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Income and expense are whole-filing amounts associated with this lobbyist, not personal compensation or an allocated share.
No topic inference: each bill number appears in source LDA issue text assigned to this lobbyist.
Seniors Access to Mental Health Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule -- AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008. AAGP also 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. 2. H.R. 1663, "Medicare Mental Helath Modernization Act of 2007 -- Support: Title 1: Parity of Mental Health services under Medicare -- repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mental health services; repealing the 190-day income cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse centers. 3. S. 1715, "Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007" -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 4. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007" -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833 (c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 5. AAGP met with CMS staff to request that CMS issue a 2-digit physician specialty code for geriatric psychiatry. This code would be used by psychiatrists who are board certified in geriatric psychiatry and whose practices are specialized to care for geriatric patients. Its purpose would be to ensure that data accumulated by the Medicare program could be put to full use in improving the quality and effectiveness of care for late-life mental disorders. 6. H.R. 3162, the "Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare copayment requirement for mental health outpatient care; a provision to avert the scheduled ten percent reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians in 2008 and to replace it with an increse of 0.5 percent in 2008 and 2009; and a temporary five percent increase to the "908" Medicare psychiatric service codes to offset the unanticipated disparate reduction for those services as a result of the last relative value unit review. 7. Sent comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services on the proposed rule for revisions to Medicare payment policies under the Physician Fee Schedule for 2008. Expressed support for the proposed acceptance of the recommendations of the American Medical Associaiton's Specialty Society Relative Value Update Committee for the increased reimbursement codes describing nursing facility care. In addition, AAGP reiterated its opposition to the proposed 10 percent reduction in the conversion factor for 2008 and urged CMS to use its discretion to revise the calculation of physician expenditures and to support efforts in Congress to replace the SGR policy.
Specific issues are shown only where the LDA source assigned them to this lobbyist. Targets apply to the associated filing.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY via AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
2007 · year_end · YA
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule -- AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008. AAGP also 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. 2. H.R. 1663, "Medicare Mental Helath Modernization Act of 2007 -- Support: Title 1: Parity of Mental Health services under Medicare -- repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mental health services; repealing the 190-day income cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse centers. 3. S. 1715, "Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007" -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 4. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007" -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833 (c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 5. AAGP met with CMS staff to request that CMS issue a 2-digit physician specialty code for geriatric psychiatry. This code would be used by psychiatrists who are board certified in geriatric psychiatry and whose practices are specialized to care for geriatric patients. Its purpose would be to ensure that data accumulated by the Medicare program could be put to full use in improving the quality and effectiveness of care for late-life mental disorders. 6. H.R. 3162, the "Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare copayment requirement for mental health outpatient care; a provision to avert the scheduled ten percent reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians in 2008 and to replace it with an increse of 0.5 percent in 2008 and 2009; and a temporary five percent increase to the "908" Medicare psychiatric service codes to offset the unanticipated disparate reduction for those services as a result of the last relative value unit review. 7. Sent comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services on the proposed rule for revisions to Medicare payment policies under the Physician Fee Schedule for 2008. Expressed support for the proposed acceptance of the recommendations of the American Medical Associaiton's Specialty Society Relative Value Update Committee for the increased reimbursement codes describing nursing facility care. In addition, AAGP reiterated its opposition to the proposed 10 percent reduction in the conversion factor for 2008 and urged CMS to use its discretion to revise the calculation of physician expenditures and to support efforts in Congress to replace the SGR policy.
Source: Senate LDA
Seniors Access to Mental Health Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
Medicare -- repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mental health services; repealing the 190-day lifetime cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse treatment centers. 3. S. 1715, “Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007” -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 4. AAGP contacted CMS staff regarding recommendations contained in a report issued by OIG/HHS in October 2006 entitled “Carrier Determination of Copyaments for Medicare Mental Health Services”. Issues discussed were the report’s findings and CMS’ plans for issuing more explicit guidelines and monitoring carrier compliance with such going forward. 5. AAGP contacted CMS staff to request that CMS issue a 2-digit physician specialty code for geriatric psychiatry. This code would be used by psychiatrists who are board certified in geriatric psychiatry and whose practices are specialized to care for geriatric patients. Its purpose would be to ensure that data accumulated by the Medicare program could be put to full use in improving the quality and effectiveness of care for late-life mental disorders. 6. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007"-- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833 (c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule -- AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008. AAGP also 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. 2. H.R. 1663, “Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007” -- Support: Title 1: Parity of Mental Health services under
Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule -- AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008. AAGP also 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. 2. H.R. 1663, "Medicare Mental Helath Modernization Act of 2007 -- Support: Title 1: Parity of Mental Health services under Medicare -- repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mental health services; repealing the 190-day income cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse centers. 3. S. 1715, "Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007" -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 4. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007" -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833 (c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 5. AAGP met with CMS staff to request that CMS issue a 2-digit physician specialty code for geriatric psychiatry. This code would be used by psychiatrists who are board certified in geriatric psychiatry and whose practices are specialized to care for geriatric patients. Its purpose would be to ensure that data accumulated by the Medicare program could be put to full use in improving the quality and effectiveness of care for late-life mental disorders. 6. H.R. 3162, the "Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare copayment requirement for mental health outpatient care; a provision to avert the scheduled ten percent reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians in 2008 and to replace it with an increse of 0.5 percent in 2008 and 2009; and a temporary five percent increase to the "908" Medicare psychiatric service codes to offset the unanticipated disparate reduction for those services as a result of the last relative value unit review. 7. Sent comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services on the proposed rule for revisions to Medicare payment policies under the Physician Fee Schedule for 2008. Expressed support for the proposed acceptance of the recommendations of the American Medical Associaiton's Specialty Society Relative Value Update Committee for the increased reimbursement codes describing nursing facility care. In addition, AAGP reiterated its opposition to the proposed 10 percent reduction in the conversion factor for 2008 and urged CMS to use its discretion to revise the calculation of physician expenditures and to support efforts in Congress to replace the SGR policy.
Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
Medicare -- repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mental health services; repealing the 190-day lifetime cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse treatment centers. 3. S. 1715, “Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007” -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 4. AAGP contacted CMS staff regarding recommendations contained in a report issued by OIG/HHS in October 2006 entitled “Carrier Determination of Copyaments for Medicare Mental Health Services”. Issues discussed were the report’s findings and CMS’ plans for issuing more explicit guidelines and monitoring carrier compliance with such going forward. 5. AAGP contacted CMS staff to request that CMS issue a 2-digit physician specialty code for geriatric psychiatry. This code would be used by psychiatrists who are board certified in geriatric psychiatry and whose practices are specialized to care for geriatric patients. Its purpose would be to ensure that data accumulated by the Medicare program could be put to full use in improving the quality and effectiveness of care for late-life mental disorders. 6. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007"-- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833 (c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule -- AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008. AAGP also 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. 2. H.R. 1663, “Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007” -- Support: Title 1: Parity of Mental Health services under
Positive Aging Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services. 2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act". Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurrred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA's proposed requirement that State Plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State's plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 8. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpatient mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center. 9. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Positive Aging Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
2. H.R. 1424, the “Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act”. Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, “Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the “Mental Health Parity Act of 2007”. Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA’s proposed requirement that State plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State’s plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, “Positive Aging Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.
Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services. 2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act". Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurrred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA's proposed requirement that State Plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State's plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 8. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpatient mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center. 9. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
2. H.R. 1424, the “Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act”. Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, “Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the “Mental Health Parity Act of 2007”. Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA’s proposed requirement that State plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State’s plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, “Positive Aging Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.
Juvenile Crime Reduction Act
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services. 2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act". Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurrred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA's proposed requirement that State Plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State's plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 8. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpatient mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center. 9. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Nurse Faculty and Physical Therapist Education Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services. 2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act". Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurrred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA's proposed requirement that State Plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State's plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 8. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpatient mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center. 9. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Nurse Faculty and Physical Therapist Education Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
2. H.R. 1424, the “Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act”. Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, “Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the “Mental Health Parity Act of 2007”. Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA’s proposed requirement that State plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State’s plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, “Positive Aging Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based outreach and treatment for the elderly within CHMS; and continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act. 2. H.R. 2642/S. 1645 -- Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs of aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, medication and research. Need for more research on and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in light of its re-emergence among older veterans. Need for funding for a study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the future workforce needs for treating older adults, including older veterans, with late-life mental disorders and dementia. 3. H.J.Res. 20, a resolution to make further continuing appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007. Support provision to provide $31.5 million for Title VII (of the Public Health Service Act) Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2007. 1. H.R. 3043/S. 1710 -- Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Funding for the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality -- an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. H.R. 3043/S. 1710 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests included monies for an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the exisiting program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act. 2. H.R. 2642/S. 1645 -- Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs of aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, education and research. Need for more research on and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in light of its re-emergence among older veterans. Need for funding for a study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the future workforce needs for treating older adults, including older veterans, with late-life mental disorders and dementia. 3. H.R. 2764, Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations -- Support increased funding for programs under the National Institutes of Health; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and the Veterans Administration; and continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act.
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based outreach and treatment for the elderly within CHMS; and continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act. 2. H.R. 2642/S. 1645 -- Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs of aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, medication and research. Need for more research on and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in light of its re-emergence among older veterans. Need for funding for a study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the future workforce needs for treating older adults, including older veterans, with late-life mental disorders and dementia. 3. H.J.Res. 20, a resolution to make further continuing appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007. Support provision to provide $31.5 million for Title VII (of the Public Health Service Act) Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2007. 1. H.R. 3043/S. 1710 -- Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Funding for the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality -- an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. H.R. 3043/S. 1710 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests included monies for an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the exisiting program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act. 2. H.R. 2642/S. 1645 -- Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs of aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, education and research. Need for more research on and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in light of its re-emergence among older veterans. Need for funding for a study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the future workforce needs for treating older adults, including older veterans, with late-life mental disorders and dementia. 3. H.R. 2764, Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations -- Support increased funding for programs under the National Institutes of Health; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and the Veterans Administration; and continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act.
Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule -- AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008. AAGP also 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. 2. H.R. 1663, "Medicare Mental Helath Modernization Act of 2007 -- Support: Title 1: Parity of Mental Health services under Medicare -- repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mental health services; repealing the 190-day income cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse centers. 3. S. 1715, "Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007" -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 4. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007" -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833 (c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 5. AAGP met with CMS staff to request that CMS issue a 2-digit physician specialty code for geriatric psychiatry. This code would be used by psychiatrists who are board certified in geriatric psychiatry and whose practices are specialized to care for geriatric patients. Its purpose would be to ensure that data accumulated by the Medicare program could be put to full use in improving the quality and effectiveness of care for late-life mental disorders. 6. H.R. 3162, the "Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare copayment requirement for mental health outpatient care; a provision to avert the scheduled ten percent reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians in 2008 and to replace it with an increse of 0.5 percent in 2008 and 2009; and a temporary five percent increase to the "908" Medicare psychiatric service codes to offset the unanticipated disparate reduction for those services as a result of the last relative value unit review. 7. Sent comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services on the proposed rule for revisions to Medicare payment policies under the Physician Fee Schedule for 2008. Expressed support for the proposed acceptance of the recommendations of the American Medical Associaiton's Specialty Society Relative Value Update Committee for the increased reimbursement codes describing nursing facility care. In addition, AAGP reiterated its opposition to the proposed 10 percent reduction in the conversion factor for 2008 and urged CMS to use its discretion to revise the calculation of physician expenditures and to support efforts in Congress to replace the SGR policy.
Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
Medicare -- repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mental health services; repealing the 190-day lifetime cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse treatment centers. 3. S. 1715, “Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007” -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 4. AAGP contacted CMS staff regarding recommendations contained in a report issued by OIG/HHS in October 2006 entitled “Carrier Determination of Copyaments for Medicare Mental Health Services”. Issues discussed were the report’s findings and CMS’ plans for issuing more explicit guidelines and monitoring carrier compliance with such going forward. 5. AAGP contacted CMS staff to request that CMS issue a 2-digit physician specialty code for geriatric psychiatry. This code would be used by psychiatrists who are board certified in geriatric psychiatry and whose practices are specialized to care for geriatric patients. Its purpose would be to ensure that data accumulated by the Medicare program could be put to full use in improving the quality and effectiveness of care for late-life mental disorders. 6. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007"-- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833 (c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule -- AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008. AAGP also 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. 2. H.R. 1663, “Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007” -- Support: Title 1: Parity of Mental Health services under
Stop Senior Suicide Act
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services. 2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act". Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurrred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA's proposed requirement that State Plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State's plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 8. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpatient mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center. 9. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Mental Health Parity Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services. 2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act". Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurrred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA's proposed requirement that State Plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State's plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 8. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpatient mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center. 9. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Mental Health Parity Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
2. H.R. 1424, the “Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act”. Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, “Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the “Mental Health Parity Act of 2007”. Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA’s proposed requirement that State plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State’s plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, “Positive Aging Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.
Positive Aging Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services. 2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act". Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurrred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA's proposed requirement that State Plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State's plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 8. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpatient mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center. 9. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Positive Aging Act of 2007
Client: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY · Firm: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
2. H.R. 1424, the “Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act”. Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, “Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the “Mental Health Parity Act of 2007”. Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA’s proposed requirement that State plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State’s plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, “Positive Aging Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services. 2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act". Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurrred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA's proposed requirement that State Plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State's plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 8. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpatient mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center. 9. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health services for veterans. 2. Discussed mental health research at the Veterans Administration with Senate staff.
1. H.R. 3043/S. 1710 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests included monies for an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the exisiting program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act. 2. H.R. 2642/S. 1645 -- Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs of aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, education and research. Need for more research on and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in light of its re-emergence among older veterans. Need for funding for a study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the future workforce needs for treating older adults, including older veterans, with late-life mental disorders and dementia. 3. H.R. 2764, Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations -- Support increased funding for programs under the National Institutes of Health; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and the Veterans Administration; and continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act.
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), UNDETERMINED
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY via AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
2007 · mid_year · MM
Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based outreach and treatment for the elderly within CHMS; and continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act. 2. H.R. 2642/S. 1645 -- Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs of aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, medication and research. Need for more research on and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in light of its re-emergence among older veterans. Need for funding for a study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the future workforce needs for treating older adults, including older veterans, with late-life mental disorders and dementia. 3. H.J.Res. 20, a resolution to make further continuing appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007. Support provision to provide $31.5 million for Title VII (of the Public Health Service Act) Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2007. 1. H.R. 3043/S. 1710 -- Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Funding for the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality -- an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health services for veterans.
Medicare -- repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mental health services; repealing the 190-day lifetime cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse treatment centers. 3. S. 1715, “Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007” -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 4. AAGP contacted CMS staff regarding recommendations contained in a report issued by OIG/HHS in October 2006 entitled “Carrier Determination of Copyaments for Medicare Mental Health Services”. Issues discussed were the report’s findings and CMS’ plans for issuing more explicit guidelines and monitoring carrier compliance with such going forward. 5. AAGP contacted CMS staff to request that CMS issue a 2-digit physician specialty code for geriatric psychiatry. This code would be used by psychiatrists who are board certified in geriatric psychiatry and whose practices are specialized to care for geriatric patients. Its purpose would be to ensure that data accumulated by the Medicare program could be put to full use in improving the quality and effectiveness of care for late-life mental disorders. 6. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007"-- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833 (c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period. 1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule -- AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008. AAGP also 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. 2. H.R. 1663, “Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007” -- Support: Title 1: Parity of Mental Health services under
2. H.R. 1424, the “Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act”. Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases. 3. H.R. 2502, “Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry. 4. S. 558, the “Mental Health Parity Act of 2007”. Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. 5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials. 6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSA’s proposed requirement that State plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the State’s plan. 7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions. 1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, “Positive Aging Act of 2007”. Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY via AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
2006 · year_end · YY
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA)
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY via AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
2005 · year_end · YY
Filing targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE