Why Mental Health Providers Should Care About Legislation

This week, we discuss why mental health clinicians should pay attention to legislation, insurance policy, and mental health parity laws. Tom explains how federal and state laws can directly affect access to care, reimbursement, authorization requirements, and a provider’s ability to deliver clinically appropriate treatment.We also cover the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, state-level protections, Medicare’s influence on commercial insurance, and why providers may need to get more involved in advocacy when policies threaten patient care.0:00 Introduction2:31 Why should clinicians care about legislation regarding mental health?7:00 What past example do you have of legislation affecting your care for patients?16:55 How much does access to care depend on the policies surrounding mental health?22:44 What should clinicians be paying attention to when a new law or policy is proposed?27:45 A word from Rai28:27 Mental Health Business Moment30:11 Conclusion