MARJORIE VANDERBILT

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program. 8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem). 9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.

1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015. Support: * Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; *Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults;* A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals; * $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS; * $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders. * Increased funding for HRSA Title VII geriatric education and training programs 2. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2015 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill. 3. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs. 4. Oppose any funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 5. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs. 6. Support a minimum of $1.101 billion in funding for mental health programs and $2.386 billion for substance use disorder programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 7. Oppose cuts in any programs that would impact research funding, workforce training, clinical care, and patient and caregiver support programs targeted to alzheimer's disease and other dementias. 8. Support FY 2015 funding for respite and other family support programs; including the Lifespan Respite Care Program; the National Family Caregiver Support Program; the Native American Caregiver Support Program; and also funding for the Family Support Program under the Developmental Disabilities Act. 9. Provide $10 million to fund Administration for Community Living projects authorized under the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006" (Public Law 109-365) to address aging related mental health issues. This funding would include grants to states for mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; programs to increase public awareness of mental disorders in older individuals; and the designation of an Administration for Comminity Living officer to administer mental health services for older Americans. 10. Support funding for the national network of centers of excellence for depressive and bipolar disorders authorized under the "Affordable Care Act." 11. Support increased funding for geriatric mental health research at the National Isntitutes of Health. 12. Support increased funding for psychiatric research at the Department of Veterans Affairs. 13. Support provision of H.J. Res. 59, the bypartisan budget agreement, to avert a reduction in physicians/ Medicare reimbursement through March 31, 2014. 14. Support $32 billion in funding for NIH for Fisal Year 2015. 15. Support $25 million in funding for the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for caregiving and patient support programs in Fiscal Year 2015. 16. Support $200 million in additional funding for NIH research on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in Fiscal Year 2015.

1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015. Support: * Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; *Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults;* A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals; * $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS; * $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders. * Increased funding for HRSA Title VII geriatric education and training programs 2. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2015 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill. 3. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs. 4. Oppose any funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 5. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs. 6. Support a minimum of $1.101 billion in funding for mental health programs and $2.386 billion for substance use disorder programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 7. Oppose cuts in any programs that would impact research funding, workforce training, clinical care, and patient and caregiver support programs targeted to alzheimer's disease and other dementias. 8. Support FY 2015 funding for respite and other family support programs; including the Lifespan Respite Care Program; the National Family Caregiver Support Program; the Native American Caregiver Support Program; and also funding for the Family Support Program under the Developmental Disabilities Act. 9. Provide $10 million to fund Administration for Community Living projects authorized under the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006" (Public Law 109-365) to address aging related mental health issues. This funding would include grants to states for mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; programs to increase public awareness of mental disorders in older individuals; and the designation of an Administration for Comminity Living officer to administer mental health services for older Americans. 10. Support funding for the national network of centers of excellence for depressive and bipolar disorders authorized under the "Affordable Care Act." 11. Support increased funding for geriatric mental health research at the National Isntitutes of Health. 12. Support increased funding for psychiatric research at the Department of Veterans Affairs. 13. Support provision of H.J. Res. 59, the bypartisan budget agreement, to avert a reduction in physicians/ Medicare reimbursement through March 31, 2014. 14. Support $32 billion in funding for NIH for Fisal Year 2015. 15. Support $25 million in funding for the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for caregiving and patient support programs in Fiscal Year 2015. 16. Support $200 million in additional funding for NIH research on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in Fiscal Year 2015.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810/Senate draft the "Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act" to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. AAGP also urges Congress to take action to avert allproposed reductions in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2014. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810/Senate draft the "Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act" to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013" to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support legislative proposals to make mental health services for older adults an intigral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013" to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810/Senate draft the "Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act" to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013" to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support legislative proposals to make mental health services for older adults an intigral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013" to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support legislative proposals to make mental health services for older adults an intigral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013" to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013" to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support legislative proposals to make mental health services for older adults an intigral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support legislative proposals to make mental health services for older adults an intigral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013" to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013" to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support legislative proposals to make mental health services for older adults an intigral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013" to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810/Senate draft the "Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act" to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program.

1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed. 5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country. 6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs. 7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations. 8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. 9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging. 10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts. 11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services. 12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. 13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives. 14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs. 15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services. 16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options. 18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population. 20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. AAGP also urges Congress to take action to avert allproposed reductions in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2014. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology.

1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stableMedicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost. 2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders. 3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology. 4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services. 5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care. 6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties. 7. Support H.R. 2810/Senate draft the "Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act" to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program.

1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014. Support: * Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; *Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults;* A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals; * $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS; * $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders. * Increased funding for HRSA Title VII geriatric education and training programs 2. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2014 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill. 3. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs. 4. Oppose any funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the FY 2014 appropriations bill. 5. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs. 6. Support funding of $65 billion for discretionary public health and health research programs in Fiscal Year 2014. 7. Support a minimum of $1.101 billion in funding for mental health programs and $2.386 billion for substance use disorder programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 8. Oppose cuts in any programs that would impact research funding, workforce training, clinical care, and patient and caregiver support programs targeted to alzheimer's disease and other dementias. 9. Support and additional $80 million in funding in Fiscal Year 2014 to support Alzheimer's disease and related disorders research conducted by NIH along with at least $20 million to support caregiving and patient support initatives managed by the Administration for Community Living. 10. Support FY 2014 funding for respite and other family support programs; including 2.5 million for the Lifespan Respite Care Program; $154 million for the National Family Caregiver Support Program; $6 million for the Native American Caregiver Support Program; and also funding for the Family Support Program under the Developmental Disabilities Act. 11. Provide $10 million to fund Administration for Community Living projects authorized under the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006" (Public Law 109-365) to address aging related mental health issues. This funding would include grants to states for mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; programs to increase public awareness of mental disorders in older individuals; and the designation of an Administration for Comminity Living officer to administer mental health services for older Americans. 12. Support funding for the national network of centers of excellence for depressive and bipolar disorders authorized under the "Affordable Care Act." 13. Support increased funding for geriatric mental health research at the National Isntitutes of Health. 14. Support increased funding for psychiatric research at the Department of Veterans Affairs. 15. Support provision of H.J. Res. 59, the bypartisan budget agreement, to avert a reduction in physicians/ Medicare reimbursement through March 31, 2014.

1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults. 2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and also the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010. 3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate. 4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination. 5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research. 6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities. 7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 8. Support legislation to amend the Public Helath Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Helath Professional Shortage Area. 9. Support H.R. 2558, the Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act which would amend current law to allow participation of children's psychiatric hospitals in the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (CHEME). 10. Support H.R. 3266, the "Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act", to coordinate and supply respite care to family caregivers through statewide respite care programs. 11. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 12. Support implementation of the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act program. 13. Support S. 2367 to delete the word "lunatic" from wherever it appears in Federal law. 14. Support S.2020, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to establish national minimum standards to protect all school children nationwide. 15. Urge Senate to support U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 16. Support S. 2256 and H.R. 5989, the "Excellence in Mental Health Act" to set fort national criteria for the certification of community-based mental health and addiction providers. 17. Urge Congressional hearings to examine the progress in implementing the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 18. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 19. Oppose the antipsychotic reporting, "informed consent" and IOM report requirement (sections 4, 5, and 7) of S.3604, the "Improving Dementia Cared Treatment for Older Adults Act of 2012". 20. Support a GAO Study on the use of antipsychotic medication by nursing homes.

1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults. 2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and also the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010. 3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate. 4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination. 5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research. 6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities. 7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 8. Support legislation to amend the Public Helath Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Helath Professional Shortage Area. 9. Support H.R. 2558, the Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act which would amend current law to allow participation of children's psychiatric hospitals in the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (CHEME). 10. Support H.R. 3266, the "Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act", to coordinate and supply respite care to family caregivers through statewide respite care programs. 11. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 12. Support implementation of the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act program. 13. Support S. 2367 to delete the word "lunatic" from wherever it appears in Federal law. 14. Support S.2020, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to establish national minimum standards to protect all school children nationwide.

1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults. 2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and also the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010. 3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate. 4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination. 5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research. 6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities. 7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 8. Support legislation to amend the Public Helath Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Helath Professional Shortage Area. 9. Support H.R. 2558, the Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act which would amend current law to allow participation of children's psychiatric hospitals in the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (CHEME). 10. Support H.R. 3266, the "Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act", to coordinate and supply respite care to family caregivers through statewide respite care programs. 11. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible. 12. Support implementation of the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act program. 13. Support S. 2367 the "21st Century Language Act", to delete the word "lunatic" from wherever it appears in Federal law. 14. Support S.2020, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to establish national minimum standards to protect all school children nationwide. 15. Urge Senate to support U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 16. Support S. 2256 and H.R. 5989, the "Excellence in Mental Health Act" to set fort national criteria for the certification of community-based mental health and addiction providers. 17. Urge Congressional hearings to examine the progress in implementing the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 18. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. 19. Oppose the antipsychotic reporting, "informed consent" and IOM report requirement (sections 4, 5, and 7) of S.3604, the "Improving Dementia Cared Treatment for Older Adults Act of 2012". 20. Support a GAO Study on the use of antipsychotic medication by nursing homes. 21. Support ban on assault weapons and large capacity clips. 22. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed.