Public Policy
AABH is dedicated to a fluid and collaborative dialogue with policy makers.
National Advocacy Initiatives
Today, the only certainty in behavioral healthcare services is change. Fundamental changes at the national level initiatives are brewing and continue to impact mental health providers and managers and most importantly, the people under our care. Now, with the advent of the Affordable Care Act, our voice is more important than ever. AABH works with the Mental Health Liaison Group to actively support passage of a variety of legislation on Mental Health issues.
Working for You in Washington
On behalf of our members, AABH supports passage of legislation on a wide range of mental health issues. Few, if any AABH members have the time and energy needed to sort through all the legislation, locate and read the mental health related legislative initiatives, and write letters of support. AABH does that for you! If you are interested in finding out what legislation has been supported by AABH on your behalf, periodically check this website for updates.
The AABH Advocacy Approach
AABH sees advocacy as dialogue the productive exchange of ideas and perspectives. Dialogue can be advanced in many settings. Dialogue takes place between AABH members and policymakers or other groups, as we work to promote policies that maintain and enhance the quality and accessibility of behavioral healthcare services.It is this kind of dialogue that has helped us move forward in the area of Medicare Policy. AABH has established a track record of working effectively with its affiliate organizations and Medicare fiscal intermediaries to break down barriers and misunderstandings concerning the Medicare Partial Hospitalization Program. Dialogue can also can take place within our membership as we exchange ideas and experiences that inform our individual advocacy efforts. On an ongoing basis, AABH promotes the value of ambulatory care to state officials and managed care organizations (MCOs). Collaborative work with sibling organizations is another key part of the AABH advocacy strategy. So please join us as we work together to advocate for the services we believe in and the clients who need them!