Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023
12/21/2024, 9:05 AMSummary of Bill HR 1638
Bill 118 hr 1638, also known as the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023, aims to address the growing mental health crisis in the United States by improving access to mental health services for all individuals. The bill includes provisions to increase funding for mental health programs, expand telehealth services for mental health care, and improve training for mental health professionals.One key aspect of the bill is the expansion of telehealth services for mental health care. This provision would allow individuals to access mental health services remotely, making it easier for those in rural or underserved areas to receive the care they need. Additionally, the bill includes funding to increase the number of mental health professionals in these areas, ensuring that individuals have access to quality care.
The bill also includes provisions to improve training for mental health professionals, ensuring that they are equipped to provide effective and culturally competent care to all individuals. This training would focus on evidence-based practices and the latest research in the field of mental health. Overall, the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023 seeks to address the mental health crisis in the United States by increasing access to care, expanding telehealth services, and improving training for mental health professionals. By investing in these areas, the bill aims to improve the overall mental health and well-being of individuals across the country.
Congressional Summary of HR 1638
Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023
This bill increases the Medicare reimbursement rate for clinical social worker services. The bill excludes clinical social worker services from the prospective payment system in which predetermined amounts form the basis for payment under Medicare.
Additionally, the bill alters the definition of clinical social worker services as it relates to Medicare. Under current law, such services (1) include services performed for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, and (2) exclude services furnished to an inpatient of a skilled nursing facility as a condition of the facility's participation in the Medicare program. The bill repeals these provisions and instead specifies that such services include certain types of health behavior assessment and intervention.
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Current Status of Bill HR 1638
Bill HR 1638 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 17, 2023. Bill HR 1638 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 17, 2023. Bill HR 1638's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1638
Total Number of Sponsors
2Democrat Sponsors
2Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
56Democrat Cosponsors
52Republican Cosponsors
4Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1638
Primary Policy Focus
HealthPotential Impact Areas
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal careMedical tests and diagnostic methodsMedicareMental healthNursingSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1638
Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to mental health services under the Medicare program.Comments
Most relevant
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 1638
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