Feb 23, 2022 | News
APA recently published a set of decision aids to accompany each of its existing clinical practice guidelines (PTSD in Adults, Obesity and Overweight in Children and Adolescents, and Depression in Children/Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults). The decision aids are intended to facilitate shared decision-making within evidence-based practice in psychology. It is hoped that the decision aids will serve as a concise and helpful resource for practitioners seeking to integrate APA’s CPGs into their broader evidence-based work.
Feb 23, 2022 | News
As of January 1, 2022, psychologists and other licensed health care providers will be legally required to provide uninsured patients with a “good faith” estimate of costs for services that may be provided. The goal of the act is to prevent patients from receiving bills with any unspecified costs following provision of services. The estimate is to be provided upon scheduling of treatment, or request of an approximation of cost. Currently, APA is developing additional guidance and resources (expected around March 2022) regarding steps psychologists may take in their practice. Click the links below for more information:
https://www.apaservices.org/practice/legal/managed/billing-disclosure-requirements
https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Regulations-and-Guidance/Downloads/Guidance-Good-Faith-Estimates-FAQ.pdf
Feb 17, 2022 | Advocacy
From Dr. Rick Barnett:
We are awaiting the report from our Office of Professional Regulation. In the Fall of 2021, they conducted the first ever Sunrise Review process, which included public hearings/comments, and testimony from opponents and proponents.
While the VT Board of Psychological Examiners voted to NOT support the bill as currently written, they indicated that a bill that includes more robust training may win their support in the future. When the report comes from the Office of Professional Regulation we will share it, along with our next steps. We anticipate an ongoing process to continue to generate support during this legislative session (which began last week).
Thank you to all who contributed their participation in the public hearings, comments and testimonies. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Feb 17, 2022 | Advocacy
PSYPACT (H.391): Our advocates in Montpelier are in communication with the lead sponsor for PSYPACT, Rep. Tanya Vyhovsky (P - Chitt), although the bill was not taken up this year. Our advocates report there is a good chance of progress next session because mental health in general is getting more and more attention as COVID-19 leaves mental health practices/agencies overwhelmed. People are likely to travel more and more so practicing across state lines is important. Finally, NASW is working on their own interstate compact and this favors all interstate compact efforts.
Prescribing Privileges for Psychologists with Advance Training (H.392): Our advocates have been meeting regularly to pursue RxP through a “sunrise review,” which involves a comprehensive assessment of the legislation, considering whether it is in the public’s best interest without threat to the public health, safety, and welfare. We believe the bill will be taken up for testimony in 2022, possibly with a favorable recommendation from the Office of Professional Regulation. We will need assistance from VPA Board and our members to reach out to key legislative leaders during the summer and fall to create a groundswell of support in advance of January 2022.
