NABHO News and Activity Updates2021 Legislative HearingsLegislative Hearings have all but wrapped up for the 2021 Session. NABHO testified on a variety of bills in our priority areas of:
2020 Interim HearingsPublic hearings are an important part of our legislative process In Nebraska, every bill is assigned to a committee and must have a public hearing. The hearing allows citizens to voice their opinions and provide insights and expertise to senators. When the Legislature is not in session, committees hold hearings on interim study resolutions (LRs) rather than bills (LBs). NABHO regularly testifies on bills and interim studies related to behavioral health. This interim, NABHO has been watching several LRs: Tuesday, December 15, 10 a.m.LR 445 (Stinner) – Interim study to update data and review the potential impact on the state behavioral health system by expanding access to prescribing psychologists Annette Dubas, NABHO Executive Director testified before the Committee. If you would like to read her testimony, you can read it here. Link not published yet Tuesday, December 8, 1:30 p.m.LR350 (Arch) – Interim study to examine the role of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 NABHO President, Chase Francl, testified at the hearing. His testimony noted that COVID-19 has required a rapid transition to telehealth for nearly every one of NABHO's member organizations. While telehealth has been a lifeline to keep our member organizations afloat, we have encountered significant challenges in the areas of regulation, reimbursement, and quality of care. You can read the full testimony here. Link to recorded hearing of LR350 Tuesday, December 8, 10 a.m.LR404 (Morfeld) – Interim study to provide continued oversight of and updates regarding the execution and administration of Medicaid expansion by the Department of Health and Human Services Link to recorded hearing of LR404 You can find links to live hearings as well as more recordings of interim study hearings here. ~Wednesday, December 16, 2020 ResourcesHere are some resources that may help you stay up-to-date with the state of behavioral health care and advocacy nation-wide: Advocacy Handbook - from The National Council Mental Health First Aid – www.TheNationalCouncil.org
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health)- www.nami.org
Mental Health American – www.mentalhealthamerica.net
Screening Tool - https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools
National Institute of Mental Health – www.nimh.nih.gov
Advocacy and Mental Health in NebraskaAdvocacy is central to our mission, ensuring that quality behavioral health services, including substance use and mental health services, are accessible to everyone in our state. Download this PDF for tips and tools related to becoming and effective advocate! Suicide is a Public Health IssueWe would also like to make available to you guidelines for talking about suicide. Here is a downloadable PDF of Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide. Looking for more? Still looking for more information? Visit our Important Links Page or consult our list of Hotlines.
|
