Netsmart Continues to Lead Behavioral Health Public Policy Advocacy
As legislation focused on mental health gains momentum in Congress, Netsmart continues as a strong advocate on behalf of its clients and providers across the country.
Several key bills are likely to be introduced in Congress to extend eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare incentive funds for the Meaningful Use of Electronic Healthcare Records (EHRs) to behavioral health, mental health, and addiction treatment professionals and facilities not included as fully eligible for incentives in the HITECH Act, a component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
Netsmart has been a strong advocate for this and similar legislation that can enhance providers’ ability deliver care to this highly vulnerable population, many of whom have co-occurring chronic disease.
Netsmart Executive Vice President Kevin Scalia is a panelist at a March 12, 2013 briefing for members of Congress hosted by the Behavioral Health Information Technology (HIT) Coalition and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (Rhode Island).
Chaired by Jonas Waizer, Ph.D, Chief, Healthcare Policy for FEGS Health and Human Services in New York, members of the panel will discuss the key role of HIT in improving coordination of care and outcomes, and reducing mortality rates for millions of people seeking assistance in the nation’s behavioral healthcare system.
We will update this web page with more information as legislation is introduced.
To lend YOUR voice of support for this and similar critical legislation as it is introduced, contact us at info@ntst.com.
Important Links
These two bills were introduced in the 112th Congress and expired at the end of that session. They are provided for reference only.
House Bill 6043
Full text of H.R. 6043
Netsmart news release
Sample letter to U.S. House Members
Contact information: U.S. House of Representatives
Letter of support from Mental Health Liaison Group
Senate Bill 539
Full text of S. 539
S. 539 Fact Sheet from the Behavioral Health IT Coalition
Sample letter to U.S. Senators
Contact information: U.S. Senate
General Information
“Safe Harbor” Legislation Promoted for EHR Adoption
Additional Information
To learn more about Meaningful Use incentive funds, visit www.ntst.com/meaningfuluse
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