September 3, 2009

New ONDCP Deputy Director Names Two of his Top Goals: Full Inclusion of Addiction Treatment in Healthcare System and Partnerships Between Treatment & Community Corrections

National Council Submits Comments on Proposed Changes to the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and CY2010 Payment Rates

National Council Calls on Key Contacts Network to Submit Editorials to Local Newspapers

National Council to Hold 6th Annual Hill Day on June 29-30, 2010; Book Your Hotel Room Today!

New ONDCP Deputy Director Names Two of his Top Goals: Full Inclusion of Addiction Treatment in Healthcare System and Partnerships Between Treatment & Community Corrections
In a recent interview with Alcohol & Drug Abuse Weekly, A. Thomas McLellan, the new Deputy Director of National Drug Control Policy stated that he would like to see full inclusion of addiction treatment in the healthcare system and hopes to work with states to purchase services in a manner that provides for the full continuum of care. McClellan explains that the way in which many states currently purchase care – “individual contracts for slices of the continuum” – creates barriers for individuals attempting to seek care that addresses all of their health needs over time. He cites the Department of Veterans Affairs as “an example of a system that integrates addiction treatment into the rest of health care, with one electronic health record (EHR) that follows the patient, and with incentives for patients to get treatment”.

In addition, McClellan stated “It’s time for the addiction treatment system to become a full partner to help community corrections.” For that to happen, treatment has to be a “real partner” with community corrections, he said. “Treatment providers have to share information.” However, McClellan recognizes that there are funding barriers that must be overcome before true partnerships can be achieved. He stated the Office of National Drug Control Policy Director R. Gil Kerlikowske believes in drug courts and community corrections as important initiatives. 

You can send your comments to Deputy Director McClellan online.  

National Council Submits Comments on Proposed Changes to the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and CY2010 Payment Rates
Recently, the National Council submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed partial hospitalization payment rates and physician supervision guidance included in the proposed rule titled “Medicare: Proposed Changes to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and CY 2010 Payment Rates” as published in the July 20, 2009, Federal Register.

OPPS Partial Hospitalization
The National Council strongly supports 1) the proposed PHP rates for CY2010 and 2) the two-tiered payment structure for PHP payments outlined in the proposed rule.

Physician Supervision
The National Council strongly supports the proposal made in the 2010 outpatient prospective payment system proposed rule that would allow non-physician practitioners (specifically physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse-midwives) to directly supervise all hospital outpatient therapeutic services that they may perform themselves. In addition, we recommend that licensed social workers be added to the list of non-physician practitioners who may serve in a similar supervisory capacity.

The National Council also advised CMS to clarify the intent and definition of  ‘direct physician supervision’. This requirement, that a physician be immediately available, can be met by a physician or Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry being immediately available by phone (or other appropriate forms of communication) at all times the therapeutic service is being provided and physically available within a defined timeframe, based on the care being delivered.  “The current definitional confusion (as well as the significant concern from the field that the proposed rule does not adequately resolve the confusion) cannot be ignored. Conforming with the proposed levels of supervision would make it impossible to continue to provide the beneficiary access that currently exists because supervising professionals are not available in adequate numbers to provide direct supervision of services.”

The National Council will continue to monitor the progress of this proposed rule; stay tuned to the Public Policy Update for new developments.

National Council Calls on Key Contacts Network to Submit Editorials to Local Newspapers
As the Nation looks to the return of Congress and the continuation of the health care reform debate, the question remains, who amongst our elected officials will join the cause of advocating for the clients you serve? There are several Members of Congress who have shown their dedication to individuals with behavioral health conditions, but we need to help them by increasing the number of elected officials that are vocal supporters of community mental health and addiction services.

Now is the Time to Get Involved
If you haven’t done so already, complete our brief introductory survey to join the Key Contacts Network, submit an editorial to your local newspaper, emphasizing the importance of passing a health care reform package that comprehensively includes addiction and mental health services, and send a copy to your elected officials. We have resources to help you - including a template editorial, training videos, and a video tutorial on the Congressional process for health care reform legislation - on the Key Contacts page of the National Council’s website.

Having an editorial in a local newspaper is important for several reasons: 1) It brings public attention to your organization; 2) It positions you as a leader in your community; 2) It reinforces your efforts to be viewed as a resource to your elected officials on these issues; 4) It shows your elected officials that they have constituents that are passionate about these issues. All of these things are excellent stepping stones to encourage your elected officials to champion bills that support individuals with mental health and substance use problems.

National Council to Hold 6th Annual Hill Day on June 29-30, 2010; Book Your Hotel Room Today!
Make your voice heard on Capitol Hill! Join us for the National Council’s 6th Annual Hill Day on June 29-30th, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency. The Hyatt is located right on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. You can book your hotel room at a rate of $239/night by calling the hotel: 202-737-1234 and mention the National Council room block. Stay tuned to the Public Policy Update and the Hill Day 2010 page of our website for further updates about Hill Day, including a schedule of events, speakers, and much more!