Federal Advocacy

Alert!

Member action needed for Federal IT Bill

The “HITECH Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010,” (H.R. 5040) recently introduced by Congressmen Patrick Kennedy (Mass) and Timothy
Murphy (GA) would extend health information technology (HIT) funding (including monies from the federal stimulus bill) to providers of substance use disorder treatment and mental health services to assist in the conversion to electronic health records.

Electronic health records are on the horizon for all providers with the passage of federal health care reform and the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. Those two bills make it particularly important that providers be able to access stimulus funds for developing IT resources. Passage of H.R. 5040 is a first major step toward ensuring that there is adequate funding. H.R. 5040 has a greater chance of passage if key members of the House of Representatives are sponsors, particularly if they are members of the House Ways and Means or Energy and Commerce Committees. California representatives are being sought as co-sponsors. Letters from constituents are especially effective in urging their Congressional representatives to co-sponsor the bill.

A list of selected California members of the House of Representatives is available to download on this page. CAADPE members are urged to call or write to their Congressional representatives and ask them to become a co-sponsor of H.R. 5040.

Congressional Contacts and Sample Letter to U.S. Representatives on HITECH bill

House of Ways and Means Committee Members

H.R. 5040 Advocacy Tips

H.R. 5040 Bill Summary

State Issues:

CAADPE has taken the lead in the SUD community, announcing its SUPPORT for Governor Brown’s proposal to eliminate the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.  
 
In reversing its long-standing position on state governance of substance use disorder programs and services, CAADPE is taking advantage of the opportunity to “conduct business” in a different way under a redesigned state governance structure.  The CAADPE Board of Directors determined that it is time to put aside the field’s long-held fears and mistrust that the legislature, the Governor, and State administrators will allow SUD services to be diminished within a larger department. Read Letter

CAADPE Supports the Coalition of Whole Health's Recommendations-- CAADPE supports the Coalition of Whole Health's recommendations for full inclusion of mental health and substance use disorder treatment services within the Essential Health Benefits framework of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Read more.

Accountable Care Organizations add to the menu of options for providers looking to better coordinate care for patients and will make it easier for providers to deliver high quality care and use health care dollars more wisely. Click for more information

Federal Issues:

Healthcare Reform is now a Reality! Read more about the new law with this Practical Guide for Leaders

Now Federal Law:

The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act.Click here for more information.