Lawmakers Wrestle With Mental Health Bill Provisions
The measure, introduced by Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., is slated for markup today. Meanwhile, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., will introduce a bill to improve substance abuse treatment programs for pregnant women.
The Hill:
GOP Changes Mental Health Bill, Seeking Dem Support
Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) on Tuesday introduced an updated version of his sweeping mental health reform legislation that seeks to allay some of Democrats’ concerns. The move comes the day before the bill is marked up in the House Energy and Commerce health subcommittee. The measure, billed as the Republican response to the mass shooting in Newtown, Conn., when it was first introduced in 2013, has been controversial and delayed for years, but is now moving forward. (Sullivan, 11/3)
Modern Healthcare:
Congress Wrestles With Court-Ordered Mental Health Treatment
One of the provisions that is keeping a House mental health reform bill from relatively easy passage involves assisted outpatient treatment. Some experts say it has been unfairly labeled as questionable since widespread evidence has shown success. A few organizations, however, and about 20 Democrats in the House Energy & Commerce Committee, say assisted outpatient treatment, or AOT, is not proven to be helpful and the law as currently written would punish the five states that don't have AOT laws on the books. (Muchmore, 11/3)
The Associated Press:
Ayotte Proposes Bill To Improve Substance Abuse Treatment For Pregnant Women, Moms
U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte is introducing legislation to improve treatment programs for pregnant women and mothers who have a substance use disorder, including a pilot program that allows funds to help women in non-residential settings. Ayotte, a Republican, was introducing the Senate version of the Improving Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Act on Tuesday. A similar bill was recently introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, a Democrat from New Mexico. (11/4)
