Bill Introduced In Congress Brings Meaningful Use Parity For Behavioral Health & Addiction Treatment Providers

Netsmart applauds provisions of the “Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act,” (HR 2646) introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA). The bill extends to behavioral health and addiction treatment providers the ability to receive Medicaid and Medicare incentive funds for the Meaningful Use of certified electronic health records (EHRs) to more closely match those available to hospitals and other primary care providers.

The Murphy-sponsored legislation has bipartisan support, and is aimed at addressing the mental health crisis nationwide where 60 million people experience mental illness in a given year. Co-sponsor . . .