H.R. 3068/S. 4065, the Equal Health Care for All Act, seeks to tackle disparities in our health care system and improve access to quality care for everyone. Specifically, the bill requires health care providers to report disaggregated demographic data to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to better understand health outcomes in underserved communities.
The bill also prohibits discrimination in health care based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, and religion. HHS will be responsible for investigating complaints related to inequitable health care, and if mediated agreements are not honored, individuals will have the right to pursue civil lawsuits.
Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will incorporate equity measures into its value-based purchasing programs for hospitals. Non-compliant hospitals risk losing eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid participation.
The legislation also establishes a grant program to support hospitals in promoting equitable health care.
We urge you to support this vital legislation. Together, we can improve health equity and ensure everyone has access to the care they deserve. Please contact your representatives and voice your support for H.R. 3068/S. 4065!
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Four Representatives and two Senators requested language be included in the annual National Defense Authorization Act providing mental health counselors independent practice rights and privileges.
U.S. Reps. John Katko (R-NY) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduce H.R. 3032, the Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2017, seeking to establish mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists as authorized Medicare providers. NBCC is working with its coalition allies to include this legislation in any health care vehicle moving through Congress.
Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) sent a letter to the Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management urging the creation of occupational series for counselors and MFTs.
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) introduces H.R. 5475, the Health Equity and Accountability Act. H.R. 5475 is sponsored by the House Tri-Caucus and addresses health disparities for minority populations.
NBCC works with Sen. Jon Tester (D‐MT) and several appropriations subcommittees to obtain language directing the Office of Personnel Management to move forward with the Series.
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee passes S. 2921, which is a repackaged version of S. 1203 that includes the counselor provisions.
Sen. James Inhofe (R‐OK) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R‐OK) introduce S. 2771 and H.R. 5161 to make graduates of CACREP doctoral programs eligible for VA employment.
VA submits a letter to NBCC stating that it would not be prioritizing the occupational series for counselors and MFTs.
Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY), Sen. Barrasso (R-WY) and counselor/MFT organizations push to include Medicare legislation in the pending mental health reform package.
Retiring Rep. Chris Gibson (R‐NY) makes it a priority to pass legislation adding counselors to Medicare and adds 10 Republican cosponsors to H.R. 2759 (the most House Republicans ever), raising the total to 50 cosponsors.
NBCC works with Native American counselors to open Indian Health Service (IHS) scholarship program to counselors. IHS surveys facilities about the need for counselors and received positive responses. IHS is internally discussing the addition in the next funding cycle.
NBCC pursues appropriations language to finance increased mental health services in Native American communities through the Mental Health Facilitator program.
At NBCC’s urging, several House and Senate Armed Services Committee Members include in their list of priorities for FY17 National Defense Authorization Act language creating a national credentialing standard and authorizing direct commissioning for counselors.
NBCC spearheads inclusion of language in three veterans bills, S. 1676, S. 1203 and S. 2921, to urge the creation of a federal occupational series for counselors. NBCC includes similar language in defense proposals.
Additionally, NBCC is a sustaining member of the Fair Access Coalition on Testing, a national organization that works to ensure that the public has access to psychological and other testing instruments.
NBCC’s government affairs efforts include profession-specific publications such as “The Role of Government and Lobbying in the Creation of a Health Profession: The Legal Foundations of Counseling.” This article, which appeared in the Journal of Counseling & Development, provides an overview of the political and legal history of the counseling profession.
© 2017 | National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates
Additionally, NBCC is a sustaining member of the Fair Access Coalition on Testing, a national organization that works to ensure that the public has access to psychological and other testing instruments.