Indiana legislation allowing counties to continue syringe service programs — while adding restrictions — will potentially become law as Gov. Mike Braun said he does not plan to sign the bill, Indiana Capital Chronicle reported March 9. The legislation allows…
Government & Regulation
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) has postponed its first meeting, according to an HHS spokesperson. In a post on X, psychiatrist Sylvia Fogel, MD, a member of the committee, said members of the autism community have raised concerns and…
Behavioral health providers and advocates are urging Maryland lawmakers to increase reimbursement rates for behavioral health services provided through Medicaid and the state’s Public Behavioral Health System, warning that stagnant state funding could worsen an already ongoing workforce shortage, The…
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is offering $69.1 million in funding opportunities through three behavioral health grant programs. The funding includes $43 million for the Children’s Mental Health Initiative, which provides community-based mental health services for individuals…
The Trump administration is reviewing federal policies on antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes — a shift that could affect how facilities treat residents with dementia — The Washington Post reported March 6. Federal regulators have spent more than a…
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Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has signed legislation to reduce administrative barriers for behavioral health workers after the measure passed the state House and Senate with bipartisan support. The law requires a centralized credentialing platform for behavioral health providers, a step…
California’s push to implement new nurse-to-patient ratios at psychiatric hospitals has sparked widespread concern among hospital leaders and advocacy groups, who warn the rules could reduce an already limited psychiatric capacity, increase emergency department boarding and strain the behavioral health workforce. …
Pennsylvania issued Aetna a $550,000 fine following a market conduct exam that found violations in mental health parity laws, according to a March 3 commonwealth news release. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department reviewed Aetna’s activity from Oct. 1, 2021, through Dec.…
Texas Attorney General Ken Paton has issued a legal opinion stating that a Texas state law banning gender-affirming medical care for minors applies to mental healthcare providers licensed by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. The opinion finds that the…
Nevada identified insurer violations of mental health laws based on nonquantitative treatment limitations, according to a Dec. 31 report from the state’s insurance division. To better understand adherence to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, reviewers requested information…