1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stable
Medicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost.
2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders.
3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology.
4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services.
5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care.
6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties.
7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program.
8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem).
9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.
1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.
2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce.
4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed.
5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country.
6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs.
7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations.
8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.
9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging.
10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts.
11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services.
12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports.
13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives.
14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.
15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services.
16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.
17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options.
18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.
19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.
20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Increased funding for HRSA Title VII geriatric education and training programs
2. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2015 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill.
3. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs.
4. Oppose any funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
5. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs.
6. Support a minimum of $1.101 billion in funding for mental health programs and $2.386 billion for substance use disorder programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
7. Oppose cuts in any programs that would impact research funding, workforce training, clinical care, and patient and caregiver support programs targeted to alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
8. Support FY 2015 funding for respite and other family support programs; including the Lifespan Respite Care Program; the National Family Caregiver Support Program; the Native American Caregiver Support Program; and also funding for the Family Support Program under the Developmental Disabilities Act.
9. Provide $10 million to fund Administration for Community Living projects authorized under the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006" (Public Law 109-365) to address aging related mental health issues. This funding would include grants to states for mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; programs to increase public awareness of mental disorders in older individuals; and the designation of an Administration for Comminity Living officer to administer mental health services for older Americans.
10. Support funding for the national network of centers of excellence for depressive and bipolar disorders authorized under the "Affordable Care Act."
11. Support increased funding for geriatric mental health research at the National Isntitutes of Health.
12. Support increased funding for psychiatric research at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
13. Support provision of H.J. Res. 59, the bypartisan budget agreement, to avert a reduction in physicians/ Medicare reimbursement through March 31, 2014.
14. Support $32 billion in funding for NIH for Fisal Year 2015.
15. Support $25 million in funding for the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for caregiving and patient support programs in Fiscal Year 2015.
16. Support $200 million in additional funding for NIH research on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in Fiscal Year 2015.
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Duration: November 1, 2007
to
June 30, 2014
General Issues: Medicare/Medicaid , Health Issues , Budget/Appropriations , Veterans
Spending: about $565,000 (But it's complicated. Here's why.)
It can be tricky to figure out how much an organization spent on a particular lobbying engagement. The law only requires lobbyists to report the amount they were paid for federal lobbying each quarter rounded to the nearest $10,000—and if it's less than $3,000 in a given quarter (or less than $13,000 for organizations with in-house lobbyists), they don't have to disclose it at all. Plus, some organizations include spending that doesn’t belong in the report—for instance, money spent lobbying state governments or other legal work.
Agencies lobbied since 2007: House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, Y
Y
Department of Health and Human Services/Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service, Y
Y
Department of Health and Human Services/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Y
Y
Lobbyists
Lobbyists named here were listed on a filing related to this lobbying engagement. They may not be working on it now. Occasionally, a single lobbyist whose name is spelled two different ways on filings may be represented twice here.
Disclosures Filed
Once a lobbying engagement begins, the lobbyist or firm is required to file updates four times a year. Those updates sometimes change which lobbyists are involved or add new issues being discussed. When lobbyists stop working for a client, the firm is also supposed to file a report disclosing the end of the relationship.
2nd Quarter, 2014
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY in-house lobbying effort was terminated on July 1, 2014
Original Filing: 300653185.xml
1st Quarter, 2014
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY amended a lobbying report for in-house lobbying in Q12014 on May 6, 2014
Original Filing: 300651224.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stable
Medicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost.
2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders.
3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology.
4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services.
5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care.
6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties.
7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program.
8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem).
9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.
2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce.
4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed.
5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country.
6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs.
7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations.
8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.
9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging.
10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts.
11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services.
12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports.
13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives.
14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.
15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services.
16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.
17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options.
18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.
19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.
20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Increased funding for HRSA Title VII geriatric education and training programs
2. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2015 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill.
3. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs.
4. Oppose any funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
5. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs.
6. Support a minimum of $1.101 billion in funding for mental health programs and $2.386 billion for substance use disorder programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
7. Oppose cuts in any programs that would impact research funding, workforce training, clinical care, and patient and caregiver support programs targeted to alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
8. Support FY 2015 funding for respite and other family support programs; including the Lifespan Respite Care Program; the National Family Caregiver Support Program; the Native American Caregiver Support Program; and also funding for the Family Support Program under the Developmental Disabilities Act.
9. Provide $10 million to fund Administration for Community Living projects authorized under the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006" (Public Law 109-365) to address aging related mental health issues. This funding would include grants to states for mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; programs to increase public awareness of mental disorders in older individuals; and the designation of an Administration for Comminity Living officer to administer mental health services for older Americans.
10. Support funding for the national network of centers of excellence for depressive and bipolar disorders authorized under the "Affordable Care Act."
11. Support increased funding for geriatric mental health research at the National Isntitutes of Health.
12. Support increased funding for psychiatric research at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
13. Support provision of H.J. Res. 59, the bypartisan budget agreement, to avert a reduction in physicians/ Medicare reimbursement through March 31, 2014.
14. Support $32 billion in funding for NIH for Fisal Year 2015.
15. Support $25 million in funding for the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for caregiving and patient support programs in Fiscal Year 2015.
16. Support $200 million in additional funding for NIH research on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in Fiscal Year 2015.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
1st Quarter, 2014
In Q1, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 4, 2014.
Original Filing: 300632625.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stable
Medicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost.
2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders.
3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology.
4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services.
5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care.
6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties.
7. Support H.R. 2810 to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program.
8. Oppose H.R. 4302, the "Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014" to postpone the 24 percent in Medicare physician payments for 12 monthw (which was being considered in lieu of a permanent solution to the SGR problem).
9. Support H.R.4015/S.2000, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014" to repeal Medicare's SGR formula and establish a transition to a stable Medicare payment policy.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.
2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce.
4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed.
5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country.
6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs.
7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations.
8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.
9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging.
10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts.
11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services.
12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports.
13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives.
14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.
15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services.
16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.
17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options.
18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.
19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.
20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Increased funding for HRSA Title VII geriatric education and training programs
2. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2015 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill.
3. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs.
4. Oppose any funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
5. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs.
6. Support a minimum of $1.101 billion in funding for mental health programs and $2.386 billion for substance use disorder programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
7. Oppose cuts in any programs that would impact research funding, workforce training, clinical care, and patient and caregiver support programs targeted to alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
8. Support FY 2015 funding for respite and other family support programs; including the Lifespan Respite Care Program; the National Family Caregiver Support Program; the Native American Caregiver Support Program; and also funding for the Family Support Program under the Developmental Disabilities Act.
9. Provide $10 million to fund Administration for Community Living projects authorized under the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006" (Public Law 109-365) to address aging related mental health issues. This funding would include grants to states for mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; programs to increase public awareness of mental disorders in older individuals; and the designation of an Administration for Comminity Living officer to administer mental health services for older Americans.
10. Support funding for the national network of centers of excellence for depressive and bipolar disorders authorized under the "Affordable Care Act."
11. Support increased funding for geriatric mental health research at the National Isntitutes of Health.
12. Support increased funding for psychiatric research at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
13. Support provision of H.J. Res. 59, the bypartisan budget agreement, to avert a reduction in physicians/ Medicare reimbursement through March 31, 2014.
14. Support $32 billion in funding for NIH for Fisal Year 2015.
15. Support $25 million in funding for the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for caregiving and patient support programs in Fiscal Year 2015.
16. Support $200 million in additional funding for NIH research on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in Fiscal Year 2015.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
4th Quarter, 2013
In Q4, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 15, 2014.
Original Filing: 300614382.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare strategic growth rate (SGR) formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers; to implement a five-year period of stable
Medicare physician payments; and transition to an array of new payment models designed to enhance care coordination, quality, appropriatess and cost.
2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders.
3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology.
4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services.
5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care.
6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties.
7. Support H.R. 2810/Senate draft the "Medicare Patient Access and Quality Improvement Act" to provide a multi-year transition from the current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula to a new value-based program.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.
2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce.
4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed.
5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country.
6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs.
7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations.
8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.
9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging.
10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts.
11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services.
12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports.
13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives.
14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.
15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services.
16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.
17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options.
18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.
19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.
20. Support S.313/H.R. 647, the "Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013", to amend Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and others could make tax-deferred contributions to be used for essential services.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Increased funding for HRSA Title VII geriatric education and training programs
2. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2014 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill.
3. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs.
4. Oppose any funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the FY 2014 appropriations bill.
5. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs.
6. Support funding of $65 billion for discretionary public health and health research programs in Fiscal Year 2014.
7. Support a minimum of $1.101 billion in funding for mental health programs and $2.386 billion for substance use disorder programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
8. Oppose cuts in any programs that would impact research funding, workforce training, clinical care, and patient and caregiver support programs targeted to alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
9. Support and additional $80 million in funding in Fiscal Year 2014 to support Alzheimer's disease and related disorders research conducted by NIH along with at least $20 million to support caregiving and patient support initatives managed by the Administration for Community Living.
10. Support FY 2014 funding for respite and other family support programs; including 2.5 million for the Lifespan Respite Care Program; $154 million for the National Family Caregiver Support Program; $6 million for the Native American Caregiver Support Program; and also funding for the Family Support Program under the Developmental Disabilities Act.
11. Provide $10 million to fund Administration for Community Living projects authorized under the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006" (Public Law 109-365) to address aging related mental health issues. This funding would include grants to states for mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; programs to increase public awareness of mental disorders in older individuals; and the designation of an Administration for Comminity Living officer to administer mental health services for older Americans.
12. Support funding for the national network of centers of excellence for depressive and bipolar disorders authorized under the "Affordable Care Act."
13. Support increased funding for geriatric mental health research at the National Isntitutes of Health.
14. Support increased funding for psychiatric research at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
15. Support provision of H.J. Res. 59, the bypartisan budget agreement, to avert a reduction in physicians/ Medicare reimbursement through March 31, 2014.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
3rd Quarter, 2013
In Q3, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 8, 2013.
Original Filing: 300591396.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.
2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders.
3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology.
4. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education Act" (S.709 / H.R.1307) to combine the existing Medicare benefits for diagnosis and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer's disease into a single package of services.
5. Support elimination of the Medicare 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospital care.
6. Support bonus payments under Medicare to clinicians in geriatric specialties.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.
2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce.
4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed.
5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country.
6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs.
7. Support S.116 and H.R.2734, to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations.
8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.
9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging.
10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts.
11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services.
12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports.
13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives.
14. Support the "Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2013" (S.1562) to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.
15. Support the "Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013" (S.313 / H.R.647) to enable individuals with disabilities to establish ABLE accounts into which they and other could make tax-deferred contributions for essential services.
16. Urge the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to help advance the goals set forth in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.
17. Support the "Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S.709 ; H.R.1507) to ensure that individuals receive an appropriate diagnosis and their family members receive information about available care options.
18. Support loan forgiveness for health care professionals who enter geriatric specialities.19. Support requirement that federally funded clinical trials involve older adults when appropriate. These clinical trials must also include older adults from diverse ethnic and cultural groups that comprise rapidly expanding portions of the population.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Increased funding for HRSA Title VII geriatric education and training programs
2. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2014 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill.
3. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs.
4. Oppose any funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the FY 2014 appropriations bill.
5. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs.
6. Support funding of $65 billion for discretionary public health and health research programs in Fiscal Year 2014.
7. Support the largest possible Fiscal Year 2014 302(b) allocation to the Labor - HHS - Education Subcommittee.
8. Support a minimum of $1.101 billion in funding for mental health programs and $2.386 billion for substance use disorder programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
9. Oppose cuts in any programs that would impact research funding, workforce training, clinical care, and patient and caregiver support programs targeted to alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
10. Support and additional $80 million in funding in Fiscal Year 2014 to support Alzheimer's disease and related disorders research conducted by NIH along with at least $20 million to support caregiving and patient support initatives managed by the Administration for Community Living.
11. Support FY 2014 funding for respite and other family support programs; including 2.5 million for the Lifespan Respite Care Program; $154 million for the National Family Caregiver Support Program; $6 million for the Native American Caregiver Support Program; and also funding for the Family Support Program under the Developmental Disabilities Act.
12. Provide $10 million to fund Administration for Community Living projects authorized under the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006" (Public Law 109-365) to address aging related mental health issues. This funding would include grants to states for mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; programs to increase public awareness of mental disorders in older individuals; and the designation of an Administration for Comminity Living officer to administer mental health services for older Americans.
13. Support funding for the national network of centers of excellence for depressive and bipolar disorders authorized under the "Affordable Care Act."
14. Support increased funding for geriatric mental health research at the National Isntitutes of Health.
15. Support increased funding for psychiatric research at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
2nd Quarter, 2013
In Q2, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 17, 2013.
Original Filing: 300573929.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. AAGP also urges Congress to take action to avert all
proposed reductions in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2014.
2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behavioral health disorders.
3. Support the "Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act" (H.R. 1838/S. 755) to amend Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to apply the Medicaid primary care payment rate in 2013 and 2014 to additional physicians with a primary specialty designation of neurology, psychiatry, or obstetrics and gynecology.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.
2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce.
4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed.
5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country.
6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs.
7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations.
8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.
9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging.
10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts.
11. Support S.1119, the "Positive Aging Act", to improve the accessibility and quality of mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary care and community settings where older adults reside and/or receive services.
12. Support H.R. 1893, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to address restraint and seclusion in all schools and preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports.
13. Support S.689 the "Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act" to improve school-based mental health care while reviewing SAMHSA programs and initiatives.
14. Support the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013" to reauthorize the Older Americans Act of 1965 and funding for its programs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Increased funding for HRSA Title VII geriatric education and training programs
2. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2014 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill.
3. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs.
4. Oppose any funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the FY 2014 appropriations bill.
5. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs.
6. Support funding of $65 billion for discretionary public health and health research programs in Fiscal Year 2014.
7. Support the largest possible Fiscal Year 2014 302(b) allocation to the Labor - HHS - Education Subcommittee.
8. Support a minimum of 1.101 billion in funding for mental health programs and $2.386 billion for substance use disorder programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
9. Oppose cuts in any programs that would impact research funding, workforce training, clinical care, and patient and caregiver support programs targeted to alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
10. Support and additional $80 million in funding in Fiscal Year 2014 to support Alzheimer's disease and related disorders research conducted by NIH along with at least $20 million to support caregiving and patient support initatives managed by the Administration for Community Living.
11. Support FY 2014 funding for respite and other family support programs; including 2.5 million for the Lifespan Respite Care Program; $154 million for the National Family Caregiver Support Program; $6 million for the Native American Caregiver Support Program; and also funding for the Family Support Program under the Developmental Disabilities Act.
12. Provide $10 million to fund Administration for Community Living projects authorized under the "Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006" (Public Law 109-365) to address aging related mental health issues. This funding would include grants to states for mental health screening and treatment services for older adults; programs to increase public awareness of mental disorders in older individuals; and the designation of an Administration for Comminity Living officer to administer mental health services for older Americans.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
1st Quarter, 2013
In Q1, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 11, 2013.
Original Filing: 300548900.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. AAGP also urges Congress to take action to avert all
proposed reductions in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2014.
2. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behaviroral health disorders.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support legislation to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be oblicated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professions Shortage Area.
2. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
3. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce.
4. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed.
5. Support S.153/H.R. 274, the "Mental Health First Aid Act" to raise awarness and increase public education on mental illness and addiction disorders. Authorize $20 million in grants to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs arouht the country.
6. Support S.195/H.R.625, the "Mental Health in Schools Act" to aid schools and communities in developing policies to address child and adolescent mental health issues and violence when and if it occurs.
7. Support S.116 to reauthorize Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act to support active youth suicide prevention grants in 40 states, 85 institutions of higher education and 38 Tribes or Tribal organizations.
8. Support S.380, the "Children's Trauma Recovery Act" to reauthorize the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative.
9. Support convening of a White House Conference on Aging.
10. Support legislative proposals to address the lack of health care providers trained to treat older adults with mental disorders. Support proposals dealing directly with incentives to increase the number of specialized providers as well as proposals to increase and enhance research efforts.
11. Support legislative proposals to make mental health services for older adults an intigral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Increased funding for HRSA Title VII geriatric education and training programs
2. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2014 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill.
3. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs.
4. Oppose any funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the final FY 2013 appropriations bill.
5. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs.
6. Support funding of $65 billion for discretionary public health and health research programs in Fiscal Year 2014.
7. Support the largest possible Fiscal Year 2014 302(b) allocation to the Labor - HHS - Education Subcommittee.
8. Support a minimum of 1.101 billion in funding for mental health programs and $2.386 billion for substance use disorder programs under the jurisdiction of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
9. Support Fiscal Year 2014 funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Life Span Respite Care Progran, and the Native American Caregiver Support Program.
10. Oppose and sequestration that would impact research funding, workforce training, clinical care, and patient and caregiver support programs targeted to alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
4th Quarter, 2012
In Q4, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 15, 2013.
Original Filing: 300529160.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. AAGP also urges Congress to take action to avert all
proposed reductions in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2013.
2. Support S. 374 and H.R. 2783, the "Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act," to amend Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services.
3. Oppose proposals to shift Medicaid costs to states and families via block grants or overall caps on spending.
4. Oppose any Federal budget or funding agreement that would significantly cut, block grant, or impose harmful spending caps on the Medicaid program with special concern for persons with mental disorders, including senior citizens, who rely on Medicaid as a lifeline.
5. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behaviroral health disorders.
6. Support all efforts to ensure that any CMS demonstration programs for beneficiaries that are concurrently eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid ("dual eligibles"") provide protections for all dual eligibles with mental disorders, including access to existing provider networks, passive enrollment processes, retention of current Medicare protections and relevant quality measures.
7. Urge strong Congressional oversight of the implementation of demonstration programs under Section 2602 of the "Affordable Care Act" to ensure that these proposals contain critical protections for dually eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) individuals with mental illness.
8. Oppose the sections on review and reporting of antipsychotics, informed consent, and an IOM study and report (sections 4, 5, and 7) of S.3604, the "Improving Dementia Care Treatment for Older Adults Act of 2012".
9. Support a GAO study on the use of antipsychotic medications by nursing homes.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults.
2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and also the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.
3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate.
4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination.
5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research.
6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities.
7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
8. Support legislation to amend the Public Helath Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Helath Professional Shortage Area.
9. Support H.R. 2558, the Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act which would amend current law to allow participation of children's psychiatric hospitals in the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (CHEME).
10. Support H.R. 3266, the "Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act", to coordinate and supply respite care to family caregivers through statewide respite care programs.
11. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
12. Support implementation of the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act program.
13. Support S. 2367 the "21st Century Language Act", to delete the word "lunatic" from wherever it appears in Federal law.
14. Support S.2020, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to establish national minimum standards to protect all school children nationwide.
15. Urge Senate to support U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
16. Support S. 2256 and H.R. 5989, the "Excellence in Mental Health Act" to set fort national criteria for the certification of community-based mental health and addiction providers.
17. Urge Congressional hearings to examine the progress in implementing the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.
18. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce.
19. Oppose the antipsychotic reporting, "informed consent" and IOM report requirement (sections 4, 5, and 7) of S.3604, the "Improving Dementia Cared Treatment for Older Adults Act of 2012".
20. Support a GAO Study on the use of antipsychotic medication by nursing homes.
21. Support ban on assault weapons and large capacity clips.
22. Support the implementation of school and community-based programs to promote mental health to prevent mental illness and substance abuse, provide early interventions for those exhibiting these conditions, and teach students at all levels to recognize the signs of mental illness and addiction and to seek help when needed.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Fund the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at a minimum, at the Senate Appropriations Committee's recommended lefel of $3,484,300,000
2. Support increased funding for Lifespan Respite, National Family Caregiver Support, Title II Family Support, and VA Caregivers Support programs in FY 2013.
3. Oppose funding reductions in Medicare and Medicaid that impact children and adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
4. Support increase in or continuation of current funding levels for: the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Lifespan Respite Care Program, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Caregiver Support Program, and Family Support Program.
5. Express concern about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) system, which is used to determine the Administration's annual Federal support of aging research.
6. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2013 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill.
7. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs. Support a balanced budget solution that avoids these cuts.
8. Oppose the funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the House draft of the Fiscal Year 2013 Labor - Health and Human Services - Education appropriations bill.
9. Support the funding increases for the Mental Health Block Grant and the Substance Abuse Block Grant, as well as the $100 million increase for the National Institutes of Health, contained in the Senate version ( S.3295) of the Labor - Health and Human Services - Education Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations bill.
10. Support a new deficit reduction package that avoids cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and specifically for funding of aging research.
11. Support inclusion of $1.4 billion, an increase of approximately $300 million from the FY2012 level, in the Adminstration's proposed FY2014 budget to support research efforts led by the National Institute on Aging.
12. Support increased funding for Federal mental health substance use and treatment services and programs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
3rd Quarter, 2012
In Q3, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 4, 2012.
Original Filing: 300503963.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. AAGP also urges Congress to take action to avert all
proposed reductions in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2013.
2. Support S. 374 and H.R. 2783, the "Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act," to amend Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services.
3. Oppose proposals to shift Medicaid costs to states and families via block grants or overall caps on spending.
4. Oppose any Federal budget or funding agreement that would significantly cut, block grant, or impose harmful spending caps on the Medicaid program with special concern for persons with mental disorders, including senior citizens, who rely on Medicaid as a lifeline.
5. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behaviroral health disorders.
6. Support all efforts to ensure that any CMS demonstration programs for beneficiaries that are concurrently eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid ("dual eligibles"") provide protections for all dual eligibles with mental disorders, including access to existing provider networks, passive enrollment processes, retention of current Medicare protections and relevant quality measures.
7. Urge strong Congressional oversight of the implementation of demonstration programs under Section 2602 of the "Affordable Care Act" to ensure that these proposals contain critical protections for dually eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) individuals with mental illness.
8. Oppose the sections on review and reporting of antipsychotics, informed consent, and an IOM study and report (sections 4, 5, and 7) of S.3604, the "Improving Dementia Care Treatment for Older Adults Act of 2012".
9. Support a GAO study on the use of antipsychotic medications by nursing homes.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults.
2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and also the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.
3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate.
4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination.
5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research.
6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities.
7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
8. Support legislation to amend the Public Helath Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Helath Professional Shortage Area.
9. Support H.R. 2558, the Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act which would amend current law to allow participation of children's psychiatric hospitals in the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (CHEME).
10. Support H.R. 3266, the "Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act", to coordinate and supply respite care to family caregivers through statewide respite care programs.
11. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
12. Support implementation of the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act program.
13. Support S. 2367 to delete the word "lunatic" from wherever it appears in Federal law.
14. Support S.2020, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to establish national minimum standards to protect all school children nationwide.
15. Urge Senate to support U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
16. Support S. 2256 and H.R. 5989, the "Excellence in Mental Health Act" to set fort national criteria for the certification of community-based mental health and addiction providers.
17. Urge Congressional hearings to examine the progress in implementing the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease.
18. Support legislative implementation of the recommendations contained in the Institute of Medicine report of July 2012 entitled "The Mental health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands?" Those recommendations include loan forgiveness and the designation of a specific entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate Federal efforts to develop and strengthen the nation's geriatric mental health and substance use workforce.
19. Oppose the antipsychotic reporting, "informed consent" and IOM report requirement (sections 4, 5, and 7) of S.3604, the "Improving Dementia Cared Treatment for Older Adults Act of 2012".
20. Support a GAO Study on the use of antipsychotic medication by nursing homes.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Fund the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at a minimum, at the Senate Appropriations Committee's recommended lefel of $3,484,300,000
2. Support increased funding for Lifespan Respite, National Family Caregiver Support, Title II Family Support, and VA Caregivers Support programs in FY 2013.
3. Oppose funding reductions in Medicare and Medicaid that impact children and adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
4. Support increase in or continuation of current funding levels for: the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Lifespan Respite Care Program, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Caregiver Support Program, and Family Support Program.
5. Express concern about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) system, which is used to determine the Administration's annual Federal support of aging research.
6. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2013 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill.
7. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs. Support a balanced budget solution that avoids these cuts.
8. Oppose the funding cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the House draft of the Fiscal Year 2013 Labor - Health and Human Services - Education appropriations bill.
9. Support the funding increases for the Mental Health Block Grant and the Substance Abuse Block Grant, as well as the $100 million increase for the National Institutes of Health, contained in the Senate version ( S.3295) of the Labor - Health and Human Services - Education Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations bill.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
2nd Quarter, 2012
In Q2, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 17, 2012.
Original Filing: 300486682.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. AAGP also urges Congress to take action to avert all
proposed reductions in Medicare physician reimbursements.
2. Support S. 374 and H.R. 2783, the "Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act," to amend Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services.
3. Oppose proposals to shift Medicaid costs to states and families via block grants or overall caps on spending.
4. Oppose any Federal budget or funding agreement that would significantly cut, block grant, or impose harmful spending caps on the Medicaid program with special concern for persons with mental disorders, including senior citizens, who rely on Medicaid as a lifeline.
5. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Medicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behaviroral health disorders.
6. Support all efforts to ensure that any CMS demonstration programs for beneficiaries that are concurrently eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid ("dual eligibles"") provide protections for all dual eligibles with mental disorders, including access to existing provider networks, passive enrollment processes, retention of current Medicare protections and relevant quality measures.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults.
2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and also the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.
3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate.
4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination.
5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research.
6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities.
7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
8. Support legislation to amend the Public Helath Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Helath Professional Shortage Area.
9. Support H.R. 2558, the Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act which would amend current law to allow participation of children's psychiatric hospitals in the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (CHEME).
10. Support H.R. 3266, the "Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act", to coordinate and supply respite care to family caregivers through statewide respite care programs.
11. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
12. Support implementation of the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act program.
13. Support S. 2367 to delete the word "lunatic" from wherever it appears in Federal law.
14. Support S.2020, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to establish national minimum standards to protect all school children nationwide.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Fund the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at a minimum, at the Senate Appropriations Committee's recommended lefel of $3,484,300,000
2. Support increased funding for Lifespan Respite, National Family Caregiver Support, Title II Family Support, and VA Caregivers Support programs in FY 2013.
3. Oppose funding reductions in Medicare and Medicaid that impact children and adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
4. Support increase in or continuation of current funding levels for: the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Lifespan Respite Care Program, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Caregiver Support Program, and Family Support Program.
5. Express concern about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) system, which is used to determine the Administration's annual Federal support of aging research.
6. Support funding for the "National Alzheimer's Project Act" and other funding for Alzheimer's disease and dementia research in the Fiscal year 2013 Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations bill.
7. Oppose any across-the-board cuts or sequesters to nondefense discretionary programs, including medical and scientific research, education and job training, and public health programs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
1st Quarter, 2012
In Q1, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 11, 2012.
Original Filing: 300459049.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. AAGP also urges Congress to take action to avert all
proposed reductions in Medicare physician reimbursements.
2. Support S. 374 and H.R. 2783, the "Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act," to amend Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services.
3. Oppose proposals to shift Medicaid costs to states and families via block grants or overall caps on spending.
4. Oppose any Federal budget agreement that would significantly cut, block grant, or impose harmful spending caps on the Medicaid program with special concern for persons with mental disorders, including senior citizens, who rely on Medicaid as a lifeline.
5. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Madicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behaviroral health disorders.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults.
2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act the the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.
3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate.
4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination.
5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research.
6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities.
7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
8. Support legislation to amend the Public Helath Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Helath Professional Shortage Area.
9. Support H.R. 2558, the Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act which would amend current law to allow participation of children's psychiatric hospitals in the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (CHEME).
10. Support H.R. 3266, the "Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act", to coordinate and supply respite care to family caregivers through statewide respite care programs.
11. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
12. Support implementation of the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act program.
13. Support Senate bill (unnumbered at this time) to delete the word "lunatic" from Federal law.
14. Support S.2020, the "Keeping All Students Safe Act" to establish national minimum standards to protect all school children nationwide.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Accessibility Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Fund the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at a minimum, at the Senate Appropriations Committee's recommended lefel of $3,484,300,000
2. Support increased funding for Lifespan Respite, National Family Caregiver Support, Title II Family Support, and VA Caregivers Support programs in FY 2013.
3. Oppose funding reductions in Medicare and Medicaid that impact children and adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
4. Support increase in or continuation of current funding levels for: the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Lifespan Respite Care Program, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Caregiver Support Program, and Family Support Program.
5. Express concern about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) system, which is used to determine the Administration's annual Federal support of aging research.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urge Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support enhanced availability for all veterans and ensure that clinicians be given the time and resources to provied veterans with evidence-based therapies that represent the best practices for adressing veterans' specific needs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
4th Quarter, 2011
In Q4, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 18, 2012.
Original Filing: 300439881.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. AAGP also urges Congress to take action to avert all
proposed reductions in Medicare physician reimbursements.
2. Support S. 374 and H.R. 2783, the "Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act," to amend Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services.
3. Oppose proposals to shift Medicaid costs to states and families via block grants or overall caps on spending.
4. Oppose any Federal budget agreement that would significantly cut, block grant, or impose harmful spending caps on the Medicaid program with special concern for persons with mental disorders, including senior citizens, who rely on Medicaid as a lifeline.
5. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Madicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behaviroral health disorders.
6. Urge membert of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to ensure that "dual eligibles" - who qualify for for Medicare because of age or disability and for Medicaid because of low incomes - are not adversely impacted in efforts to reduce the Federal budget.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults.
2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act the the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.
3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate.
4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination.
5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research.
6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities.
7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
8. Support legislation to amend the Public Helath Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Helath Professional Shortage Area.
9. Support H.R. 2558, the Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act which would amend current law to allow participation of children's psychiatric hospitals in the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (CHEME).
10. Support H.R. 3266, the "Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act".
11. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
12. Support implementation of the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act program.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Accessibility Care Act;
*Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; * A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
* Fund the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at a minimum, at the Senate Appropriations Committee's recommended lefel of $3,484,300,000
2. Support continuation of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and urge FY 2012 funding of the NCTSN at the FY 2011 level of $40.8 million.
3. Support increased funding for Lifespan Respite, National Family Caregiver Support, Title II Family Support, and VA Caregivers Support programs in FY 2012.
4. Oppose funding reductions in Medicare and Medicaid that impact children and adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
5. Support increase in or continuation of current funding levels for: the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Lifespan Respite Care Program, Medicaid, Medicare, VA Caregiver Support Program, and Family Support Program.
6. Urge the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction not to disproportionately rely on non-security discretionary spending cuts in efforts to reduce the Federal deficit.
7. Oppose H.R. 3070, the House Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2012 that would cut funding for mental health and addiction services by 8.4 percent.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
3rd Quarter, 2011
In Q3, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 17, 2011.
Original Filing: 300415552.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.
2. Support S. 374 and H.R. 2783, the "Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act," to amend Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services.
3. Oppose proposals to shift Medicaid costs to states and families via block grants or overall caps on spending.
4. Oppose any Federal budget agreement that would significantly cut, block grant, or impose harmful spending caps on the Medicaid program with special concern for persons with mental disorders, including senior citizens, who rely on Medicaid as a lifeline.
5. Oppose any cuts in Medicare or Madicaid programs that would adversely impact children and adults with behaviroral health disorders.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults.
2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act the the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.
3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate.
4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination.
5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research.
6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities.
7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
8. Support legislation to amend the Public Helath Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Helath Professional Shortage Area.
9. Support H.R. 2558, the Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act which would amend current law to allow participation of children's psychiatric hospitals in the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (CHEME).
10. Support reauthorization (without changes) of the "Lifespan Respite Care Program".
11. Oppose cuts or changes to the "Afforadable Care Act" that would undermine the potential of the law to make affordable, quality health care coverage more accessible.
12. Support implementation of the CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support funding of $65 billion for discretionary public health programs (Function 550) in the Fiscal Year 2012 budget resolution.
2. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Accessibility Care Act;
* Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults;
* A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
3. Support continuation of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and urge FY 2012 funding of the NCTSN at the FY 2011 level of $40.8 million.
4. Support increased funding for Lifespan Respite, National Family Caregiver Support, Title II Family Support, and VA Caregivers Support programs in FY 2012.
5. Support a final 302(b) allocation to the House and Sennate Labor - HHS - Education appropriations Subcomittees that protects health programs against further cuts.
6. Oppose funding reductions in Medicare and Medicaid that impact children and adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
2nd Quarter, 2011
In Q2, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 14, 2011.
Original Filing: 300389762.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.
2. Support S. 374, the "Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act," to amend Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services.
3. Oppose proposals to shift Medicaid costs to states and families via block grants or overall caps on spending.
4. Oppose any Federal budget agreement that would significantly cut, block grant, or impose harmful spending caps on the Medicaid program with special concern for persons with mental disorders, including senior citizens, who rely on Medicaid as a lifeline.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults.
2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act the the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.
3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate.
4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination.
5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research.
6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities.
7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
8. Support legislation to amend the Public Helath Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Helath Professional Shortage Area.
9. Support the Children's Hospitals Education Equity Act [not yet introduced] which would amend current law to allow participation of children's psychiatric hospitals in the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program (CHEME).
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support funding of $65 billion for discretionary public health programs (Function 550) in the Fiscal Year 2012 budget resolution.
2. Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2012. Support:
* Increased funding for the geriatric health professions education programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act and full funding for new programs authorized by the Patient Protection and Accessibility Care Act;
* Funding to support clinical trials involving older adults;
* A GAO study on spending by NIH on conditions and illnesses related tot he mental health of older individuals;
* $5 million in funding to continue evidence-based geriatric mental health outreach and treatment programs at CMHS;
* $10 million in funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
3. Support continuation of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and urge FY 2012 funding of the NCTSN at the FY 2011 level of $40.8 million.
4. Support increased funding for Lifespan Respite, National Family Caregiver Support, Title II Family Support, and VA Caregivers Support programs in FY 2012.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
1st Quarter, 2011
In Q1, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 12, 2011.
Original Filing: 300362417.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.
2. Support S. 374, the "Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act," to amend Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support S. 525, the "Positive Aging Act of 2011," to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment for older adults.
2. Oppose H. R. 2, legislation to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act the the health reform parts of the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.
3. Support H. R. 751, "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2011," which amends the Public Health Service Act to revise a community children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a public health approach to mental health services, including by: (1) revising eligibility requirements for a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement; and (2) providing for comprehensive school mental h ealth programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and age appropriate.
4. Support the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," which would assist colleges and universities in improving mental and behavioral heatlh services and outreach. Special consideration would be given to programs that: (1) demonstrate the greatest need; (2) propose effective approaches for initiating or expanding campus services; (3) target underserved and at-risk populations; (4) coordinate wiht a community mental health center or other community mental health resouces; (5) identify how the college or university will address psychiatric emergencies; and (6) demonstrate the greatest potential for replication and dissemination.
5. Support S. 481, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders Act," which would amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of hte national Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate eating disorder research.
6. Support S. 539, the "Behavioral Health Information Technology Act of 2011," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the HITECH Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities.
7. Support S. 740, the "Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011," to reauthorize and strengthen youth and college suicide prevention programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Support funding of $65 billion for discretionary public health programs (Function 550) in the Fiscal Year 2012 budget resolution.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
4th Quarter, 2010
In Q4, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 19, 2011.
Original Filing: 300343066.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. Support H.R. 3961, the "Medicare Physcian Payment Reform Act of 2009," to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that calls for annual cuts in Medicarephysician payments and replace it with a new payment system. Support S. 1776, the "Medicare Physician Fairness Act of 2009," to eliminate Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula.
2. H. R. 1415, the "Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Demonstration Project Act," a bill to provide for a demonstration project regarding Medicaid reimbursement for stabilization of emergency medical conditions by non-publicly owned or operated institutions for mental disorders. Support all provisions.
3. S. 647, the "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2009," to increase public transparency of nursing home owners and operators, including nursing home chains, by requiring nursing homes to disclose the corporate entities that own them and the affiliated entities that operate, manage or control them. Support all provisions.
4. Oppose any exclusion of specific medical specialties from primary care bonuses under Medicare.
5. Support bonus payments under Medicare for geriatric specialists.
6. Support extension of 5% increase in Medicare payment for psychotherapy services.
7. Support elimination of the Medicare disabililty waiting period.
8. Support S. 2908, support for family caregivers under Medicare and Medicaid.
9. Support legislative efforts to avert or repeal the elimination of the billing codes for consultation services, as called for in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services final rule on the calendar year 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
(H.R. 3590).
10. S. 3028 and H.R. 6143, to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services under the Medicare program. Support all provisions.
11. Support extension of Medicaid assistance to states that was included as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
12. Support H.R. 3962, the "Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010"; support provision to prevent the 21 percent cut in Medicare payments to physicians through November 30, 2010, and give physicians a 2.2 percent increase in Medicare reimbursement.
13. Support H. R. 5712, to avert for one month a 23 percent cut in Medicare physician reimbursement rates that was scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2010.
14. Support H. R. 4994, to prevent a 25 percent cut in Medicare physician pay rates that was due to take effect on January 1, 2011, and extend current payment rates through December 31, 2011.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. S. 750, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2009," a bill to provide for the establishment of a new geriatric and gerontology loan repayment program. Support all provisions.
2. S. 245/H.R. 468, the "Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging American Act of 2009". This bill addresses the currentand future shortage of health care personnel who are trained to care for older adults. Support all provisions.
3. S. 682, the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral services on college campuses. Support all provisions.
4. S. 697, the "Community Living Assistance Supports and Services Act (CLASS Act)," to amend the Public Health Service Act to help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment. Support all provisions. Support inclusion of provisions of this bill in healht care reform legislation (H.R. 3590).
5. H.R. 1457, the "Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Act of 2009," to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area. Support all provisions.
6. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials.
7. Support comparative effectiveness research focused specifically on treatments for older adults and mental illness.
8. Support programs to reverse the declining numbers of geriatric specialists.
9. Support legislation to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.
10. Support H.R. 1932/S. 999, the "Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act," to address the national shortage of children's mental health professionals, including school-based professionals, by encouraging more individuals to enter these critical fields.
11. S. 678, "Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2009". Support all provisions, but especially those that strengthen protections for those in the criminal and juvenile justices systems with needs related to mental health and substance abuse.
12. Support H.R. 2901, "Healthy Transitions Act," to provide access to knowledge, skills, and supports that are necessary for a successful transition to adulthood for young adults with mental health disorders. The bill would provide technical and monetary assistance to states as they implement plans to develop a coordinated service delivery system in order to maximize continuity of care and access to services. The bill would also establish planning and implementation grants to assist peer support programs and programs promoting independent living, life skills, employment, and education.
13. Support H.R. 1193, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Easting Disorders Act" (H.R. 1193/S. 3260), to create Centers of Excellence dedicated to research collaboration, create a Center of Epidemiology to study the prevalence, economic impact and related morbidity and mortality rates of eating disorders, provide for evidence-based standards of care, establish education and prevention grant programs for training of health professionals and schools at all levels, provide public service announcements, and enhance access to care for those who suffer from eating disorders.
14. Support H.R. 2531, the "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2009," to authorize competitive grants to local school districts to assist them in early mental health interventions and referrals for treatment, to provide supports for students and their families, and to allow for staff training to be culturally and linguistically appropriate.
15. H. R. 3191 and S. 3698, the "Positive Aging Act," to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services. Support all provisions.
16. Support S. 1857 and H. R. 4204, to establish national centers of excellence for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorders.
17. Support S. 2928, to include direct care workers as a priority for the National Health Care Workforce Commission.
18. Support efforts to strengthen existing Title VII geriatric health professions education programs.
19. Support H.R. 5466, the "SAMHSA Modernization Act of 2010," to reauthorize programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Support provisions to improve the accessibility and quality of mental heatlh services for the elderly.
20. Support H.R. 5040, the "Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Sciences Act of 2010," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities, including psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, mental health treatment facilities, clinical psychologists and social workers.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. S. 3686 and draft House bill: Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests include: the need for increased funding for Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of geriatric specialist health care providers; increased funding for aging grants at the National Institute of Mental Health; a GAO study on the spending by 16 institutes at NIH on conditions and illnesses related to the mental health of older adults; increased funding for the Mental Health Outreach and Treatment for the Elderly Program under the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (CMHS/SAMHSA); funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; and funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders; and funding for geriatric healthcare workforce programs. In addition, support full funding for the "Lifespan Respite Care Program" ($94.8 million), the "National Family Caregiver Support Program" ($202 million), and the "Native American Caregiver Support Program" ($8 million).
2. S. 3615 and H.R. 5822: The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Support increased funding for research and services to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans; need for integration of general and mental heatlh care, long-term care, medication and research; need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; need for the VA to ensure that its mental health staff includes adequate numbers of geriatric specialists; and the need to continue and strengthen Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs). Support full funding of $60 million for Title I, Section 101, Assistance and Support Services for Caregivers, of the "Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Care Act".
3. S. 3636 and draft House bill: Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Support continued funding of the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA).
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support S. 1963, the "Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Care Act," to authorize approximately $3 billion for veterans' programs and construction projects for medical facilities and to provide approximately $1.6 billion for programs designed to aid caregivers of veterans. The bill is intended to strengthen the health care support system for veterans and to provide additional aid to female veterans, veterans in rural areas, and veterans with mental health issues.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
3rd Quarter, 2010
In Q3, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 13, 2010.
Original Filing: 300311445.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. Support H.R. 3961, the "Medicare Physcian Payment Reform Act of 2009," to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that calls for annual cuts in Medicarephysician payments and replace it with a new payment system. Support S. 1776, the "Medicare Physician Fairness Act of 2009," to eliminate Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula.
2. H. R. 1415, the "Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Demonstration Project Act," a bill to provide for a demonstration project regarding Medicaid reimbursement for stabilization of emergency medical conditions by non-publicly owned or operated institutions for mental disorders. Support all provisions.
3. S. 647, the "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2009," to increase public transparency of nursing home owners and operators, including nursing home chains, by requiring nursing homes to disclose the corporate entities that own them and the affiliated entities that operate, manage or control them. Support all provisions.
4. Oppose any exclusion of specific medical specialties from primary care bonuses under Medicare.
5. Support bonus payments under Medicare for geriatric specialists.
6. Support extension of 5% increase in Medicare payment for psychotherapy services.
7. Support elimination of the Medicare disabililty waiting period.
8. Support S. 2908, support for family caregivers under Medicare and Medicaid.
9. Support legislative efforts to avert or repeal the elimination of the billing codes for consultation services, as called for in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services final rule on the calendar year 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
(H.R. 3590).
10. S. 3028 and H.R. 6143, to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services under the Medicare program. Support all provisions.
11. Support extension of Medicaid assistance to states that was included as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
12. Support H.R. 3962, the "Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010"; support provision to prevent the 21 percent cut in Medicare payments to physicians through November 30, 2010, and give physicians a 2.2 percent increase in Medicare reimbursement.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. S. 750, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2009," a bill to provide for the establishment of a new geriatric and gerontology loan repayment program. Support all provisions.
2. S. 245/H.R. 468, the "Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging American Act of 2009". This bill addresses the currentand future shortage of health care personnel who are trained to care for older adults. Support all provisions.
3. S. 682, the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral services on college campuses. Support all provisions.
4. S. 697, the "Community Living Assistance Supports and Services Act (CLASS Act)," to amend the Public Health Service Act to help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment. Support all provisions. Support inclusion of provisions of this bill in healht care reform legislation (H.R. 3590).
5. H.R. 1457, the "Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Act of 2009," to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area. Support all provisions.
6. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials.
7. Support comparative effectiveness research focused specifically on treatments for older adults and mental illness.
8. Support programs to reverse the declining numbers of geriatric specialists.
9. Support legislation to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.
10. Support H.R. 1932/S. 999, the "Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act," to address the national shortage of children's mental health professionals, including school-based professionals, by encouraging more individuals to enter these critical fields.
11. S. 678, "Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2009". Support all provisions, but especially those that strengthen protections for those in the criminal and juvenile justices systems with needs related to mental health and substance abuse.
12. Support H.R. 2901, "Healthy Transitions Act," to provide access to knowledge, skills, and supports that are necessary for a successful transition to adulthood for young adults with mental health disorders. The bill would provide technical and monetary assistance to states as they implement plans to develop a coordinated service delivery system in order to maximize continuity of care and access to services. The bill would also establish planning and implementation grants to assist peer support programs and programs promoting independent living, life skills, employment, and education.
13. Support H.R. 1193, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Easting Disorders Act" (H.R. 1193/S. 3260), to create Centers of Excellence dedicated to research collaboration, create a Center of Epidemiology to study the prevalence, economic impact and related morbidity and mortality rates of eating disorders, provide for evidence-based standards of care, establish education and prevention grant programs for training of health professionals and schools at all levels, provide public service announcements, and enhance access to care for those who suffer from eating disorders.
14. Support H.R. 2531, the "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2009," to authorize competitive grants to local school districts to assist them in early mental health interventions and referrals for treatment, to provide supports for students and their families, and to allow for staff training to be culturally and linguistically appropriate.
15. H. R. 3191 and S. 3698, the "Positive Aging Act," to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services. Support all provisions.
16. Support S. 1857 and H. R. 4204, to establish national centers of excellence for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorders.
17. Support S. 2928, to include direct care workers as a priority for the National Health Care Workforce Commission.
18. Support efforts to strengthen existing Title VII geriatric health professions education programs.
19. Support H.R. 5466, the "SAMHSA Modernization Act of 2010," to reauthorize programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Support provisions to improve the accessibility and quality of mental heatlh services for the elderly.
20. Support H.R. 5040, the "Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Sciences Act of 2010," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities, including psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, mental health treatment facilities, clinical psychologists and social workers.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. S. 3686 and draft House bill: Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests include: the need for increased funding for Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of geriatric specialist health care providers; increased funding for aging grants at the National Institute of Mental Health; a GAO study on the spending by 16 institutes at NIH on conditions and illnesses related to the mental health of older adults; increased funding for the Mental Health Outreach and Treatment for the Elderly Program under the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (CMHS/SAMHSA); funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; and funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders; and funding for geriatric healthcare workforce programs. In addition, support full funding for the "Lifespan Respite Care Program" ($94.8 million), the "National Family Caregiver Support Program" ($202 million), and the "Native American Caregiver Support Program" ($8 million).
2. S. 3615 and H.R. 5822: The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Support increased funding for research and services to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans; need for integration of general and mental heatlh care, long-term care, medication and research; need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; need for the VA to ensure that its mental health staff includes adequate numbers of geriatric specialists; and the need to continue and strengthen Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs). Support full funding of $60 million for Title I, Section 101, Assistance and Support Services for Caregivers, of the "Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Care Act".
3. S. 3636 and draft House bill: Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Support continued funding of the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA).
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support S. 1963, the "Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Care Act," to authorize approximately $3 billion for veterans' programs and construction projects for medical facilities and to provide approximately $1.6 billion for programs designed to aid caregivers of veterans. The bill is intended to strengthen the health care support system for veterans and to provide additional aid to female veterans, veterans in rural areas, and veterans with mental health issues.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
2nd Quarter, 2010
In Q2, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 19, 2010.
Original Filing: 300292264.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. Support H.R. 3961, the "Medicare Physcian Payment Reform Act of 2009," to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that calls for annual cuts in Medicarephysician payments and replace it with a new payment system. Support S. 1776, the "Medicare Physician Fairness Act of 2009," to eliminate Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula.
2. H. R. 1415, the "Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Demonstration Project Act," a bill to provide for a demonstration project regarding Medicaid reimbursement for stabilization of emergency medical conditions by non-publicly owned or operated institutions for mental disorders. Support all provisions.
3. S. 647, the "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2009," to increase public transparency of nursing home owners and operators, including nursing home chains, by requiring nursing homes to disclose the corporate entities that own them and the affiliated entities that operate, manage or control them. Support all provisions.
4. Oppose any exclusion of specific medical specialties from primary care bonuses under Medicare.
5. Support bonus payments under Medicare for geriatric specialists.
6. Support extension of 5% increase in Medicare payment for psychotherapy services.
7. Support elimination of the Medicare disabililty waiting period.
8. Support addition of screening for depression to the list of Medicare covered preventative services in health care reform legislation (H.R. 3590).
9. Support behavioral health providers in the list of employees at community based medical homes in health care reform legislation. (H.R. 3590)
10. Support S. 2908, support for family caregivers under Medicare and Medicaid.
11. Support legislative efforts to avert or repeal the elimination of the billing codes for consultation services, as called for in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services final rule on the calendar year 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
(H.R. 3590).
12. S. 3028, to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services under the Medicare program. Support all provisions.
13. Support extension of Medicaid assistance to states that was included as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
14. Support H.R. 3962, the "Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010"; support provision to prevent the 21 percent cut in Medicare payments to physicians through November 30, 2010, and give physicians a 2.2 percent increase in Medicare reimbursement.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. S. 750, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2009," a bill to provide for the establishment of a new geriatric and gerontology loan repayment program. Support all provisions.
2. S. 245/H.R. 468, the "Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging American Act of 2009". This bill addresses the currentand future shortage of health care personnel who are trained to care for older adults. Support all provisions.
3. S. 682, the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral services on college campuses. Support all provisions.
4. S. 697, the "Community Living Assistance Supports and Services Act (CLASS Act)," to amend the Public Health Service Act to help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment. Support all provisions. Support inclusion of provisions of this bill in healht care reform legislation (H.R. 3590).
5. H.R. 1457, the "Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Act of 2009," to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area. Support all provisions.
6. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials.
7. Support comparative effectiveness research focused specifically on treatments for older adults and mental illness.
8. Support programs to reverse the declining numbers of geriatric specialists.
9. Support legislation to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.
10. Support H.R. 1932/S. 999, the "Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act," to address the national shortage of children's mental health professionals, including school-based professionals, by encouraging more individuals to enter these critical fields.
11. S. 678, "Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2009". Support all provisions, but especially those that strengthen protections for those in the criminal and juvenile justices systems with needs related to mental health and substance abuse.
12. Support H.R. 2901, "Healthy Transitions Act," to provide access to knowledge, skills, and supports that are necessary for a successful transition to adulthood for young adults with mental health disorders. The bill would provide technical and monetary assistance to states as they implement plans to develop a coordinated service delivery system in order to maximize continuity of care and access to services. The bill would also establish planning and implementation grants to assist peer support programs and programs promoting independent living, life skills, employment, and education.
13. Support H.R. 1193, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Easting Disorders Act" (H.R. 1193/S. 3260), to create Centers of Excellence dedicated to research collaboration, create a Center of Epidemiology to study the prevalence, economic impact and related morbidity and mortality rates of eating disorders, provide for evidence-based standards of care, establish education and prevention grant programs for training of health professionals and schools at all levels, provide public service announcements, and enhance access to care for those who suffer from eating disorders.
14. Support H.R. 2531, the "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2009," to authorize competitive grants to local school districts to assist them in early mental health interventions and referrals for treatment, to provide supports for students and their families, and to allow for staff training to be culturally and linguistically appropriate.
15. H. R. 3191, the "Positive Aging Act," to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services. Support all provisions.
16. Support S. 1857 and H. R. 4204, to establish national centers of excellence for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorders.
17. Support S. 2928, to include direct care workers as a priority for the National Health Care Workforce Commission.
18. Support efforts to strengthen existing Title VII geriatric health professions education programs.
19. Support H.R. 5466, the "SAMHSA Modernization Act of 2010," to reauthorize programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Support provisions to improve the accessibility and quality of mental heatlh services for the elderly.
20. Support H.R. 5040, the "Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Sciences Act of 2010," to extend the meaningful use incentives established through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to mental health and substance abuse providers and facilities, including psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, mental health treatment facilities, clinical psychologists and social workers.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests include: the need for increased funding for Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of geriatric specialist health care providers; increased funding for aging grants at the National Institute of Mental Health; a GAO study on the spending by 16 institutes at NIH on conditions and illnesses related to the mental health of older adults; increased funding for the Mental Health Outreach and Treatment for the Elderly Program under the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (CMHS/SAMHSA); funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; and funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders; and funding for geriatric healthcare workforce programs. In addition, support full funding for the "Lifespan Respite Care Program" ($94.8 million), the "National Family Caregiver Support Program" ($202 million), and the "Native American Caregiver Support Program" ($8 million).
2. The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Support increased funding for research and services to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans; need for integration of general and mental heatlh care, long-term care, medication and research; need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; need for the VA to ensure that its mental health staff includes adequate numbers of geriatric specialists; and the need to continue and strengthen Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs). Support full funding of $60 million for Title I, Section 101, Assistance and Support Services for Caregivers, of the "Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Care Act".
3. Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Support continued funding of the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA).
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
2. Support S. 1963, the "Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Care Act," to authorize approximately $3 billion for veterans' programs and construction projects for medical facilities and to provide approximately $1.6 billion for programs designed to aid caregivers of veterans. The bill is intended to strengthen the health care support system for veterans and to provide additional aid to female veterans, veterans in rural areas, and veterans with mental health issues.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
1st Quarter, 2010
In Q1, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 16, 2010.
Original Filing: 300260152.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. Support H.R. 3961, the "Medicare Physcian Payment Reform Act of 2009," to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that calls for annual cuts in Medicarephysician payments and replace it with a new payment system. Support S. 1776, the "Medicare Physician Fairness Act of 2009," to eliminate Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula.
2. H. R. 1415, the "Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Demonstration Project Act," a bill to provide for a demonstration project regarding Medicaid reimbursement for stabilization of emergency medical conditions by non-publicly owned or operated institutions for mental disorders. Support all provisions.
3. S. 647, the "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2009," to increase public transparency of nursing home owners and operators, including nursing home chains, by requiring nursing homes to disclose the corporate entities that own them and the affiliated entities that operate, manage or control them. Support all provisions.
4. Opposed any exclusion of specific medical specialties from primary care bonuses under Medicare.
5. Support bonus payments under Medicare for geriatric specialists.
6. Support extension of 5% increase in Medicare payment for psychotherapy services.
7. Support elimination of the Medicare disabililty waiting period.
8. Support addition of screening for depression to the list of Medicare covered preventative services in health care reform legislation (H.R. 3590).
9. Support behavioral health providers in the list of employees at community based medical homes in health care reform legislation. (H.R. 3590)
10. Support S. 2908, support for family caregivers under Medicare and Medicaid. Support inclusion of that language in the Senate's health care reform bill (H.R. 3590).
11. Support legislative efforts to avert or repeal the elimination of the billing codes for consultation services, as called for in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services final rule on the calendar year 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
12. Support eligibility for Medicaid at 150 percent of the federal poverty level in health care reform legislation (H.R. 3590).
13. S. 3028, to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services under the Medicare program. Support all provisions.
14. H.R. 4691: Support the language providing for a one-month extension (through March 31, 2010) of the current Medicare physician fee schedule, averting a reimbursement reduction.
15. H. R. 4851, the "Continuing Extension Act of 2010": Support the language providing for a one-month delay (Until May 1, 2010) of the 21 percent cut in Medicare physician reimbursement.
16. H.R. 4213, the "American Workers, State and Business Relief Act of 2010": Support Senate amendment to delay cut in Medicare physician reimbursement until October 1, 2010.
17. Support extension of Medicaid assistance to states that was included as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. S. 750, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2009," a bill to provide for the establishment of a new geriatric and gerontology loan repayment program. Support all provisions.
2. S. 245/H.R. 468, the "Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging American Act of 2009". This bill addresses the currentand future shortage of health care personnel who are trained to care for older adults. Support all provisions.
3. S. 682, the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral services on college campuses. Support all provisions.
4. S. 697, the "Community Living Assistance Supports and Services Act (CLASS Act)," to amend the Public Health Service Act to help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment. Support all provisions. Support inclusion of provisions of this bill in healht care reform legislation (H.R. 3590).
5. H.R. 1457, the "Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Act of 2009," to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area. Support all provisions.
6 Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials.
7. Support comparative effectiveness research focused specifically on treatments for older adults and mental illness.
8 Support programs to reverse the declining numbers of geriatric specialists.
9. Support adoption of a 2:1 cap on age rating in health insurance systems in health care reform legislation (H.R. 3590).
10. Support legislation to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.
11. H.R. 1932/S. 999, the "Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act," to address the national shortage of children's mental health professionals, including school-based professionals, by encouraging more individuals to enter these critical fields.
12. S. 678, "Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2009". Support all provisions, but especially those that strengthen protections for those in the criminal and juvenile justices systems with needs related to mental health and substance abuse.
13. H.R. 2901, "Healthy Transitions Act," to provide access to knowledge, skills, and supports that are necessary for a successful transition to adulthood for young adults with mental health disorders. The bill would provide technical and monetary assistance to states as they implement plans to develop a coordinated service delivery system in order to maximize continuity of care and access to services. The bill would also establish planning and implementation grants to assist peer support programs and programs promoting independent living, life skills, employment, and education.
14. H.R. 1193, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Easting Disorders Act," to create Centers of Excellence dedicated to research collaboration, create a Center of Epidemiology to study the prevalence, economic impact and related morbidity and mortality rates of eating disorders, provide for evidence-based standards of care, establish education and prevention grant programs for training of health professionals and schools at all levels, provide public service announcements, and enhance access to care for those who suffer from eating disorders.
15. H.R. 2531, the "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2009," to authorize competitive grants to local school districts to assist them in early mental health interventions and referrals for treatment, to provide supports for students and their families, and to allow for staff training to be culturally and linguistically appropriate.
16. H. R. 3191, the "Positive Aging Act," to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services. Support all provisions.
17. Support language in the health care reform bills (H.R. 3590) to ensure coverage of critical services and supplies in a federal benefit standard and to require a fully open, transparent, and inclusive process for development of the standard that ensures full engagement of consumers, patients, workers and providers.
18. Support S. 1857 and H. R. 4204, to establish national centers of excellence for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorders. Support inclusion of that language in the health care reform bill (H.R. 3590).
19. Support H. R. 3590, the health care overhaul bill (the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act") and H. R. 4872, the reconciliation bill (the "Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010") to modify the healht care overhaul bill.
20. Support S. 2928, to include direct care workers as a priority for the National Health Care Workforce Commission and support inclusion of that language in the health care reform bill (H. R. 3590).
25. Support provisions in H.R. 3590, the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," to strengthen existing Title VII geriatric health professions education programs.
26. Support reauthorization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests include: the need for increased funding for Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of geriatric specialist health care providers; increased funding for aging grants at the National Institute of Mental Health; a GAO study on the spending by 16 institutes at NIH on conditions and illnesses related to the mental health of older adults; increased funding for the Mental Health Outreach and Treatment for the Elderly Program under the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (CMHS/SAMHSA); funding to support clinical trials involving older adults; and funding for Centers of Excellence for Depressive and Bipolar Disorders.
2. The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Support increased funding for research and services to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans; need for integration of general and mental heatlh care, long-term care, medication and research; need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; need for the VA to ensure that its mental health staff includes adequate numbers of geriatric specialists; and the need to continue and strengthen Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs).
3. Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011. Support continued funding of the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA).
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health research and services for older veterans.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
4th Quarter, 2009
In Q4, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 15, 2010.
Original Filing: 300232412.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers. Support H.R. 3961, the "Medicare Physcian Payment Reform Act of 2009," to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that calls for annual cuts in Medicarephysician payments and replace it with a new payment system. Support S. 1776, the "Medicare Physician Fairness Act of 2009," to eliminate Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula.
2. H. R. 1415, the "Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Demonstration Project Act," a bill to provide for a demonstration project regarding Medicaid reimbursement for stabilization of emergency medical conditions by non-publicly owned or operated institutions for mental disorders. Support all provisions.
3. S. 647, the "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2009," to increase public transparency of nursing home owners and operators, including nursing home chains, by requiring nursing homes to disclose the corporate entities that own them and the affiliated entities that operate, manage or control them. Support all provisions.
4. Opposed any exclusion of specific medical specialties from primary care bonuses under Medicare.
5. Support bonus payments under Medicare for geriatric specialists.
6. Support extension of 5% increase in Medicare payment for psychotherapy services.
7. Support elimination of the Medicare disabililty waiting period.
8. Support addition of screening for depression to the list of Medicare covered preventative services in health care reform legislation (H.R. 3200/S.1679/draft Senate bill)
9. Support behavioral health providers in the list of employees at community based medical homes in health care reform legislation. (H.R. 3200/S. 1679/draft Senate bill)
10. Support S. 2908, support for family caregivers under Medicare and Medicaid. Support inclusion of that language in the Senate's health care reform bill (H.R. 3590).
11. Support legislative efforts to avert or repeal the elimination of the billing codes for consultation services, as called for in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services final rule on the calendar year 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Discussed with House staff the need for additonal health care professionals trained in geriatrics and the need for a study on the mental health care workforce that will be needed to treat older adults with mental disorders over the next three decades.
S. S. 750, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2009," a bill to provide for the establishment of a newgeriatric and gerontology loan repayment program. Support all provisions.
3. S. 245/H.R. 468, the "Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act of 2009". This bill addresses the current and future shortage of health care personnel who are trained to care for older adults. Support all provisions.
4. S. 682, the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral services on college campuses. Support all provisions.
5. S. 697, the "Community Living Assistance Supports and Services Act (CLASS Act)," to amend the Public Health Service Act to help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment. Support all provisions. Support inclusion of provisions of this bill in healht care reform legislation (H.R. 3590).
6. H.R. 1457, the "Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Act of 2009," to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area. Support all provisions.
7. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials.
8. Support involvement of geriatric specialists in development of medical homes.
9. Support patient privacy protections for health information systems.
10. Support comparative effectiveness research focused specifically on treatments for older adults and mental illness.
11. Support programs to reverse the declining numbers of geriatric specialists.
12. Oppose permitting age discrimination in insurance ratings in private or public health insurance systems.
13. Support legislation to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.
14. Request Senate hearing to discuss opportunities within health reform to ameliorate and eliminate disparities in health status and health services.
15. H.R. 1932/S. 999, the "Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act," to address the national shortage of children's mental health professionals, including school-based professionals, by encouraging more individuals to enter these critical fields.
16. S. 678, "Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2009". Support all provisions, but especially those that strengthen protections for those in the criminal and juvenile justices systems with needs related to mental health and substance abuse.
17. H.R. 2901, "Health Transitions Act," to provide access to knowledge, skills, and supports that are necessary for a successful transition to adulthood for young adults with mental health disorders. The bill would provide technical and monetary assistance to states as they implement plans to develop a coordinated service delivery system in order to maximize continuity of care and access to services. The bill would also establish planning and implementation grants to assist peer support programs and programs promoting independent living, life skills, employment, and education.
18. H.R. 1193, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Easting Disorders Act," to create Centers of Excellence dedicated to research collaboration, create a Center of Epidemiology to study the prevalence, economic impact and related morbidity and mortality rates of eating disorders, provide for evidence-based standards of care, establish education and prevention grant programs for training of health professionals and schools at all levels, provide public service announcements, and enhanceaccess to care for those who suffer from easting disorders.
19. H.R. 2531, the "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2009," to authorize competitive grants to local school districts to assist them in early mental health interventions and referrals for treatment, to provide supports for students and their families, and to allow for staff training to be culturally and linguistically appropriate.
20. H.R. 3191, the "Positive Aging Act", to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services. Support all provisions.
21. Support language in House and Senate health care reform bills (H.R. 3962/H.R. 3590) to ensure coverage of critical services and supplies in a federal benefit standard and to require a fully open, transparent, and inclusive process for development of the standard that ensures full engagement of consumers, patients, workers and providers.
22. Support S. 1857 and H. R. 4204, to establish national centers of excellence for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorders. Support inclusion of that language in Senate health care reform bill (H.R. 3590).
23. Support H. R. 3962, the "Affordable Health Care for American Act," health care reform bill approved by the House of Representatives.
24. Support S. 2928, to include direct care workers as a priority for the National health Care Workforce Commission and support inclusion of that language in the Senate health care reform bill (h.R. 3590).
25. Support provisions in H.R. 3590, the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," to strengthen existing Title VII geriatric health professions education programs.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 3293, the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests include: an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study to examine the access and workforce barriers unique to geriatric mental health care services; the need for increased funding for Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of geriatric specialist health care providers; increased funding for aging grants at the National Institute of Mental Health; a GAO study on the spending by 16 institutes at NIH on conditions and illnesses related to the mental health of older adults; and increased funding for the Mental Health Outreach and Treatment for the Elderly Program under the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (CMHS/SAMHSA). Requested full funding ($71.1 million) for "Lifespan Respite Care Act" programs (Public Law 109-442).
2. H. R.3082/S.1407, the Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010. Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans; need for integration of general and mental heatlh care, long-term care, medication and research; need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; need for the VA to ensure that its mental health staff includes adequate numbers of geriatric specialists; and the need to continue and strengthen Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs).
3. H.R. 3288 (Fiscal Year 2010 Omnibus Appropriations): Support funding for an Institute of Medicine study on the current and future mental health workforce needs of aging and ethnic populations; support funding for the CMHS/SAMHSA evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment program for the elderly; and support funding for the geriatrics training programs under Title VII and Title VIII of the Public Health Services Act.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health services for older veterans.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
3rd Quarter, 2009
In Q3, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 16, 2009.
Original Filing: 300207955.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.2. H. R. 1415, the "Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Demonstration Project Act," a bill to provide for a demonstration project regarding Medicaid reimbursement for stabilization of emergency medical conditions by non-publicly owned or operated institutions for mental disorders. Support all provisions.
3. S. 647, the "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2009," to increase public transparency of nursing home owners and operators, including nursing home chains, by requiring nursing homes to disclose the corporate entities that own them and the affiliated entities that operate, manage or control them. Support all provisions.
4. Opposed any exclusion of specific medical specialties from primary care bonuses under Medicare.
5. Support bonus payments under Medicare for geriatric specialists.
6. Support extension of 5% increase in Medicare payment for psychotherapy services.
7. Support elimination of the Medicare disabililty waiting period.
8. Support addition of screening for depression to the list of Medicare covered preventative services in health care reform legislation (H.R. 3200/S.1679/draft Senate bill)
9. Support behavioral health providers in the list of employees at community based medical homes in health care reform legislation. (H.R. 3200/S. 1679/draft Senate bill)
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Discussed with House staff the need for additonal health care professionals trained in geriatrics and the need for a study on the mental health care workforce that will be needed to treat older adults with mental disorders over the next three decades.
S. S. 750, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2009," a bill to provide for the establishment of a newgeriatric and gerontology loan repayment program. Support all provisions.
3. S. 245/H.R. 468, the "Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act of 2009". This bill addresses the current and future shortage of health care personnel who are trained to care for older adults. Support all provisions.
4. S. 682, the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral services on college campuses. Support all provisions.
5. S. 697, the "Community Living Assistance Supports and Services Act (CLASS Act)," to amend the Public Health Service Act to help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment. Support all provisions.
6. H.R. 1457, the "Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Act of 2009," to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area. Support all provisions.
7. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials.
8. Support involvement of geriatric specialists in development of medical homes.
9. Support patient privacy protections for health information systems.
10. Support comparative effectiveness research focused specifically on treatments for older adults and mental illness.
11. Support programs to reverse the declining numbers of geriatric specialists.
12. Oppose permitting age discrimination in insurance ratings in private or public health insurance systems.
13. Support legislation to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.
14. Request Senate hearing to discuss opportunities within health reform to ameliorate and eliminate disparities in health status and health services.
15. H.R. 1932/S. 999, the "Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act," to address the national shortage of children's mental health professionals, including school-based professionals, by encouraging more individuals to enter these critical fields.
16. S. 678, "Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2009". Support all provisions, but especially those that strengthen protections for those in the criminal and juvenile justices systems with needs related to mental health and substance abuse.
17. H.R. 2901, "Health Transitions Act," to provide access to knowledge, skills, and supports that are necessary for a successful transition to adulthood for young adults with mental health disorders. The bill would provide technical and monetary assistance to states as they implement plans to develop a coordinated service delivery system in order to maximize continuity of care and access to services. The bill would also establish planning and implementation grants to assist peer support programs and programs promoting independent living, life skills, employment, and education.
18. H.R. 1193, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Easting Disorders Act," to create Centers of Excellence dedicated to research collaboration, create a Center of Epidemiology to study the prevalence, economic impact and related morbidity and mortality rates of eating disorders, provide for evidence-based standards of care, establish education and prevention grant programs for training of health professionals and schools at all levels, provide public service announcements, and enhanceaccess to care for those who suffer from easting disorders.
19. H.R. 2531, the "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2009," to authorize competitive grants to local school districts to assist them in early mental health interventions and referrals for treatment, to provide supports for students and their families, and to allow for staff training to be culturally and linguistically appropriate.
20. H.R. 3191, the "Positive Aging Act", to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services. Support all provisions.
21. Support language in House and Senate health care reform bills (H.R. 3200/S. 1679/draft Senate bill) to ensure coverage of critical services and supplies in a federal benefit standard and to require a fully open, transparent, and inclusive process for development of the standard that ensures full engagement of consumers, patients, workers and providers.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 3293, the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests include: an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study to examine the access and workforce barriers unique to geriatric mental health care services; the need for increased funding for Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of geriatric specialist health care providers; increased funding for aging grants at the National Institute of Mental Health; a GAO study on the spending by 16 institutes at NIH on conditions and illnesses related to the mental health of older adults; and increased funding for the Mental Health Outreach and Treatment for the Elderly Program under the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Requested full funding ($71.1 million) for "Lifespan Respite Care Act" programs (Public Law 109-442).
2. H. R.3082/S.1407, the Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010. Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans; need for integration of general and mental heatlh care, long-term care, medication and research; need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; need for the VA to ensure that its mental health staff includes adequate numbers of geriatric specialists; and the need to continue and strengthen Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs).
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health services for older veterans.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
2nd Quarter, 2009
In Q2, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2009.
Original Filing: 300188356.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.2. H. R. 1415, the "Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Demonstration Project Act," a bill to provide for a demonstration project regarding Medicaid reimbursement for stabilization of emergency medical conditions by non-publicly owned or operated institutions for mental disorders. Support all provisions.
3. S. 647, the "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2009," to increase public transparency of nursing home owners and operators, including nursing home chains, by requiring nursing homes to disclose the corporate entities that own them and the affiliated entities that operate, manage or control them. Support all provisions.
4. Opposed any exclusion of specific medical specialties from primary care bonuses under Medicare.
5. Support bonus payments under Medicare for geriatric specialists.
6. Support extension of 5% increase in Medicare payment for psychotherapy services.
7. Support elimination of the Medicare disabililty waiting period.
8. Support addition of screening for depression to the list of Medicare covered preventative services in health care reform legislation.
9. Support behavioral health providers in the list of employees at community based medical homes in draft health care reform legislation.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Discussed with House staff the need for additonal health care professionals trained in geriatrics and the need for a study on the mental health care workforce that will be needed to treat older adults with mental disorders over the next three decades.
S. S. 750, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2009," a bill to provide for the establishment of a newgeriatric and gerontology loan repayment program. Support all provisions.
3. S. 245/H.R. 468, the "Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act of 2009". This bill addresses the current and future shortage of health care personnel who are trained to care for older adults. Support all provisions.
4. S. 682, the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral services on college campuses. Support all provisions.
5. S. 697, the "Community Living Assistance Supports and Services Act (CLASS Act)," to amend the Public Health Service Act to help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment. Support all provisions.
6. H.R. 1457, the "Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Act of 2009," to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligated service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area. Support all provisions.
7. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials.
8. Support involvement of geriatric specialists in development of medical homes.
9. Support patient privacy protections for health information systems.
10. Support comparative effectiveness research focused specifically on treatments for older adults and mental illness.
11. Support programs to reverse the declining numbers of geriatric specialists.
12. Oppose permitting age discrimination in insurance ratings in private or public health insurance systems.
13. Support legislation to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.
14. Request Senate hearing to discuss opportunities within health reform to ameliorate and eliminate disparities in health status and health services.
15. H.R. 1932/S. 999, the "Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act," to address the national shortage of children's mental health professionals, including school-based professionals, by encouraging more individuals to enter these critical fields.
16. S. 678, "Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2009". Support all provisions, but especially those that strengthen protections for those in the criminal and juvenile justices systems with needs related to mental health and substance abuse.
17. H.R. 2901, "Health Transitions Act," to provide access to knowledge, skills, and supports that are necessary for a successful transition to adulthood for young adults with mental health disorders. The bill would provide technical and monetary assistance to states as they implement plans to develop a coordinated service delivery system in order to maximize continuity of care and access to services. The bill would also establish planning and implementation grants to assist peer support programs and programs promoting independent living, life skills, employment, and education.
18. H.R. 1193, the "Federal Response to Eliminate Easting Disorders Act," to create Centers of Excellence dedicated to research collaboration, create a Center of Epidemiology to study the prevalence, economic impact and related morbidity and mortality rates of eating disorders, provide for evidence-based standards of care, establish education and prevention grant programs for training of health professionals and schools at all levels, provide public service announcements, and enhanceaccess to care for those who suffer from easting disorders.
19. H.R. 2531, the "Mental Health in Schools Act of 2009," to authorize competitive grants to local school districts to assist them in early mental health interventions and referrals for treatment, to provide supports for students and their families, and to allow for staff training to be culturally and linguistically appropriate.
20. Support provisions in House and Senate draft health care reform bills to ensure coverage of critical services and supplies in a federal benefit standard and to require a fully open, transparent, and inclusive process for development of the standard that ensures full engagement of consumers, patients, workers and providers.
21. Support legislation to make mental health services for older adults an integral part of primary care services in community settings and to extend them to other settings where older adults reside and receive services.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests include: an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study to examine the access and workforce barriers unique to geriatric mental health care services; the need for increased funding for Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of geriatric specialist health care providers; increased funding for aging grants at the National Institute of Mental Health; a GAO study on the spending by 16 institutes at NIH on conditions and illnesses related to the mental health of older adults; and increased funding for the Mental Health Outreach and Treatment for the Elderly Program under the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Requested full funding ($71.1 million) for "Lifespan Respite Care Act" programs (Public Law 109-442).
2. Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 (H.R. 3082/S. 1407). Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans; need for integration of general and mental heatlh care, long-term care, medication and research; need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; need for the VA to ensure that its mental health staff includes adequate numbers of geriatric specialists; and the need to continue and strengthen Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs).
3. H.Con.Res.85/S.Con.Res. 13, the Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010. Support prioritizing funding for public health, including research, disease prevention and health promotion, access to safety net health care services, health professions education, mental health and substance abuse, health services research, health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives, and food and drug safety.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health services for older veterans.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
1st Quarter, 2009
In Q1, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 16, 2009.
Original Filing: 300150798.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.2. H. R. 1415, the "Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care Demonstration Project Act," a bill to provide for a demonstration project regarding Medicaid reimbursement for stabilization of emergency medical conditions by non-publicly owned or operated institutions for mental disorders. Support all provisions.
3. H.R. 1, "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" - support inclusion of provisions to increase Federal funding for state Medicaid programs and for the establishment of pilot programs to provide Medicaid patients equal access to all comunity inpatient psychiatric services.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Discussed with House staff the need for additonal health care professionals trained in geriatrics and the need for a study on the mental health care workforce that will be needed to treat older adults with mental disorders over the next three decades.
S. S. 750, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2009," a bill to provide for the establishment of a newgeriatric and gerontology loan repayment program. Support all provisions.
3. S. 245/H.R. 468, the "Retooling the Health care workforce for an Aging America Act of 2009". This bill addresses the current and future shortage of health care personnel who are trained to care for older adults. Support all provisions.
4. S. 682, the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act," to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental and behavioral services on college campuses. Support all provisions.
5. S. 697, the "Community Living Assistance Supports and Services Act (CLASS Act)," to amend the Public Health Service Act to help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment. Support all provisions.
6. H.R. 1457, the "Geriatrics Loan Forgiveness Act of 2009," to amend the Public Health Service Act to deem certain geriatric health training to be obligaged service for purposes of the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, which provides up to $50,000 to repay student loans in exchange for working for two years in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area. Support all provisions.
7. H.R. 1, the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009". Support inclusion of language to: expand Titles VII and VIII of the Public Health Service Act pertaining to geriatric health professions education programs; provide loan forgiveness programs for geriatric health professions training; provide funding for young scientists to pursue careers in late life mental health research and for geriatric mental health research at NIH and at AHRQ; request an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on the mental health workforce needed to meet the needs of an aging population; and request a GAO study to examine NIH spending on conditions and illnesses that disproportionately impact the health of older adults.
8. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests include: an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study to examine the access and workforce barriers unique to geriatric mental health care services; the need for increased funding for Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act to increase the number of geriatric specialist health care providers; increased funding for aging grants at the National Institute of Mental Health; a GAO study on the spending by 16 institutes at NIH on conditions and illnesses related to the mental health of older adults; and incrased funding for the Mental Health Outreach and Treatment for the Elderly Program under the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
2. Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010. Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans; need for integration of general and mental heatlh care, long-term care, medication and research; need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; need for the VA to ensure that its mental health staff includes adequate numbers of geriatric specialists; and the need to continue and strengthen Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Centers (GRECCs).
3. H.Con.Res.85/S.Con.Res. 13, the Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010. Support prioritizing funding for public health, including research, disease prevention and health promotion, access to safety net health care services, health professions education, mental health and substance abuse, health services research, health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives, and food and drug safety.
4. H.R. 1105, Omnibus Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009. Support for funding levels for health agencies and programs that reflect the highest levels provide in appropriations approved at the committee leve.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health services for older veterans.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
4th Quarter, 2008
In Q4, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 15, 2009.
Original Filing: 300120768.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries and to take action to avert future cuts in Medicare payments to physicians and other health care providers.
2. S. 2578/H.R. 5173 - Support provisions to impose a moratorium on newly imposed target case management Medicaid regulations, which would unduly restrict the ability of Medicaid beneficiaries to access needed care, including community-based mental health services.
3. S. 2819, "Economic Recovery in Health Care Act" - Support all provisions. The bill would delay Medicaid regulations on targeted case management and other Medicaid rules.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration wiht other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act" - Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases.
3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry.
4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits.
5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials, following the 2007 release of a GAO report on this issue.
6. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions.
7. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpaitent mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
8. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
9. S. 2708 and H.R. 6337, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008. Support all provisions. The bill would provide for the establishment of a new geriatric and gerontology loan repayment program.
10. Reauthorization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - discuss inclusion of provisions from S. 982 (the "Positive Aging Act of 2007") and S. 1854 (the "Stop Senior Suicide Act") with Senate staff.
11. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need for additonal health care professionals trained in geriatrics and the need for a study on the mental health care workforce that will be needed to treat older adults with mental disorders over the next three decades.
12. Support S. 2641, the "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2008". Support all provisions. The bill would increase public transparency and accountability of nursing home owners and operators, including nursing home chains, by requiring them to disclose the corporate entities that own nursing homes and their affiliated entities.
13. Support H.R. 6375, "Healthy Transitions Act". Support all provisions. The bill would establish planning and implementation grants to states to assist in the development of a coordinated service delivery system to maximize continuity of care and access to services for young adults who are transitioning to the adult mental health system.
14. Support H.R. 1424, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008". Support provision to provide mental health parity to require group health plans that offer mental health and substance abuse benefits to do so on the same terms as medical and surgical benefits.
15. S. 3335, the "Jobs, Eneergy, Families and Disaster Relief Act of 2008". Support mental health parity provision.
16. S. 3155, a bill to reauthorize the "Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974". Urge that the bill include provisions to address the plight to young people with mental disorders intersecting with the juvenile justice system.17. S. 3730, the "Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act of 2008". Support all provisions. This bill addresses the current and future shortage of health care personnel who are trained to care for older adults.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. S. 3230 and House draft: Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests included monies for an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act; and full funding for the "Lifespan Respect Care Act".
2. H.R. 6599; S. 3301; H.R. 2638: Military Construciton and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 - Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, medication and research. Need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; and the need for the VA to ensure that its increase of mental health staff includes geriatric specialists.
3. H.R. 2638, "Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009". Support for the House Subcommittee-approved level of $30.380 billion for the National Institutes of Health; and support for the inclusion of $500 million in additional funding for NIH.
4. H.R. 2638, "Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009". Support for funding levels for health agencies and programs that reflect the highest levels provided in appropriations approved at the committee level.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health services for older veterans.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
3rd Quarter, 2008
In Q3, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2008.
Original Filing: 300102572.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2008. AAGP also urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.
2. H.R. 1663, "Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007" - Support: Title 1: Parity of mental health services underMedicare - repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mentalhealth services, repealing the 190-day income cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse centers.
3. S. 1715 "Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007" - Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period.
4. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007" - Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 20 percent copayment requirement by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period.
5. S. 2578/H.R. 5173 - Support provisions to impose a moratorium on newly imposed target case management Medicaid regulations, which would unduly restrict the ability of Medicaid beneficiaries to access needed care, including community-based mental health services.
6. H.R. 6331, "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008" - Support provisions to rescind a scheduled 10.6 percent cut in payments to physicians treating Medicare patients; and to phase down 50 percent copayment rates for Medicare mental health outpatient services from 50 percent to 20 percent by 2014.
7. S. 3101, "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008" - Support provisions to rescind a scheduled 10.6 percent cut in payments to physicians treating Medicare patients; and to phase down 50 percent copayment rates for Medicare mental health outpatient services from 50 percent to 20 percent by 2014.
8. S. 2819, "Economic Recovery in Health Care Act" - Support all provisions. The bill would delay Medicaid regulations on targeted case management and other Medicaid rules.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration wiht other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act" - Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases.
3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry.
4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits.
5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials, following the 2007 release of a GAO report on this issue.
6. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions.
7. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpaitent mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
8. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
9. S. 2708 and H.R. 6337, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008. Support all provisions. The bill would provide for the establishment of a new geriatric and gerontology loan repayment program.
10. Reauthorization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - discuss inclusion of provisions from S. 982 (the "Positive Aging Act of 2007") and S. 1854 (the "Stop Senior Suicide Act") with Senate staff.
11. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need for additonal health care professionals trained in geriatrics and the need for a study on the mental health care workforce that will be needed to treat older adults with mental disorders over the next three decades.
12. Support S. 2641, the "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2008". Support all provisions. The bill would increase public transparency and accountability of nursing home owners and operators, including nursing home chains, by requiring them to disclose the corporate entities that own nursing homes and their affiliated entities.
13. Support H.R. 6375, "Healthy Transitions Act". Support all provisions. The bill would establish planning and implementation grants to states to assist in the development of a coordinated service delivery system to maximize continuity of care and access to services for young adults who are transitioning to the adult mental health system.
14. Support H.R. 1424, Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008". Support provision to provide mental health parity to require group health plans that offer mental health and substance abuse benefits to do so on the same terms as medical and surgical benefits.
15. S. 3335, the "Jobs, Eneergy, Families and Disaster Relief Act of 2008". Support mental health parity provision.
16. S. 3155, a bill to reauthorize the "Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974". Urge that the bill include provisions to address the plight to young people with mental disorders intersecting with the juvenile justice system.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. S. 3230 and House draft: Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests included monies for an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act; and full funding for the "Lifespan Respect Care Act".
2. H.R. 6599; S. 3301; H.R. 2638: Military Construciton and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 - Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, medication and research. Need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; and the need for the VA to ensure that its increase of mental health staff includes geriatric specialists.
3. H.R. 2638, "Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009". Support for the House Subcommittee-approved level of $30.380 billion for the National Institutes of Health; and support for the inclusion of $500 million in additional funding for NIH.
4. H.R. 2638, "Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009". Support for funding levels for health agencies and programs that reflect the highest levels provided in appropriations approved at the committee level.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health services for older veterans.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
2nd Quarter, 2008
In Q2, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 21, 2008.
Original Filing: 300081591.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2008. AAGP also urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.
2. H.R. 1663, "Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007" - Support: Title 1: Parity of mental health services underMedicare - repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mentalhealth services, repealing the 190-day income cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse centers.
3. S. 1715 "Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007" - Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period.
4. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007" - Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 20 percent copayment requirement by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period.
5. S. 2578/H.R. 5173 - Support provisions to impose a moratorium on newly imposed target case management Medicaid regulations, which would unduly restrict the ability of Medicaid beneficiaries to access needed care, including community-based mental health services.
6. H.R. 6331, "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008" - Support provisions to rescind a scheduled 10.6 percent cut in payments to physicians treating Medicare patients; and to phase down 50 percent copayment rates for Medicare mental health outpatient services from 50 percent to 20 percent by 2014.
7. S. 3101, "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008" - Support provisions to rescind a scheduled 10.6 percent cut in payments to physicians treating Medicare patients; and to phase down 50 percent copayment rates for Medicare mental health outpatient services from 50 percent to 20 percent by 2014.
8. S. 2819, "Economic Recovery in Health Care Act" - Support all provisions. The bill would delay Medicaid regulations on targeted case management and other Medicaid rules.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, "Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration wiht other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act" - Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care fo rother diseases.
3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry.
4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits.
5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials, following the 2007 release of a GAO report on this issue.
6. S. 1628, a abill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions.
7. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpaitent mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early intervention and prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
8. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
9. S. 2708 and H.R. 6337, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008. Support all provisions. The bill would provide for the establishment of a new geriatric and gerontology loan repayment program.
10. Reauthorization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - discuss inclusion of provisions from S. 982 (the "Positive Aging Act of 2007") and S. 1854 (the "Stop Senior Suicide Act") with Senate staff.
11. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need for additonal health care professionals trained in geriatrics and the need for a study on the mental health care workforce that will be needed to treat older adults with mental disorders over the next three decades.
12. Support S. 2641, the "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act of 2008". Support all provisions. The bill would increase public transparency and accountability of nursing home owners and operators, including nursing home chains, by requiring them to disclose the corporate entities that own nursing homes and their affiliated entities.
13. Co-hosted Capitol Hill briefing for House and Senate staff members on mental health needs of older adults, including the need fo rmore geriatric health specialists, the need to integrate mental health care with primary care and the need for parity for Medicare outpatient mental health services.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009. Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests included monies for an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act; and full funding for the "Lifespan Respect Care Act".
2. Military Construciton and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 - Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs for aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, medication and research. Need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; and the need for the VA to ensure that its increase of mental health staff includes geriatric specialists.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health services for older veterans.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
1st Quarter, 2008
In Q1, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 16, 2008.
Original Filing: 300038573.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule - AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2008. AAGP also urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.
2. H.R. 1663, "Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007" - Support: Title 1: Parity of mental health services underMedicare - repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mental health services; repealing the 190-day income cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental heatlh services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse centers.
3. S. 1715, "Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007" - Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period.
4. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007" - Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833 (c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period.
5. S. 2578/H.R. 5173 - Support provisions to impose a moratorium on newly imposed target case management Medicaid regulations, which would unduly restrict the ability of Medicaid beneficiaries to access needed care, including community-based mental health services.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. H. R. 1669/S. 982," Positive Aging Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in
collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.
2. H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act". Support all provisions: The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requireing group health plans that offer benefits for mental heatlh and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases.
3. H.R. 2502, "Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007". Support all provisions. The bill owuld extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry.
4. S. 558, the "Mental Health Parity Act of 2007". Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits.
5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials, following the 2007 release of a GAO report on this issue.
6. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions.
7. S. 1854, the "Stop Senior Suicide Act". Support provisions to repeal the 50 percent Medicare outpatient mental health coinsurance rate; improve interagency coordination; provide grants for elderly suicide early interventiona nd prevention strategies; and enhance the existing Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
8. Support H. R. 3411, the "Juvenile Crime Reduction Act of 2007," to provide strategies to help to decrease the prevalence of young people with mental disorders who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
9. S. 2708, the "Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008". Support all provisions. The bill would provide for the establishment of a new geriatric and gerontology loan repayment program.
10. Reauthorization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration - discuss inclusion of provisions from S. 982 (the "Positive Aging Act of 2007") and S. 1854 (the "Stop Senior Suicide Act") with Senate staff.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009: Funding for the National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funding requests included monies for an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the Center for Mental Health Services at the SubstanceAbuse and Menatl Health Services Administration; continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Services Act; and full funding for the "Lifespan Respite Care Act". Support increased funding for FY 2009 for drug review and safety activities at the Food and Drug Administration.
2. Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009 - Support increased funding to meet the mental heatlh needs for aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, medication and research. Need for more resources to be focused on older veterans; and the need for the VA to ensure that its increase of mental heatlh staff includes geriatric specialists.
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental heatlh services for older veterans: Attended a briefing regarding the increase in mental health staff at the Veterans Administration
Agencies Lobbied
U.S. House of Representatives
0th Quarter, 2007
In MM, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 27, 2007.
Original Filing: 200041957.xml
Lobbying Issues
1. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule -- AAGP urges Congress to reverse the ten percent reduction in Medicare fees to physicians that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2008. AAGP also urges Congress to replace the current Medicare reimbursement formula with one that more accurately reflects the volume and intensity of services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.
2. H.R. 1663, Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007 -- Support: Title 1: Parity of Mental Health services under Medicare -- repealing the 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for mental health services; repealing the 190-day lifetime cap on inpatient services in psychiatric hospitals; Title 2: Expanding coverage of community-based mental health services, such as psychiatric rehabilitation and substance abuse treatment centers.
3. S. 1715, Medicare Mental Health Copayment Equity Act of 2007 -- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833(c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period.
4. AAGP contacted CMS staff regarding recommendations contained in a report issued by OIG/HHS in October 2006 entitled Carrier Determination of Copyaments for Medicare Mental Health Services. Issues discussed were the reports findings and CMS plans for issuing more explicit guidelines and monitoring carrier compliance with such going forward.
5. AAGP contacted CMS staff to request that CMS issue a 2-digit physician specialty code for geriatric psychiatry. This code would be used by psychiatrists who are board certified in geriatric psychiatry and whose practices are specialized to care for geriatric patients. Its purpose would be to ensure that data accumulated by the Medicare program could be put to full use in improving the quality and effectiveness of care for late-life mental disorders.
6. H.R. 1571, the "Senior Access to Mental Health Act of 2007"-- Support all provisions: the bill would repeal Section 1833 (c) of the Social Security Act, reducing to 20 percent the current 50 percent copayment required by Medicare for outpatient mental health services over a six-year period.
Agencies Lobbied
Y
Y
Department of Health and Human Services/Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 1669/S. 982, Positive Aging Act of 2007. Support all provisions. The bill would improve access to mental health services for older adults by integrating mental health services into primary and community settings through demonstration projects that target urban and rural medically underserved areas. Interdisciplinary teams of mental health professionals working in collaboration with other providers of health care and social services would provide these evidence-based services.2. H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. Support all provisions. The bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so on the same terms as care for other diseases.
3. H.R. 2502, Geriatricians Loan Forgiveness Act of 2007. Support all provisions. The bill would extend the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to geriatric training, forgiving $35,000 of educational debt incurred by medical students for each year of advanced training to obtain a certificate of added qualifications in geriatric medicine or geriatric psychiatry.
4. S. 558, the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007. Support provisions to prohibit private health insurance plans from imposing treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits unless comparable limitations or requirements are imposed on medical and surgical benefits.
5. Discussed with House and Senate staff the need to include older adults in clinical trials.
6. Provided comments to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on the revisions proposed for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application Guidance and Instruction for Fiscal Years 2008-2010. Expressed strong support for SAMHSAs proposed requirement that State plans include a description of the services provided to older adults under criterion 4 of the States plan.
7. S. 1628, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize programs to increase the number of nurse faculty and to increase the domestic nursing and physical therapy workforce. Support all provisions.
Agencies Lobbied
Y
Y
Department of Health and Human Services/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Lobbying Issues
1. H.R. 3043/S. 1710 -- Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Funding for the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality -- an Institute of Medicine (IOM) study on the future mental health workforce needs for older adults; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based mental health outreach and treatment for the elderly within the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; increased funding for the existing program for evidence-based outreach and treatment for the elderly within CHMS; and continued funding for the geriatric health professions program under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act.
2. H.R. 2642/S. 1645 -- Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2008. Support increased funding to meet the mental health needs of aging veterans. Need for integration of general and mental health care, long-term care, medication and research. Need for more research on and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in light of its re-emergence among older veterans. Need for funding for a study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on the future workforce needs for treating older adults, including older veterans, with late-life mental disorders and dementia.
3. H.J.Res. 20, a resolution to make further continuing appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007. Support provision to provide $31.5 million for Title VII (of the Public Health Service Act) Geriatric Health Professions Education Programs for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2007.
Lobbying Issues
1. Urged Congressional support for increased mental health services for veterans.
Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and Secretary of the Senate
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