April 20, 2010 is the deadline for submitting public comment to the initial draft recommendations to the fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, aka DSM-5.
After April 20, the draft will still be available for viewing, but comments will no longer be taken.
The anticipated release of the completed DSM-5 is May 2013 to coordinate with the scheduled U.S. implementation on October 1, 2013 of the International Classification of Diseases-10-Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) (World Health Organization/WHO) codes for all Medicare/Medicaid claims reporting. Chapter V of the ICD-10-CM is Mental and behavioral disorders. A related development is that the ICD is also in revision to ICD-11 - that revised version is expected to be released in 2014 or 2015.
Past post
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Initial draft revision of the DSM-V unveiled Wednesday, February 10, 2010; comments requested until April 20, 2010
© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Showing posts with label mental health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mental health. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Federal legislation: U.S. House passes Senate health care reform bill to be signed into law; reconciliation act goes to the Senate
H.R. 3590 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Actwhich is the Senate version of health care reform that was originally passed by the Senate on December 24, 2009. H.R. 3590 is scheduled to be signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010 at 11:15 AM EDT.
Within minutes of the passage of H.R. 3590, the House also passed by a vote of 220 to 211 a reconciliation bill,
H.R. 4872, Reconciliation Act of 2010which encompasses amendments to H.R. 3590 proposed by the House. The U.S. Senate still has to deliberate and approve H.R. 4872; it is required to commence those deliberations after H.R. 3590 is enacted into law by the President's signature, to allot at least 20 hours of debate to the matter, and due to technicalities the reconciliation bill requires only a simple majority for passage. The Senate calendar shows deliberation on H.R. 4872 commencing Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 2:15PM EDT, although it is possible that could change.
H.R. 3590 does include a behavioral health provision for mental health and substance abuse treatment, however behavior analysts are not listed among those providers explicitly identified for reimbursement as part of a treatment team. It has also been noted by Autism Votes that the behavioral health clauses as enacted do not have sufficient reach to benefit more than a relative minority of families seeking ABA services, since this coverage is not required for all plans excepting,
(1) plans offered by state-based exchanges, through which individuals and small businesses can purchase coverage; and
(2) plans offered in the individual and small group markets outside the exchange.
The Arc struck a more optimistic note in changes that it sees as improvements in coverages, benefits and Long-Term Supports for those with developmental disabilities.
The reconciliation act, H.R. 4872 makes additional specification for covered professionals, under,
TITLE K--PROMOTING PRIMARY CARE, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND COORDINATED CARE
Sec. 1308. Coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services.
National Public Radio has produced a report outlining what would be "immediate" impacts vs. those which would be coming online in several years time, such as the 2014 requirement for all the requirement that all Americans acquire health insurance or face a fine. Another NPR story describes potential state Attorney General challenges to the legislation on the grounds that penalties for not having individual coverage and state requirements under the mandate are unconstitutional.
News reports and analysis will undoubtedly continue over the coming days clarifying the relative strengths and weaknesses of the enacted legislation, with some dependency on the outcome of the Senate actions yet to occur on H.R. 4872.
News and reports of interest
Obama to sign health care reform into law, then promote it on the road
CNN
March 23, 2010 -- Updated 0736 GMT (1536 HKT)
After Obama signs health care reform bill, why mess with reconciliation?
The Christian Science Monitor
March 23, 2010
States Opposed To Insurance Mandate Prepare Lawsuits
Scott Hensley
National Public Radio health Blog
March 22, 2010 3:15PM
The Arc Applauds House Passage of Health Care Reform Legislation
3/22/2010
Washington, D.C. (March 22, 2010) - Press Release
Describes changes that The Arc sees as positive in coverages, benefits and Long-Term Services and Supports for those with developmental disabilities
U.S. House Passes Health Care Reform Bill Containing Provision For Autism Insurance Reform
Autism Votes
Autism Votes describes coverage gaps for those with autism, even given some behavioral health coverage in the legislation and the need to continue advocacy at the state and Federal level.
What Are The Immediate Effects Of Health Bill Passing?
Julie Appleby and Kate Steadman
March 21, 2010
© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
State news & legislation: Wisconsin Governor announces benefit of Federal Mental Health Parity; Wisconsin legislature deliberates on additional state coverage
"MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that mental health disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, will now be covered by health insurance providers at the same level as all other health conditions. Implementation of the federal mental health parity law in Wisconsin will help people access mental health treatment they need, and families pursue all available treatments for children with autism. The new federal requirement builds on the state’s requirement that all health insurance companies cover mental health and new requirement for coverage of autism treatment, which Governor Doyle signed into law in the 2009-2011 state budget...On a related note, Wisconsin's legislature is currently deliberating
The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) requirements will require equal treatment coverage of mental health conditions including autism. Wisconsin families enrolled in large group health plans will be affected by these changes. Individual, small employer, and self-funded insurance plans will still have to comply with state autism coverage requirements..."
The Wisconsin Parity Act (Senate Substitute Amendment 1 to SB-362, and Assembly Bill 512)which would provide mental health and substance abuse disorder insurance benefits at parity levels—equal to benefits for medical and surgical procedures—for 700,000 employees of Wisconsin’s small businesses not covered by the Federal Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, P.L. 110-343. Senate Substitute Amendment 1 to SB-362 was passed in the Senate on January 28, 2010 and is currently in the Assembly, referred to the Committee on Rules. Assembly Bill 512 was passed with a do pass as amended recommendation from the Assembly Committee on Health and Healthcare Reform on February 26, 2010 and is also in the Committee on Rules at the present.
For more information
Full press release from the Office of the Governor [Wisconsin] Jim Doyle
March 1, 2010
Governor Doyle Announces Expanded Health Insurance Coverage will Benefit Families with Autism
New Federal Laws Will Further Help Children with Autism Access Full Treatment
Overview: Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
Mental Health America
Wisconsin State Legislature
Parity for Wisconsin fact sheet on Senate Substitute Amendment 1 to SB-362, and Assembly Bill 512
Past blog post
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time sensitive request for comment: Interim final rules to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Time sensitive request for comment: Interim final rules to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
The U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury on January 29, 2010 issued the awaited interim final rules [http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2167.pdf ] resulting from passage of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). The notice/press release below outlines changes resulting from the passage of MHPAEA, and requests comment during a comment period of 90 days on certain areas of the interim final rules. While the notice/press release is retained in full, some areas have been highlighted and bulleted to emphasize important areas of the law's requirements, areas that comment are being requested for, how to submit comments on the MHPEA interim rules, and how to request materials in an alternative accessible format.
----------------------------------------
Paul Wellstone, Pete Domenici Parity Act prohibits discrimination
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury today jointly issued new rules providing parity for consumers enrolled in group health plans who need treatment for mental health or substance use disorders.
MHPAEA greatly expands on an earlier law, the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996, which required parity only in aggregate lifetime and annual dollar limits between the categories of benefits and did not extend to substance use disorder benefits.
The new law requires that
The issue of parity dates back more than 40 years to President John F. Kennedy, and also was supported by President Clinton and the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.
The released interim final rules released today were developed based on the departments' review of more than 400 public comments on how the parity rule should be written.
Comments on the interim final rules are still being solicited.
Comments may be emailed to the federal rulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor
RELATED LINKS
http://www.dol.gov
------------------------------------
For more information:
Federal Register: Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Part IV:
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, 26 CFR Part 54
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 29 CFR Part 2590
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 45 CFR Part 146
Interim Final Rules Under the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008; Final Rule
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2167.pdf
Good summary article of the rules release, application and comment submission
Registration required to access.
Interim rule issued on mental health parity
ModernHealthcare.com
By Jessica Zigmond
Posted: January 29, 2010 - 5:59 am ET
© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
----------------------------------------
Paul Wellstone, Pete Domenici Parity Act prohibits discrimination
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury today jointly issued new rules providing parity for consumers enrolled in group health plans who need treatment for mental health or substance use disorders.
"Today's rules will bring needed relief to families faced with meeting the cost of obtaining mental health and substance abuse services," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The benefits will give these Americans access to greatly needed medical treatment, which will better allow them to participate fully in society. That is not just sound policy, it's the right thing to do."The new rules prohibit group health insurance plans — typically offered by employers — from restricting access to care by limiting benefits and requiring higher patient costs than those that apply to general medical or surgical benefits. The rules implement the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA).
"The rules we are issuing today will, for the first time, help assure that those diagnosed with these debilitating and sometimes life-threatening disorders will not suffer needless or arbitrary limits on their care," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. "I applaud the longstanding and bipartisan effort that made these important new protections possible."
"Workers covered by group health plans who need mental health and substance abuse care deserve fair treatment," said Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin. "These rules expand on existing protections to ensure that people don't face unnecessary barriers to the treatment they need."
MHPAEA greatly expands on an earlier law, the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996, which required parity only in aggregate lifetime and annual dollar limits between the categories of benefits and did not extend to substance use disorder benefits.
The new law requires that
- any group health plan that includes mental health and substance use disorder benefits along with standard medical and surgical coverage must treat them equally in terms of out-of-pocket costs, benefit limits and practices such as prior authorization and utilization review.
- These practices must be based on the same level of scientific evidence used by the insurer for medical and surgical benefits.
- For example, a plan may not apply separate deductibles for treatment related to mental health or substance use disorders and medical or surgical benefits. They must be calculated as one limit.
- MHPAEA applies to employers with 50 or more workers whose group health plans choose to offer mental health or substance use disorder benefits.
- The new rules are effective for plan years beginning on or after July 1, 2010.
The issue of parity dates back more than 40 years to President John F. Kennedy, and also was supported by President Clinton and the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.
The released interim final rules released today were developed based on the departments' review of more than 400 public comments on how the parity rule should be written.
Comments on the interim final rules are still being solicited.
- Sections where further comments are being specifically sought include so-called "non quantitative" treatment limits such as those that pertain to the
- scope and duration of covered benefits,
- how covered drugs are determined (formularies) and
- the coverage of step-therapies.
- Comments are also being specifically requested on the regulation's section on "scope of benefits" or continuum of care.
Comments may be emailed to the federal rulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov.
- Comments directed to HHS should include the file code CMS-4140-IFC.
- Comments to the Department of Labor should be identified by RIN 1210-AB30.
- Comments to the Treasury's Internal Revenue Service should be identified by REG-120692-09.
- Comments may be sent to any of the three departments and will be shared with the other departments.
- Please do not submit duplicates.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor
RELATED LINKS
http://www.dol.gov
------------------------------------
For more information:
Federal Register: Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Part IV:
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, 26 CFR Part 54
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 29 CFR Part 2590
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 45 CFR Part 146
Interim Final Rules Under the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008; Final Rule
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-2167.pdf
Good summary article of the rules release, application and comment submission
Registration required to access.
Interim rule issued on mental health parity
ModernHealthcare.com
By Jessica Zigmond
Posted: January 29, 2010 - 5:59 am ET
© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Initial draft revision of the DSM-V unveiled Wednesday, February 10, 2010; comments requested until April 20, 2010
2/10/10 - 6:45PM PST: post amended to correct day for the date. Also clarifying note that roman numeral "V" = "5".Wednesday, February 10, 2010 the American Psychiatric Association (APA) unveiled the proposed initial draft recommendations for the fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the manual used to diagnose mental disorders. When completed and adopted, the DSM-V would supercede the current version, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR).
The American Psychiatric Association has set up a website with the proposed initial draft recommendations of the revisions developed by the DSM-5 Work Groups. Viewers will be able to submit comments until April 20, 2010. After the April 20th date, the site will still be available for viewing, but comments will not longer be taken. Further steps before release would be field testing of the proposed revisions and final changes.
The process for developing the DSM-5 began a decade ago, with an initial research planning conference under the joint sponsorship of the APA and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Additional global research planning conferences, under the auspices of the American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education (APIRE), the World Health Organization, and three institutes of the National Institutes of Health produced a series of monographs, which helped lay the groundwork for the revisions.
The APA’s DSM-5 Task Force and Work Group members were identified in 2007; they are tasked with reviewing scientific advances and research to develop draft diagnostic criteria in diagnostic categories of psychiatric disorders.
While many changes are planned for the DSM-V, two that were given some attention by the press on Tuesday was the replacement of pediatric bipolar disorder with "Temper Dysregulation Disorder",
and removal of Asperger's Syndrome as a separate diagnosis and placement under the Autism Spectrum Disorder category,
The anticipated release of the DSM-V is May 2013; this release date was delayed from initial projections to allow coordination with the scheduled U.S. implementation on October 1, 2013 of the International Classification of Diseases-10-Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) (World Health Organization/WHO) codes for all Medicare/Medicaid claims reporting. Chapter V of the ICD-10-CM is Mental and behavioral disorders. A related development is that the ICD is also in revision to ICD-11 - that revised version is expected to be released in 2014 or 2015.
---------------------
For further reading
American Psychiatric Association DSM-5 Development
Revising Book on Disorders of the Mind
By BENEDICT CAREY
New York Times
Published: February 10, 2010
[This article discusses the timeline for the DSM-V and steps towards the final version and coordination witht he ICD-10-CM]
Why is DSM-5 Being Delayed?
Alan F. Schatzberg, M.D.
Psychiatric News January 1, 2010
Volume 45 Number 1 Page 3
[This article gives a quick rundown on some proposed revisions]
APA Releases Proposed Draft of the DSM-5
Caroline Cassels
Medscape Medical News
February 10, 2010
[In reference to the folding of Asperger's Syndrome into the Autism Spectrum Disorders]
Opinion: Disorder Out of Chaos
By ROY RICHARD GRINKER
New York Times
Published: February 9, 2010
International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
© 2010 Regina G. Claypool-Frey
Disclaimer: This blog publishes news and announcements only as a service to interested persons, the posts are the responsibility of the individual author, and unless otherwise noted do not constitute nor claim to represent the official position of ABA International, its officers or associated entities. This blog makes no representation as to the accuracy of the report and readers are strongly encouraged to consult and reference the primary sources noted.
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