Dear Behavioral Health Leader,

As a key stakeholder, your involvement is instrumental in shaping the future of mental health care in our state. We are excited to share with you key priority legislation that continues to shape the future of behavioral health in our state.

House Bill 1138, authored by Representative Lori Goss-Reaves and sponsored by Senator Andy Zay, focuses on professional licensing matters within the fields of social work, marriage and family counseling, mental health counseling, and addiction counseling. HB 1138 is now headed to the Governor's desk to be signed into law, marking a significant step forward in streamlining the licensure process for social workers, marriage and family counselors, mental health counselors, and addictions counselors.

The bill addresses a few critical aspects of licensure, aiming to facilitate the transition from education to practice for incoming professionals.

One of the key highlights of the bill is the increased use of virtual supervision, allowing qualified supervisors to conduct supervision sessions through virtual platforms. This provision is timely, given the advancements in technology and the evolving landscape of mental health services. By increasing the use for virtual supervision, we can expand opportunities for clinical experience and ensure that students receive adequate support.

In addition to supervision, House Bill 1138 allows students from neighboring states to take their licensure exams while still pursuing their degree. This provision not only accelerates the licensure process but also enhances the mental health workforce.

As we navigate the complexities of mental health care, it is essential to remove barriers and promote opportunities for professional growth and development. House Bill 1138 represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the mental health workforce and improve access to high-quality care for all Hoosiers.

We extend our gratitude to Rep. Goss-Reaves and Senator Andy Zay for their leadership and dedication to advancing mental health policies in our state. Moving forward, we remain committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the treatment and well-being of individuals and families across Indiana.

As the 2024 Indiana Legislative Session comes to a close, we hope you stay connected with us for more legislative updates and a final recap of behavioral health legislation that will be signed into law.

Be Well,

Steve McCaffrey

President and CEO

Mental Health America of Indiana

Bills heard in the House:

Senate Bill 132: PROFESSIONS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (Brown, L) -  This bill authorizes the implementation of a managed care program for certain Medicaid recipients. It requires testing before the program starts and provides temporary financial assistance to providers during the initial phase. The bill also amends various statutes related to healthcare agreements and eliminates certain requirements for telehealth providers. Additionally, it makes changes to regulations for health facility administrators and specifies requirements for nurse applicants. Moreover, it introduces regulations regarding dental services, including prohibiting third-party access to provider contracts without meeting certain conditions. The bill grants authority to the insurance commissioner to enforce these regulations and mandates payment procedures for dental services. It also requires updates to administrative rules and a study of accreditation rules by relevant boards.

Current Status:  02/28/2024 Motion to concur filed

Senate Bill 290:CRIMINAL JUSTICE DATA (Freeman, A) - Requires the Indiana criminal justice institute and the department of correction to collect and distribute certain criminal justice data.

Current Status:  02/29/2024 Second reading ; ordered engrossed

Senate Bill 232: STATEWIDE 911 SYSTEM (Walker, K) -  This bill revises various aspects of the statewide 911 system. It eliminates the term "enhanced 911 service" and updates references to the "911 service prepaid wireless charge." The bill also increases penalties for false reports of dangerous individuals. Additionally, it allows the statewide 911 board to withhold security-related information from public disclosure. Changes are made to definitions and requirements for originating service providers, ensuring they connect to the 911 system using industry standards. The bill clarifies that adding an emergency communications center does not create an additional Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The bill includes technical corrections and conforming amendments.

Current Status:  02/29/2024 Third reading; Passed (92-0)

Bills Heard in the Senate:

House Bill 1067: IDD TASK FORCE AND PROGRAM OVERSIGHT BOARDS (Clere, E) - This bill introduces amendments aimed at enhancing oversight and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It brings changes to the membership and regulations of both the Indiana State Commission on Aging and the Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled Board. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of a subcommittee within the Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Other Developmental Disabilities Task Force. This subcommittee will focus specifically on addressing barriers to employment for individuals with IDD and making recommendations regarding the Medicaid buy-in program. The bill also adjusts the expiration date of the task force to December 31, 2024, from its previous date of December 31, 2025. Furthermore, it requires the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services to provide regular updates to the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services Advisory Council on the implementation progress of the task force's recommendations. These changes are designed to improve services and support for individuals with IDD in Indiana.

Current Status: Senate Committee recommends passage Yeas: 11; Nays: 0

House Bill 1327: HEALTH AND INSURANCE MATTERS (Schaibley, D) - This bill mandates the reporting of ownership information by various entities to relevant state departments in Indiana. Hospitals must report to the Indiana Department of Health, physician group practices to the Professional Licensing Agency, and insurers, third-party administrators, and pharmacy benefit managers to the Department of Insurance. The Professional Licensing Agency and the Department of Insurance are then required to share this ownership information with the Indiana Department of Health, which will make it publicly available on their website. Penalties are outlined for failure to comply with these reporting requirements. Additionally, the bill allows contract holders to request audits of pharmacy benefit managers twice a year and mandates that contracts with third-party administrators or pharmacy benefit managers ensure ownership of claims data by the plan sponsor. The bill extends audit rights to plan sponsors contracting with third-party administrators, managed care organizations serving Medicaid recipients, and prepaid health care delivery plans. Violations of audit requirements are deemed unfair or deceptive practices in insurance, empowering the Department of Insurance to establish fines through rulemaking.

BILL HELD

The 2024 Hoosier Idol dinner, hosted by Mental Health America of Indiana, brought together community leaders and advocates for an evening of celebration, recognition, and talent. Held on February 21st, 2024, the event served as a platform to celebrate leadership in behavioral health and showcase the talents of the Indiana General Assembly.

Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch was recognized as the 2024 Mental Health America of Indiana Government Leader of the Year for her unwavering dedication to advancing behavioral health initiatives across the state. Her leadership and commitment to mental health advocacy have significantly contributed to improving access to services and support for individuals and families in need.

The event, attended by stakeholders and supporters, featured performances from each caucus of the Indiana General Assembly, highlighting the talent and unity within the legislative body.

In addition to celebrating achievements and talent, the event also served as an opportunity to raise awareness and support for Mental Health America of Indiana (MHAI). Attendees were encouraged to contribute to MHAI's mission of promoting mental wellness and providing resources to those in need.

"We are immensely grateful to all who attended the 2024 Hoosier Idol dinner and for their ongoing support of mental health advocacy. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact and create a brighter future for mental health in Indiana." Said Stephen McCaffrey, MHAI CEO.

For those who were unable to attend the event but would like to contribute to MHAI, there is still time to give. Donations can be made online through the MHAI website by clicking HERE, to view the photo galley from the evening, click HERE.