psychiatrists, this would increase the number of clinicians who could diagnose and provide treatment in a timely way. This bill is an immense step forward in addressing the mental health crisis in Indiana. See SB 82 HERE.

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the enormous need for virtual behavioral health services throughout the state of Indiana and the nation. Tele-therapy services have seen a record uptake in individuals served since March of 2020, and we expect to see those numbers grow in the future, especially in rural parts of Indiana where the workforce shortage in the behavioral health field is most severe. As a result of the pandemic, the state and federal government have approved reimbursement for an expansion of Telehealth services that will otherwise terminate upon the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. SB 3 and HB 1286 would make many of these provisions permanent. Mental Health America of Indiana strongly supports Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 1286 and the permanent expansion of tele-health services for the behavioral health field. Learn more about the bills and their provisions here: SB 3, HB1286.

Medically Necessary services would be reimbursable for school-based Medicaid covered services under state or federal mandates. As we know, school based services are currently inadequate due to lack of available resources, and this legislation would go a long way in providing the needed funding. See HERE.

Indiana lags behind most of the country in its response to health needs and the wellness of its citizens. HB 1007 would require a State Health study and plan to be conducted by the Department of Health in conjunction with FSSA and would make available grants to prevent and address health issues in our state. The Budget bill currently appropriates $50M for this effort. This is a positive response to Hoosier health needs and one that MHAI supports. See HERE.

As was said above, the Budget bill reduces the appropriation for Recovery Works, although HB 1127 does permit Recovery Works funding to be used for Recovery Residences, Recovery Community Organizations and Competency Restoration. Competency Restoration has been a difficult issue for years as many have inappropriately waited in an incarcerated setting for competency restoration services. MHAI supports HB 1127, but would again emphasize that this effort cannot be successful without adequate funding. See HERE.

The Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers brings forth legislation to seek Medicaid waivers to assure reimbursement for critical CMHC services, while allowing for administrative changes to promote efficiency. This bill would also update addiction counselor licensure requirements. In addition, it would add a representative of the Council and MHAI on the Indiana Justice Reinvestment Council to ensure mental health expertise is included in criminal justice policy decision-making. See HERE.

As we reported in MHAI’s previous INSession, HB 1001, the State Budget Bill, comes now from the House of Representatives to the Senate Appropriations Committee with over $26M in cuts to the mental health and addiction budget for the biennium. This includes $10M in cuts to the Recovery Works program (to provide treatment in lieu of incarceration, when appropriate), $8M in addiction cuts, and other mental health cuts as well. At a time when behavioral health resources are needed now more than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this makes absolutely no sense! According to Mental Health America of Indiana, depression, anxiety, alcoholism, drug overdose and suicide are all on the rise due to COVID-19. This reduction will undoubtedly lead to greater financial and human costs--due to an expected increase in hospitalizations, incarcerations and recidivism rates. The Administration is on record in support of full restoration of the cuts to the Division of Mental Health and Addiction to their Fiscal Year 2021 levels, assuming that the revenue forecast does in fact grow as we now expect.

Please go HERE to ask your Senator to FULLY RESTORE the $26M funding cuts for mental health and addiction services, including Recovery Works, in HB 1001, the Budget Bill.

House Bill 1468 would create a structure for a behavioral health crisis response, using a community-based partnership between law enforcement, first responders, hospitals, mental health and substance use professionals, and other community-based entities. The point of entry involves the utilization of call centers, mobile crisis outreach services, sub-acute stabilization centers, peers, and treatment providers. This would reduce the need for acute care and hospital Emergency Department visits, substantially decreasing the burden of traditional responders and significantly cutting the costs of care that is not even appropriate for this service need. See HB 1468 HERE.

MHAI supports evidence-based treatment with access to all the tools in the toolbox for the treatment of opioid use disorder, including counseling, all FDA approved medications [Medication Assisted Treatment], peer specialists, support groups, etc., in a broad array of venues or settings, including Opioid Treatment Programs. Currently, an Opioid Treatment Program must receive prior authorization from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction for any patient receiving more than seven days of methadone, an FDA approved opioid treatment medication. HB 1225 changes the seven-day requirement to fourteen days, if clinically required and appropriate. Not only does this decrease the administrative burden on our state mental health division, but it also puts the medical expertise back into the hands of the treatment provider. To learn more about House Bill 1225, please click HERE.

To view more key behavioral health bills Mental Health America of Indiana is tracking, please click HERE!

Mental Health America of Indiana is excited to announce the new Kicking the Stigma Initiative! Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay shares the organization's support of "Kicking The Stigma," to bring attention to mental health and linebacker Darius Leonard shares how mental illness has affected his life. To learn more about the initiative and how to donate, click HERE!

As the governor has appointed our CEO, Steve McCaffrey, as one of the new members of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission, we hope that you follow along with us! To view the recap of the most recent meeting click the button below!