Mental Health Justice and Parity Act of 2022

Hozzl · 2023-04-26T20:00:21Z

Explore the details of House Bill 7254 Mental Health Justice and Parity Act of 2022 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

4/26/2023, 8:00 PM

Summary of Bill HR 7254

Bill 117 HR 7254, also known as the Mental Health Justice and Parity Act of 2022, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing mental health issues and ensuring parity in mental health coverage.

The bill seeks to improve access to mental health services by expanding Medicaid coverage for mental health treatment and increasing funding for mental health programs. It also aims to strengthen mental health parity laws, which require insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental health and physical health services.

Additionally, the Mental Health Justice and Parity Act of 2022 includes provisions to address the mental health needs of underserved populations, such as veterans, children, and individuals with substance use disorders. It also calls for increased training for law enforcement officers to better respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Overall, the bill aims to promote mental health equity and ensure that individuals with mental health conditions receive the care and support they need. It is currently being reviewed by Congress and has garnered bipartisan support for its efforts to improve mental health services and address disparities in mental health care.

Congressional Summary of HR 7254

Mental Health Justice and Parity Act of 2022

This bill creates a grant program for mental health first responder units. It also eliminates a provision that permits nonfederal government health insurance plans that are self-funded to opt out of requirements to provide parity between coverage of medical services and mental health services.

Specifically, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) must award grants to states and local governments to train and dispatch mental health professionals to respond, instead of law enforcement officers, to emergencies that involve people with behavioral health needs. SAMHSA must manage the program in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ). SAMHSA may cancel grants that increase incarceration or institutionalization. Grantees must use funds for purposes including de-escalation and anti-racism training.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the DOJ must evaluate this program.

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Current Status of Bill HR 7254

Bill HR 7254 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 28, 2022. Bill HR 7254 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on March 28, 2022. Bill HR 7254's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. as of November 1, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 7254

Total Number of Sponsors

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Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 7254

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 7254

Mental Health Justice and Parity Act of 2022

To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States and political subdivisions of States to hire, employ, train, and dispatch mental health professionals to respond in lieu of law enforcement officers in emergencies involving one or more persons with a mental illness or an intellectual or developmental disability, and for other purposes.