The Behavioral Health (BH) Task Force is committed to advancing the understanding of laws impacting behavioral health, including the delivery of services to those living with mental illness, certain neurological conditions, substance use disorders or developmental disabilities, and reimbursement for such services. A complex framework of federal and state laws concerning privacy, information sharing and exchange, reimbursement, involuntary commitment, and other subjects provides unique challenges to health care providers and payers of behavioral health services. Scientific, legislative, and other developments, including health care reform, have presented new issues and opportunities in this area, including primary and behavioral health care integration initiatives, insurance coverage parity mandates, changes to Medicaid, and evolving public policy, to name a few. The BH Task Force monitors and evaluates these laws and developments through written materials, webinars, and in-person educational activities so that AHLA members are better equipped to advise clients on behavioral health topics. In addition, the work of the BH Task Force serves to raise awareness about how behavioral health laws influence health improvement efforts, and will include collaborative efforts with AHLA's Public Interest activities.
Publications and Resources
House Hearing Examines Allegations of Addiction Treatment Fraud
(PG Bulletin, January 24, 2018)
An Analysis of Legal Issues—Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health (PG Briefings, June-August 2016)-
Part I: Identifying and Addressing Issues Impacting Pediatric Behavioral Health Patients
-
Part II: Consent for Behavioral Health Treatment by Minors
-
Part III: Patient Safety—Identifying and Addressing Legal Issues Involved When Treating Pediatric Patients with Behavioral Health Needs
-
Part IV: Considerations in Transporting Pediatric Patients in Psychiatric Crisis
-
Part V: Privacy—Identifying and Addressing Privacy and Confidentiality When Treating Pediatric Patients with Behavioral Health Needs
-
Part VI: Reimbursement Considerations When Treating Pediatric Patients with Behavioral Health Needs