By Catherine Ford
Commonwealth Strategy Group
The General Assembly adjourned on Saturday, Feb. 25 Sine Die, meaning the regular 2023 legislative session has ended. While they completed their legislative business, they could not come to an agreement on an amended budget. Legislators are adopting a “skinny budget,” which is similar to a federal continuing resolution, with the goal of the budget conferees continuing to work on a full version of the budget. That will leave us with yet another special session this spring.
There is a lot for PSV to support in the still-in-limbo drafted budget and legislators’ amendments, including a 5% increase to Medicaid reimbursement rates for psychiatric care. Gov. Youngkin’s proposed investment in mental health care is substantial as well: $230 million proposed spending on crisis services, which includes $20 million for 34 new mobile crisis units, $58 million to increase the number of crisis receiving centers and crisis stabilization units statewide, $9 million to expand tele-behavioral health services in public schools and on college campuses and $9 million for transportation and in-hospital monitoring by law enforcement and other personnel. The Medicaid reimbursement rate increases only appear in the Senate budget, so we anticipate these items to diminish or not be included in the conference report. At the time of writing, budget negotiations are on pause as they ascertain the economic outlook. Stay tuned.
The Psychiatric Society worked closely with the Medical Society of Virginia and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation to change the mental health question on Department of Health Professions applications and further reduce the stigma around doctors getting help for depression, anxiety, and burnout.
PSV worked hard this year to defeat some very harmful bills. HB 1389, which attempted to limit minor patients’ consent to mental health care, was defeated in a Senate subcommittee, thanks in large part to Dr. Sherin Moideen and Dr. Bela Sood’s excellent testimony. Additionally, we defeated HB 1923, which similarly attempted to curb minors’ ability to consent to inpatient mental health treatment. After conversations with stakeholders and the bill patron, a House subcommittee tabled it with a letter to the Behavioral Health Commission to study the matter.
We held a PSV Day on the Hill on Monday Feb 13th. Dr. Beatty, Dr. Moideen, and Dr. Njoku met with six legislators to discuss our budget priorities and educate them on our members’ lived experiences treating patients. We also met with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to discuss how PSV can continue contributing to the administration’s response to the mental health crisis. We also shared information on collaborative care and will have ongoing conversations beyond legislative session.
Looking Ahead: A Redistricted Election Year and PsychMD PAC
This year all 140 General Assembly seats are up for reelection on the newly redistricted maps. These district maps were approved by the Virginia Supreme Court, not the typical process. Because of the unique process that developed these maps, the districts were drawn without regard for incumbency, unlike redistrictings past. About half of the legislature have found themselves drawn into a new district with one or more fellow incumbents or drawn out of their districts entirely. Around 16 legislators have announced their retirements and 12 House members are running for State Senate seats. We can anticipate at least half of the legislature to change hands this November.
With an extremely consequential election year getting underway, the Psychiatric Society of Virginia’s PAC will be critical for us to begin forging relationships with new legislative members. Your contributions go to real, tangible opportunities: events to meet legislators and investing in new and seasoned elected officials who advocate for your profession. An individual ticket to legislator fundraisers is about $250. Thanks to your spring contributions totaling almost $4,000. we have 16 new individual opportunities to meet legislators. Thank you so much for supporting your PAC.
