Government & Regulation

A bipartisan bill that would require the implementation of a mental health and wellness program for law enforcement employees within the Department of Homeland Security advanced out of a House committee, according to a July 14 report from Government Executive.

CMS's new proposed rule seeks to expand behavioral healthcare under Medicare by creating an intensive outpatient program for psychiatric services.

In the wake of Mental Health Awareness Month and Pride Month, the U.S. Education Department is drawing attention to the youth members of the LGBTQ+ community living in rural areas who are left with limited access to mental health services.

The majority of Medicare Advantage plans significantly limit access to psychiatrists, as their psychiatrist networks encompass less than 25 percent of all available psychiatrists in a given area, according to a study published July 5 in Health Affairs.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a proposal to allocate $100 million in federal funds to pay for adult mental health services in the state, according to a report from ABC affiliate WHTM.

Nebraska legislators have unanimously passed a bill that would allow state agencies to follow the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Model, ABC affiliate NTV reported May 22. 

The Biden administration rolled out critical actions on national mental health May 18 in recognition of Mental Health Day of Action.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a bill that permits mental and behavioral healthcare providers to operate within emergency shelters that serve people experiencing homelessness.

The Ohio State University in Columbus is the first U.S. university awarded a license by the Drug Enforcement Agency to grow psilocybin mushrooms, The Columbus Dispatch reported May 10.

Behavioral health is projected to be one of the fastest-growing areas in healthcare, by market value, over the next few years. Those projections may fall short, however, if provider shortages and other key obstacles aren't addressed.