the case. Chiles…
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Texas leaders said the state will move forward with its own research program on ibogaine after no drugmaker met funding requirements. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said the state had previously allocated $50 million for…
Three federal lawmakers have introduced the Child Suicide Preventon Act to address rising suicide rates among children and young adults. The legislation would provide funding for evidence-based training on youth suicide prevention for current and future healthcare professionals, according to…
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed legislation eliminating certain practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses, allowing some to independently provide primary and behavioral healthcare services. The law makes permanent the independent practice authority for qualifying advanced practice nurses as…
Pennsylvania is expanding its Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative program in Indiana County to include behavioral health and mental health services. The update makes the county the sixth in the state to incorporate behavioral and mental health services into the LETI…
Idaho lawmakers are working to restore Medicaid-funded mental health programs cut in 2025, the Idaho Capital Sun reported March 24. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted to approve use of settlement funds to reinstate services, including Assertive Community Treatment and peer…