October 19, 2023- Vizient, Inc. submitted comments in response to the Administration’s proposed rule on updating requirements related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). In the comments, Vizient applauded the Departments for their work to improve access to care for mental health and substance use disorders, provided insights regarding the growing demand for these services, and offered recommendations to support and strengthen the behavioral healthcare workforce, among other suggestions.
To improve patient access to care, Vizient encouraged the Departments to take further steps to support access to telehealth and provide more adequate reimbursement for those providing behavioral and mental health services. Vizient also recommended the Departments consider different strategies to bolster the workforce, such as through additional funding for education and other efforts to reduce workplace violence and promote well-being.
Vizient remains committed to working alongside healthcare providers in their efforts to increase access to high-quality mental and behavioral healthcare services. In alignment with our MHPAEA comments and efforts to help inform policymakers and other stakeholders, Vizient will bring together key healthcare leaders for a policy briefing on Capitol Hill on Nov. 8 to discuss hospitals’ efforts to provide critical mental and behavioral healthcare treatments and support to their communities, despite the myriad ongoing challenges they face.