What’s New in Policy?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently developed a strategic plan, Leading Change 2.0: Advancing the Behavioral Health of the Nation 2015-2018. Unfortunately, there is not a single mention of older adults in the entire report.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently developed a strategic plan, Leading Change 2.0: Advancing the Behavioral Health of the Nation 2015-2018. Unfortunately, there is not a single mention of older adults in the entire report. Although there are multiple lists of underserved populations throughout the document, older adults are never listed. For example, even for Goal 1.3, “Prevent and reduce attempted suicides and death by suicide among populations at high risk”, older adults are not included in the high risk list. The recent death of Robin Williams highlights how older adults have the highest risk of […]
Dr. Tony Puente presented a webinar on Coding, Billing, & Documenting Professional Psychological Services: Introduction to the CPT on May 14, 2014. Associated slides are available here. Posted May 15, 2014.
Dr. Tony Puente presented a webinar on Coding, Billing, & Documenting Professional Psychological Services: Introduction to the CPT on May 14, 2014. Associated slides are available here. Posted May 15, 2014.
New law prevents 24% cut to Medicare reimbursement rates and postpones ICD-10 implementation April 4, 2014, APA announcement: President Obama has signed a new law – Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (H.R. 4302) – averting the 24-percent Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut in Medicare provider payments that was scheduled to take effect on April 1. The bill, whose passage came down to the wire, was negotiated by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH). The new law postpones the SGR cut until March 31, 2015 and extends a 0.5 percent Medicare reimbursement rate increase through December 31, 2014. A December 2013 law known as Pathway for SGR Reform Act of 2013 postponed the SGR cut for the first three months of 2014 and increased Medicare reimbursement by 0.5 percent through March 31 of this year. A significant provision of the law delays adoption of the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) code set from October 1, 2014 until October 1, 2015. The practical effect is that practitioners should continue to use the ICD-9-CM code set for coding and billing purposes until the new October 2015 deadline for using ICD-10-CM. Posted 4/9/14.
New law prevents 24% cut to Medicare reimbursement rates and postpones ICD-10 implementation April 4, 2014, APA announcement: President Obama has signed a new law – Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (H.R. 4302) – averting the 24-percent Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut in Medicare provider payments that was scheduled to take effect on April 1. The bill, whose passage came down to the wire, was negotiated by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH). The new law postpones the SGR cut until March 31, 2015 and extends a 0.5 percent Medicare […]
Medicare database will be released this week, allowing access to information about which doctors bill how much and for what procedures. Posted 4/9/14.
Medicare database will be released this week, allowing access to information about which doctors bill how much and for what procedures. Posted 4/9/14.
APA reported on the 2014 updates to Medicare’s Physician Quality Reporting System. Take a look at the 2014 PQRS Measures List. Posted on 1/18/14.
APA reported on the 2014 updates to Medicare’s Physician Quality Reporting System. Take a look at the 2014 PQRS Measures List. Posted on 1/18/14.
“NCOA is launching a new online tool to help older adults improve their financial security. EconomicCheckUp® asks a series of questions to help seniors identify benefits and services that could save them money, cut expenses, get trained for and find a job, and better utilize their assets. Early tests in 25 communities found that seniors using the tool saved up to $3,000 a year on average.”
“NCOA is launching a new online tool to help older adults improve their financial security. EconomicCheckUp® asks a series of questions to help seniors identify benefits and services that could save them money, cut expenses, get trained for and find a job, and better utilize their assets. Early tests in 25 communities found that seniors using the tool saved up to $3,000 a year on average.” Posted 12/10/13
SAMHSA’s Center for Financing Reform & Innovations (CFRI) Financing Focus, November 18, 2013. This report includes information about:
SAMHSA’s Center for Financing Reform & Innovations (CFRI) Financing Focus, November 18, 2013. This report includes information about: Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) Final Rule Published HHS: 106,185 Individuals Selected Marketplace Plans Through November Budget Bill Increases Federal Marketplace Income Eligibility Oversight Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Finalizes Medicare Conditions of Participation for Community Mental Health Centers
CMS memo states: Surveyors should consider facilities’ visitation policies for same-sex couples, following US Supreme court striking down DOMA. Posted 7/1/13.
CMS memo states: Surveyors should consider facilities’ visitation policies for same-sex couples, following US Supreme court striking down DOMA. Posted 7/1/13.
“Washington, DC – The newly created federal Commission on Long-Term Care has elected a Chair and Vice Chair, and has scheduled its first meeting for June 27th. Bruce A. Chernof will serve as Commission Chair, with Mark Warshawsky serving as Vice Chair. The Commission was created by the American Taxpayer Relief Act – the so-called “fiscal-cliff” law – to advise Congress on how long-term care can be better provided and financed for the nation’s older adults and people with disabilities, now and in the future.” Read more. Posted 6/18/13.
“Washington, DC – The newly created federal Commission on Long-Term Care has elected a Chair and Vice Chair, and has scheduled its first meeting for June 27th. Bruce A. Chernof will serve as Commission Chair, with Mark Warshawsky serving as Vice Chair. The Commission was created by the American Taxpayer Relief Act – the so-called “fiscal-cliff” law – to advise Congress on how long-term care can be better provided and financed for the nation’s older adults and people with disabilities, now and in the future.” Read more. Posted 6/18/13.
Medicare physician definition legislation introduced in the Senate to include psychologists. Learn more! Posted 6/13/13.
Medicare physician definition legislation introduced in the Senate to include psychologists. Learn more! Posted 6/13/13.
“APA leaders join the dialogue at the White House National Conference on Mental Health. APA CEO Norman B. Anderson, PhD, cited a need for mental health care to be integral in primary care while on a panel at the White House National Conference on Mental Health on June 3.” Learn more. Posted 6/11/13.
“APA leaders join the dialogue at the White House National Conference on Mental Health. APA CEO Norman B. Anderson, PhD, cited a need for mental health care to be integral in primary care while on a panel at the White House National Conference on Mental Health on June 3.” Learn more. Posted 6/11/13.
President Obama Applauds Commitments to Raise Awareness and Increase Understanding of Mental Health at White House Conference. View the press release. Posted 6/6/13.
President Obama Applauds Commitments to Raise Awareness and Increase Understanding of Mental Health at White House Conference. View the press release. Posted 6/6/13.
The U.S. Congress marked May 2013, Older Americans Month, by recognizing the importance of key pieces of legislation targeting older adults. On Thursday, May 23, Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Chairman of the Senate HELP Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging, introduced legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013 (S. 1028; fact sheet). The Eldercare Workforce Alliance, of which APA is a member, issued a press release and submitted a letter of support for the legislation, highlighting provisions to support family caregivers and strengthen the eldercare workforce. APA Public Interest Government Relations Office (PI-GRO) staff participated in the OAA Summit on May 23, which is available on video stream, and will continue to work independently and with key coalitions to inform and promote a comprehensive reauthorization of the OAA that addresses the behavioral health, social service, and medical needs of older adults. APA PI-GRO has also been working with key congressional offices in the U.S. House and Senate to support the re-introduction of the Positive Aging Act. This critical piece of legislation would significantly improve access to quality mental and behavioral health care for older adults by integrating mental health services in primary care and community settings where older adults reside and receive services. Specifically, the bill would support efforts to develop inter-professional teams of mental health, medical, and social service providers in order to promote an integrated approach to addressing the health and well-being of our nation’s growing, increasingly diverse older adult population. APA will continue to advocate for the introduction and ultimate passage of this critical legislation in the 113th Congress, and will call upon APA members and experts in the field to support the bill as it moves through the legislative process. Nida H. Corry, PhD, Senior Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer; Director, Congressional Fellowship Program; Government Relations Office, Public Interest Directorate, American Psychological Association; ncorry@apa.org. Posted 5/30/13
The U.S. Congress marked May 2013, Older Americans Month, by recognizing the importance of key pieces of legislation targeting older adults. On Thursday, May 23, Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Chairman of the Senate HELP Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging, introduced legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013 (S. 1028; fact sheet). The Eldercare Workforce Alliance, of which APA is a member, issued a press release and submitted a letter of support for the legislation, highlighting provisions to support family caregivers and strengthen the eldercare workforce. APA Public Interest Government Relations Office (PI-GRO) […]
Balancing Incentive Program: Highlighting State Approaches and Progress. WEBINAR MAY 30 02:00 PM ET – 03:30 PM ET. The Balancing Incentive Program is a time-limited opportunity for states to receive additional federal funding to improve access to home and community-based services and make structural changes. States spending less than 50% of their total long-term services and supports funding on community-based services are eligible. Thirteen states have received awards totaling approximately $1.7 billion. Additional states must apply by Aug. 1, 2014. This webinar will highlight the work of three states that have received awards: Texas, Indiana, and Missouri. States will discuss the application process, requirements, and how they are using the program. Posted 5/21/13.
Balancing Incentive Program: Highlighting State Approaches and Progress. NCOA Webinar MAY 30 02:00 PM ET – 03:30 PM ET. The Balancing Incentive Program is a time-limited opportunity for states to receive additional federal funding to improve access to home and community-based services and make structural changes. States spending less than 50% of their total long-term services and supports funding on community-based services are eligible. Thirteen states have received awards totaling approximately $1.7 billion. Additional states must apply by Aug. 1, 2014. This webinar will highlight the work of three states that have received awards: Texas, Indiana, and Missouri. States will […]
Check out Kaiser Health News Blog Watch. Posted 5/16/13.
Check out Kaiser Health News Blog Watch. Posted 5/16/13.
May is National Mental Health Month! Read the Presidential Proclamation. “… I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2013 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise mental health awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives.” Posted 5-2-13.
May is National Mental Health Month! Read the Presidential Proclamation. “… I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2013 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise mental health awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives.” Posted 5-2-13.
Feds ask for mental health clarifications in light of HIPAA rules. McKnight’s Long Term Care News & Assisted Living article 4/23/13 by Elizabeth Leis Newman, Senior Editor. Posted 4/23/13.
Feds ask for mental health clarifications in light of HIPAA rules. McKnight’s Long Term Care News & Assisted Living article 4/23/13 by Elizabeth Leis Newman, Senior Editor. Posted 4/23/13.
Administration on Aging 2012 Profile of Older Americans is now available! Posted 4-22-13.
Administration on Aging 2012 Profile of Older Americans is now available! Posted 4-22-13.
Countdown to health care reform: Opening session of the 2013 State Leadership Conference focuses on key issues and approaches to reform. APA Practice Update | April 11, 2013. Posted 4/17/13.
Countdown to health care reform: Opening session of the 2013 State Leadership Conference focuses on key issues and approaches to reform. APA Practice Update | April 11, 2013. Posted 4/17/13.
Integrating behavioral and physical care: Health care reform offers new opportunities for psychologists. APA Practice Update | April 11, 2013 by By Rebecca A. Clay. Posted 4/17/13.
Integrating behavioral and physical care: Health care reform offers new opportunities for psychologists. APA Practice Update | April 11, 2013 by By Rebecca A. Clay. Posted 4/17/13.
On April 10th the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee approved legislation promoting awareness of mental health disorders. The Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S.689), is set to reauthorize and improve key mental health programs administered through the U.S. Departments of Education and Health & Human Services. The programs and provisions addressed in the legislation range from elementary and secondary education to the reauthorization of training grants for mental health services. The legislation will also address children’s mental health examinations, suicide prevention measures, evidence-based practice for older Americans, a GAO study on the Virginia Tech shooting recommendations and other provisions working to improve behavioral health interventions in the health care system. Posted 4-12-13.
On April 10th the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee approved legislation promoting awareness of mental health disorders. The Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (S.689), is set to reauthorize and improve key mental health programs administered through the U.S. Departments of Education and Health & Human Services. The programs and provisions addressed in the legislation range from elementary and secondary education to the reauthorization of training grants for mental health services. The legislation will also address children’s mental health examinations, suicide prevention measures, evidence-based practice for older Americans, a GAO study on the Virginia Tech […]
Find Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records Incentive Program payment and registration data in report form as of February 2013 here. Posted 4-11-13.
Find Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records Incentive Program payment and registration data in report form as of February 2013 here. Posted 4-11-13.
Implementing Policy Change to Advance Falls Prevention: Training, Examples, and Resources. Webinar on April 11, 2013 @ 3:00 PM ET – 4:30 PM ET by the National Council on Aging.
Implementing Policy Change to Advance Falls Prevention: Training, Examples, and Resources. Webinar on April 11, 2013 @ 3:00 PM ET – 4:30 PM ET by the National Council on Aging. Posted 4/8/13.
Immigration Reform: Key Issues for Older Adults and People with Disabilities. From the National Council on Aging. Posted 4/8/13.
Immigration Reform: Key Issues for Older Adults and People with Disabilities. From the National Council on Aging. Materials available from the NCOA April 4 webinar. Posted 4/8/13.
ASPP STUDENT TRAVEL AWARD: Learn How APA Governance Works: The Assembly of Scientist/Practitioner Psychologists (ASPP), a caucus of the Council of Representatives (COR) of APA, is providing a $1,000 travel award for the February 2014 Council meeting in Washington, DC for a doctoral student in psychology. The purpose of the award is to give an interested graduate student the opportunity to learn about the governance structure and activities of the APA Council and the associated caucuses. At the COR meeting, the student who receives the award will be mentored by the Chair of the ASPP. The ASPP Board will review all submissions, select a student, and announce the recipient during the August 2013 ASPP caucus meeting. Interested students may send (a) their CV, (b) 100-word statement explaining their reasons for applying for the award, and (c) a letter of endorsement from their advisor addressing the student’s promise as a scientist-practitioner. Applications should be emailed to the Chair of the ASPP, Dr. Ellen W. Williams at azshrink@aol.com. Deadline for submission is July 12, 2013. Ellen W. Williams, Ph.D., EMDR Certified Therapist, AASP Certified Sport Psychologist, 480-345-7031, Fax: 480-831-6799. Posted 04-03-13.
ASPP STUDENT TRAVEL AWARD: Learn How APA Governance Works: The Assembly of Scientist/Practitioner Psychologists (ASPP), a caucus of the Council of Representatives (COR) of APA, is providing a $1,000 travel award for the February 2014 Council meeting in Washington, DC for a doctoral student in psychology. The purpose of the award is to give an interested graduate student the opportunity to learn about the governance structure and activities of the APA Council and the associated caucuses. At the COR meeting, the student who receives the award will be mentored by the Chair of the ASPP. The ASPP Board will review […]
Summer Policy Workshop, June 30-July 1, 2013, Washington, DC.
Summer Policy Workshop, June 30-July 1, 2013, Washington, DC. The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI), in collaboration with the American Psychological Association (APA), the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA), the Society for Environmental, Population, and Conservation Psychology (SEPCP), and the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), is delighted to announce a special summer Policy Workshop. This exceptional training opportunity will take place on June 30 and July 1 in Washington DC. The workshop content is diverse and applicable to psychologists at all career stages, but several sessions are […]
Sequestration Updates by Novitas: March, 27, 2013
Sequestration Updates by Novitas. Posted 3-27-13. Great discussion about this on the Society of Clinical Geropsychology (12/II) listserv – join 12/II to join the discussion!
Affordable Care Act Third Anniversary, SAMHSA Blog by: Suzanne Fields, MSW, LICSW, Senior Advisor on Health Care Financing. March 22, 2013.
Affordable Care Act Third Anniversary, SAMHSA Blog by: Suzanne Fields, MSW, LICSW, Senior Advisor on Health Care Financing. Posted 3-22-13.