Dear Association Executives - Ahead of a likely federal government shutdown starting this weekend (more on that from National Council's Capitol Connector update later this afternoon), Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today introduced the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act.
The legislation would amend the Social Security Act and the Public Health Service Act to permanently authorize Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs).
Key Takeaway
· The Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act (S.2993) would establish a federal definition of CCBHCs into law and create the infrastructure needed to achieve the long-term vision of the model.
· The bill's introduction right now demonstrates the continued bipartisan support to address the mental health and substance use crises in our nation by expanding access to high-quality care.
Why Do We Need It?
· While the CCBHC demonstration was expanded in 2022 through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to include 10 new states every two years, we must begin preparing the model for sustainability past the demonstration.
· The bill defines CCBHCs, their full scope of services as outlined in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) criteria and their payment methodology.
· It creates ongoing technical assistance infrastructure to enhance and improve existing CCBHCs and state-based implementation of the CCBHC model.
· It authorizes development, improvement and enhancement grants to support activities like strengthening the CCBHC workforce, building capacity for evidence-based practices and improving partnerships with law enforcement, schools and housing sectors locally.
What Comes Next?
· Addressing the mental health and substance use crises transcends politics and touches the lives of millions of people across our nation.
· Regardless of the likely federal government shutdown beginning this weekend, you can prepare now to help us urge Congress to pass this bill. Register for our upcoming virtual Hill Day at Home on October 18. Together, we'll call on our elected officials to ensure the sustainability of the CCBHC model through this legislation.
Please let us know if you have any questions or if any additional information would be helpful. Please free to share this with your members (we are also sending this out to all members).
Have a terrific weekend.
Reyna Taylor
Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy
Policy Department
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Direct: 202-774-1651
ReynaT@TheNationalCouncil.org
------------------------------
Neal Comstock
Director of Membership
National Council
NealC@TheNationalCouncil.org
202 748-8793
------------------------------