As demand for behavioral health services grow, lawmakers and providers are attempting to address various mental health and substance misuse concerns across the nation. To understand the needs of their clients and the social and legislative trends that may affect their practices, behavioral health and addiction treatment providers must stay ahead of new developments in their states and communities.
Here are some of the major headlines that behavioral health or addiction treatment providers in Oklahoma should be aware of.
Oklahoma Seeks to Address State Suicide Rates
Suicide is still the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, according to new CDC data. From 2017 to 2018, the suicide rate increased by 1.4 percent. Meanwhile, Oklahoma saw a reduction in suicide rates in 2018-2019, the first such reduction since 2014-2015.
Despite these reductions, Oklahoma still has a significantly higher suicide rate than the national average. Oklahoma’s rate was 19 suicide deaths for every 100,000 people in 2017, compared to the national average of 14 per 100,000.
Advocates in Oklahoma are hoping to create community-based responses that could further reduce suicide rates. For example, the Northwest Center for Behavioral Health is using the program Zero Suicide to provide public schools with suicide prevention resources.
Prescription Painkiller Lawsuit Funds Aren’t Reaching Oklahoma
Although Oklahoma is entitled to $829 million from settlements with drug companies or court orders, these funds have not yet been used for addiction treatment, as intended. In response to the nation’s prescription pain medication crisis, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter took manufacturers and distributors to state court.
Behavioral Health EHR Solutions for Oklahoma
As a behavioral health provider in Oklahoma, you are working to address addiction, suicide risk, and other mental health and substance misuse concerns. Additionally, you have to keep up with state and national requirements, such as outcome reporting and electronic prescribing.
BestNotes EHR solutions can be customized to your unique needs, helping you save time, reduce costs, and serve more clients effectively. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a demo.