Behavioral health, which includes mental health and substance use disorders, has emerged as a top priority in the states and across policy topics. The federal government has responded with a wide array of new initiatives and programs across agencies. In this briefing, NCSL staff will make sense of these federal efforts by highlighting what state legislatures need to know and discussing NCSL’s ongoing work to shape federal policy to support state leadership. Key topics will address new behavioral health models including in maternal health, updates on federal behavioral health legislation (SUPPORT Act and STRONGER Act), the behavioral health workforce and new opportunities to fund school-based mental health services through Medicaid.

Upcoming sessions

• March 15 
• April 19
• May 10

Legislative Update  

• STRONGER Act stakeholder sign on letter
• SUPPORT Hill Letter
• SUPPORT Act/HR 4531
• SUPPORT Act/S. 3993

Behavioral Health Update 

• Final Rule: Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Disorder
• National Response Plan
• SAMHSA guidance on test strips
• KFF study/trends in youth mental health/substance use

Medicaid in Schools 

• Letter from ED and HHS about Medicaid school-based services grant
• Grant Details