Senators Request Feedback on Effective of Mental Health, Substance Use Programs

Senators Cassidy and Murphy issued a public letter requesting feedback on the effectiveness of federal mental health and substance use disorder programs that were part of the senators’ Mental Health Reform Act of 2015, signed into law in 2016 in the 21st Century Cures Act. These programs strengthened enforcement of mental health parity laws, promoted integrated mental health and physical health, and established new programs to assist those with, or at risk for, mental illness. Since the authorization period for many of these programs is set to expire at the end of FY 2022, input is sought to inform the development of new legislation. Press releases are available here for Sen. Cassidy and here for Sen. Murphy. Stakeholder input is due by November 5th.