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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Millions of Dollars in New Funds for States to Tackle Mental Health Crisis
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is announcing a new funding opportunity, authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), for states to develop and transform Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) to address the country’s mental health crisis. CCBHCs provide crisis services that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and serve anyone who requests care for mental health or substance use, regardless of their ability to pay. Read more here.
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Governor Hochul Announces Pay Increases for Nurse Positions to Improve Statewide Recruitment and Retention Efforts
Governor Kathy Hochul last week announced a series of pay increases for nurse positions within New York State agencies to help improve recruitment and retention among the state's healthcare workforce. The increases, which account for the rising complexity of nursing tasks and high credential requirements for nurses, will bring the starting salary of registered nurses working the day shift to nearly $90,000 upstate and $108,000 downstate when coupled with pay differentials. The pay increases will benefit approximately 6,500 New York State employees located across 15 state agencies. Read more here.
Related Report: The State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis 2022
USDOL Nursing Expansion Grant Program
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Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Strengthening Support Network for LGBTQ Older New Yorkers
Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday signed legislation (S.78-A/A.7855) that amends the program administered by New York State's Office for the Aging to support older New Yorkers. This law clarifies that the Older Americans Act of 1965, which directs funding and services based on "greatest social need", includes consideration of barriers or isolation caused by racial and ethnic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status. These factors are non-economic factors that can impact an older adult's ability to perform normal daily tasks and this bill will ensure that these factors are used to direct services to support each individual's capacity to live independently. Read more here.
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New York Officials, Advocates Debate Youth Justice Reform Amid Crime Fears
When New York started treating older teens as children and not adults in the eyes of the law, one public defender was relieved she no longer had to tell parents their children were headed to Rikers Island. But an upstate district attorney insists the 2017 “Raise the Age” law needs changing, and that failing to do so is “a disservice to people who are actually in the business of keeping communities safe.”
Last Thursday, New York’s top juvenile justice officials, judges, social workers, prosecutors and child advocates gathered at Syracuse University to discuss the statewide justice reform that funnels most 16- and 17-year-olds who commit crimes into Family Court and age-appropriate detention facilities. Read more here.
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Changes in the Supply and Rural-Urban Distribution of Selected Behavioral Health Providers
In 2020, an estimated 12.7 million rural adults suffered from a behavioral health issue – mental illness, substance use disorder, or other psychiatric conditions. This series of data briefs describes trends in the supply and distribution of selected behavioral health providers in rural and urban areas in the U.S., nationally and within Census Divisions. The study found fewer per capita behavioral health providers in rural vs. urban counties, as well as disparities in the supply of providers across rural categories and Census Divisions. While the per capita supply of psychiatrists declined over the past decade, the supply of psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, social workers, and counselors increased in both rural and urban counties.
Click here to view data reports.
Related: Breaking Point: Specialists, Broadband and the Fight for Health Equity in Rural America
Deloitte: Alternative Care Sites Provide Solutions to Several Healthcare Problems
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Too Few Young People Get Mental Health Follow-Up After ER Visit
When teens and young adults go to the emergency room or are hospitalized for critical mental health issues a staggering number are not receiving quick follow-up care, new U.S. research finds. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts looked at more than 100,000 ER visits of young people ages 12 to 27 who have private insurance. Only about 29% received follow-up care within seven days after their crisis. Less than half -- just 46% -- received follow-up care within that first month. Read more here.
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What An Eventual End to the PHE Would Mean for Telehealth
Since the COVID-19 public health emergency was declared in 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services has renewed the legislation every 90 days. Close to the end of the most recent expiration date, October 13, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra again signed a renewal determination and it was posted without announcement late in the day. There had been no official news, but a lot of hearsay that the PHE would be renewed once more, because the Biden Administration indicated it would give two months' notice before its expiration. There is also the matter that open enrollment begins on November 1, and without the relaxed enrollment provisions for Medicaid that the PHE provides, the national uninsured rate along with health premium costs would certainly rise. Read more here.
Related: State Telehealth Laws and Reimbursement Policies Report, Fall 2022
Use of telehealth platform linked to higher remission rate of suicidal ideation
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How Technology Supports Engagement, Adherence in OUD Treatment
The cutting edge of digital health and home testing is bumping up against norms in society and medicine as the healthcare industry tackles a substance abuse epidemic. An organization that epitomizes this challenge is Bicycle Health, a Boston-based provider treating more than 8,000 patients in 29 states for opioid use disorder. The company, which started as a single clinic in Redwood, City, California, uses digital health and home urine testing, alongside an approved medication for treatment called buprenorphine, the main ingredient in the commercial brand Suboxone. The success of that type of treatment plan was highlighted in a recent JAMA Psychiatry study which found that the expanded use of telehealth to treat opioid use disorder during the pandemic reduced the risk of opioid overdoses. Read more here.
Related: New FDA Guidance Aims to Boost Access to Opioid-Reversal Drug Naloxone
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Report: States Struggle to Meet Federal Regulations for Mental Health Care
States face extensive barriers to meeting federal regulations mandating a certain level of mental health services to people with private insurance, according to a study from Georgetown University released last week. The study analyzed how states are enforcing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) during a growing behavioral healthcare crisis in the United States. The law enacted by Congress in 2008, aims to remove insurance-related obstacles to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Specifically, it prohibits large employer group plans from imposing stricter limits on mental health and substance use disorder benefits than they do on other medical benefits. Read more here.
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Firefighters Battle Mental Health
As the nation continues to observe Fire Prevention Week, one might be surprised to learn that not much help is offered to preserve their mental health. Fire fighters see a plethora of emergency situations that can take a toll on their mental health.
“Most folks who fight with it, it’s not a big one like a 9-11, God forbid. It’s a bunch of traumas. A bunch of things seen. It’s if you will, death by a thousand paper cuts” says licensed psychologist Andrew Berry. Read more here.
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Payers Alert Communities About Medicaid Redetermination Renewal
Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) shared how its community health plan members are preparing Medicaid enrollees for the Medicaid redetermination process in a fact sheet. The redetermination process occurs on an annual basis when Medicaid assesses enrollees’ eligibility for the program. The process requires enrollees to disclose their income. If they do not share this information or if the number is above the threshold for eligibility (currently 138 percent of the federal poverty level), then their coverage ends. Read more here.
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NYSDOH Announces County Opioid Quarterly Report and Reminds New Yorkers of Standing Order to Get Naloxone Without a Prescription
The New York State Department of Health today released its County Opioid Quarterly Report for October 2022, showing a 14% preliminary increase in 2021 overdose deaths involving opioids over the prior year. As part of the State's ongoing work to address the opioid crisis, this report provides timely information about county level health burdens related to heroin and opioid use. This enables local communities to respond to those needs.
In light of the these findings, the Department reminds New Yorkers that State Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett has issued a statewide pharmacy standing order for naloxone that took effect on August 15, 2022. Read more here.
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See Me, Hear Me: Next Generation Person-Centered Care
Person- and family-centered care occurs when the person receiving care and their family actively participate in and have control over their health decisions, and their needs and desires are prioritized to ensure high quality, coordinated, and comfortable care. Person- and family-centered care is important for all, but especially for older adults and those with complex care conditions. During NASHP’s 2022 Annual Conference in Seattle, WA in September, policymakers from Washington, Hawaii, and Texas shared how their states are integrating and prioritizing person-centered care. Read more here.
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Risky Relationships: Problem Gambling and Domestic Violence
Problem gambling may not be a common topic discussed during Domestic Violence Awareness Month; however, the link between domestic violence and problem gambling makes it important to bring awareness to this volatile relationship. Domestic violence is defined as violent or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner, which may include physical violence; sexual, psychological, social or financial abuse; harassment; and stalking. Read more here.
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UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAININGS
Transforming Community Mental Healthcare: How to Grow the Youth & Young Adult Peer Support Workforce
October 20, 12 - 1:30 pm, Transitions ACR
Introduction to the Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Standards
October 20, 2 - 3 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Women Veterans’ Definitions of Peer Support: Importance for Mental Health & Well-being
October 20, 6 - 7 pm, NASW-NYS
Exploring the Intersections of Gender-Based Violence and Suicide
October 21, 12 - 1:30 pm, NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Psychological First Aid training sponsored by the NYS Office of Victim Services
October 25, 10 - 11:30 am, NYSOVS
PSYCKES Mobile App for iPhones & iPads
October 25, 11 am - 12 pm, OMH
Closing the Gap: Critical Partnerships between Jails and Community-Based Providers to Ensure Continuity of Care
October 25, 3:30 - 4:30 pm, SAMHSA's GAINS Center
What Leadership Teams Need to Know About Risk Management, Avoiding Lawsuits and Breaches of the Standard of Care
October 26, 12 - 1 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
State Integration Models of Recovery Support Services
October 27, 11:30 am - 1 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
A Guide to Mental Health Parity: The Latest Litigation, Regulatory and Legislative Actions
October 27, 1 - 2 pm, Manatt Health
Federal Policy & Telehealth: What to be Aware of Going Forward
October 28, 2 - 3 pm, Center for Connected Health Policy
Understanding the Landscape of Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges
October 31, 1 - 2:30 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Incorporating Trauma-Informed Approaches in Tobacco Cessation Services
November 1, 2 - 4 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Trans 101: Creating a Safe and Affirming Environment for Transgender Consumers
November 2, 3 - 4 pm, OMH
Diversity, Equity and Belonging focused Solutions to Recruit & Retain the Workforce
November 3, 3 - 4 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Using the PSYCKES Clinical Summary
November 3, 1 - 2:30 pm, OMH
NYS Justice Center Code of Conduct Train-the-Trainer
November 9, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, NYSJC
Using PSYCKES Quality Indicator Reports
November 9, 11 am - 12 pm, OMH
Implementing the Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Standards
November 15, 2 - 3:30 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Consent, Emergency, Quality Flag: PSYCKES Levels of Access
November 16, 2 - 3 pm, OMH
Substance Use Disorder in Older Americans
November 17, 1 - 2 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Health Equity Workshop Series: Practical Steps for Application
November 28, 1 - 2:30 pm, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
MyCHOIS Consumer Access for “My Treatment Data”
December 1, 1 - 2 pm, OMH
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CLMHD CALENDAR
OCTOBER
CLMHD Fall Full Membership Meeting
October 20-21, Woodcliff Hotel & Spa, Rochester
Developmental Disabilities Committee Meeting
October 27, 1 - 2:30 pm
NOVEMBER
CLMHD Office Closed - Election Day
November 8
CLMHD Office Closed - Veterans Day November 8
November 11
LGU Clinic Operators Call
November 14, 10 - 11:30 am
Children & Families Committee Meeting
November 15: 11:30 am - 1 pm
CLMHD Office Closed - Thanksgiving
November 24 - 25
Inter-Agency Meeting - In-Person in Albany
November 29: 2 - 4:30 pm
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