Understanding the proper use and disclosure of electronic health information (EHI) can get complicated. Federal laws, including HIPAA and the 21st Century Cures Act, add complicated layers and language. One concept that can confuse both clinicians and patients in recent years is “information blocking.” Here are the basics that behavioral health providers should know. Why…
In a previous blog post, we discussed how residential treatment programs should respond to requests for information regarding resident safety. These requests often come from licensing agencies, payers, and other parties. Sometimes, however, a behavioral health facility can launch an internal investigation. Here’s what you should know about conducting one in your organization. Conduct internal…
The last year and a half has been difficult for behavioral health clinicians. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many services and facilities experienced disruptions. At the same time, suicide rates and substance overdoses rose as demand for mental-health services skyrocketed and individuals and families struggled with anxiety, isolation, and financial stress. Behavioral health providers have many…
Residential treatment options, from independent living programs to intensive wilderness therapy experiences, can help many young people who struggle with substance misuse. Many of these programs fall under the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. Participants can improve their problem-solving and communication skills and develop healthier living habits, often after traditional therapy models have…
What do you offer your behavioral health clients? How do you contribute to your community and your field? What makes you different from other providers in your area? The answers to these questions determine your value proposition. This is an essential part of defining your behavioral health business and guiding many of your decisions. What’s…
As the novel coronavirus pandemic is on the decline, another crisis continues to threaten individual and public health. Behavioral health concerns, from depression to eating disorders to substance abuse, are on the rise, and many providers are unprepared to tackle the increased demand for treatment services. Not Enough Mental Health Providers The mental health effects…
Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? This is an opportunity to look at the state of mental healthcare in the United States to identify trends and areas for improvement. Despite Increased Demand, Behavioral Health Services Cut Back Demand for behavioral health services has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new report…
New guidelines from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) will make it easier for health providers to prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). As the U.S. faces an increase in drug overdose-related deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, this change will help more patients gain access to necessary treatment, and expand the…
Physical and mental health depends on a lot of different factors. Behaviors like diet and smoking status can affect our health, as well as uncontrollable factors, like genetics. Even our environments and income levels can affect health outcomes. That’s the idea behind social determinants of health (SDOH), which include conditions related to where we live…
There are a lot of changes happening in Texas that could have significant implications for behavioral health. Here are some of the big mental-health stories impacting the Lone Star State. Biden Administration Rescinds Changes to Texas 1115 Waiver The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it has rescinded an approval to extend…