State Relations

Around the country, the American Psychiatric Association's department of government relations provides assistance to District Branch and State Societies/Associations on state legislative and regulatory topics. This includes tracking health care legislation; serving as a clearinghouse for best lobbying practices and model legislation; and providing on-site strategic assistance and grassroots training.

LEGISLATIVE TRACKING

APA Members and District Branch/State Associations can view legislation introduced in their state, print the bills, and get the most up-to-date bill status.

Click on the State-By-State Map link to review bills in your state, or any other state. If you are interested in following an issue across the country (e.g., Children’s Mental Health, Civil Commitment, etc.) click on All Legislative Issues where you can track any of the 38 issues we follow.

APA Non-Physician Scope of Practice Information Center

The APA Non-Physician Scope of Practice Information Center is available for APA members and District Branches/State Associations interested in strategies and resources needed to confront state legislative efforts by psychologists to gain prescribing privileges.

STATE UPDATE NEWSLETTER

The Department of Government Relations also publishes the State Update Newsletter. The State Update Newsletter is produced bi-monthly by the APA’s State Affairs office. The newsletter highlights state legislation addressing mental health issues, state legislative races, the APA Department of Government Relations advocacy initiatives, and the work of APA’s District Branches/State Associations. Featured on page one in each issue, the “District Branch/State Association Spotlight” emphasizes pilot projects and activities organized by District Branches/State Associations. The spotlight also features the work of the State Affairs Outreach Program, which provides grassroots advocacy training to APA members and residents to teach them how to get involved in the legislative, regulatory, and political processes and how to lobby their representatives.

For more information on how DGR can provide support for your District Branch or State Association, feel free to email Lisa Fields at advocacy@psych.org.

Improving Access to Mental Health Treatment

Access to care remains a top priority for the APA. In this section, view articles, legislation, and programs deticated to improving access to mental health treatment.

MEDICAID EXPANSION

Following the Supreme Court’s decision this summer on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the nation’s governors and state leaders face the choice to participate or opt out of the Medicaid expansion. For more information and resources on this topic, view the full memo on medicaid expansion.

DISTRICT BRANCH GRANT INFORMATION

The Committee on Advocacy and Litigation Funding (CALF) has the responsibility of reviewing requests, usually from District Branches and State Associations, for financial support of projects involving legislation, litigation, and advocacy; of making recommendations regarding funding to the Board of Trustees; and of proposing coordinated activity by other APA components, District Branches, and State Associations. CALF reports to the Council on Advocacy and Government Relations (CAGR). CAGR, in turn, makes recommendations through the Joint Reference Committee to the Board of Trustees for the Board’s ultimate funding decision with respect to CAGR’s recommendations.

All grants must originate from a District Branch/State Association, NOT AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER

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