Washington, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Tim Murphy's (PA-18) Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, included in the 21st Century Cures healthcare reform package, was signed into law. Congressman Murphy, who is also a practicing psychologist, capped a dedicated four year quest for mental health reform by noting: “We are ending the era of stigma surrounding mental illness and focusing on delivering treatment before tragedy. By bringing research, treatments and cures into the 21st Century, we are finally breaking down the wall between physical health and mental health. Through congressional hearings and an in-depth investigation, we discovered the fatal disconnect between 112 federal agencies assigned to treat the mentally ill. We exposed a $130 billion dollar investment wasted on feel-good fads that have done little to treat the ill as the rates of homelessness, incarceration, suicide and drug overdose deaths soar.
“And we’re still not done. I will continue advancing reforms so none remain in the shadows because we’ve set our eyes on one goal: to fix our nation’s broken mental health system so it works for all.”
The “Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis” legislation arose from the convergence of professionals, patients, and families from around the United States. Dr. Michael Welner, Chairman of The Forensic Panel and a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, was a key adviser and contributor to the legislation. Congressman Murphy noted:
“I reached out to Dr. Welner in his status as the nation's leading expert in forensic psychiatry. For the past four years, I have found him to be a tireless advocate for the families who have loved ones with a serious mental illness and substance abuse. Michael has a unique ability to apply clinical and forensic psychiatry to public policy in a creative way that has informed my legislative efforts immeasurably. He fearlessly briefed Members of Congress on the problems plaguing the current system and delivered compelling expert testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He has a forward-thinking approach to problem solving in the area of serious mental illness, and relates to patient care on a very human level. Dr. Welner’s advice was crucial in drafting the provisions that eliminate barriers to communication between families and providers; address the inpatient psychiatric bed shortage; expand effective Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) services; and increase support for programs designed to help those with the most severe cases of mental illness and substance abuse.”
Noted Dr. Welner: “Rep. Murphy is an exemplary leader of clarity who recognizes how sound mental health policy is instrumental to the national interest, and now to overall health care reform once the Affordable Care Act is replaced. He marshaled Congress to live up to its potential on an incredibly complex task, and I’m honored to work with him as the momentum for a 21st century crisis mental health system further develops. Heartiest congratulations to Rep. Murphy and his fantastic legislative staff and to Rep. Johnson and those who served the public interest with this landmark bill and the changes it brings.”
For a full list of the provisions included in the final bill, click here.
