1. Respond to at least one peer (BELOW) by indicating a practical solution to overcoming his/her concern and an additional method to support his/her chosen policy/legislation.

DAVID WROTE: After reviewing the core NP competencies and the multi-faceted role of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I am particularly excited about the opportunity to improve new practice approaches based on research, theory, and clinical practice knowledge. For example, I would like to focus on the inappropriate and overuse of antipsychotics to treat behaviors and psychological symptoms associated with dementia. By implementing alternative, evidence-based interventions, we could limit the potential for serious side effects from this medication class on the geriatric population. This aligns with this PMHNP competency that discusses age-appropriate treatment plans based on mental health disorders.

On the other hand, what concerns me most is competencies related to policy. I feel uncomfortable with mental health legislation and how I would even start to get involved in this landscape. Trying to navigate the legal framework of practice standards, reimbursement policies, and “all of the above” overwhelms me. I do see that changes are a necessity, especially in mental health, but again, it leaves me feeling immensely overwhelmed.

One piece of legislation of interest is Bill H.R.3432, the Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023. This bill removes specific limitations on Medicare coverage for mental health services delivered via telehealth. It ultimately removes the requirement for in-person visits, which could limit the ability of those in geographical locations and/or those with limited transportation to obtain much-needed mental health care. As a PMHNP,  could support this legislation through advocacy and education. Joining advocacy groups that promote policies can assist in improved access. Educating the community about mental health and telehealth availability could also increase access to this much-needed service.

Mental Health Policy

Mental Health America (MHA) takes a unique approach to policy because MHA believes policy should ask people what they need to live the lives they want and support them in getting there. Recovery is founded on the principle that people can take on meaningful roles in the community when they receive the support they need for mental health challenges. MHA’s goal is recovery for all. There is nothing more important than allowing everyone the chance to live the life they want with meaningful roles in the community.
MHA – founded in 1909 – is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those
living with mental illness and to promoting overall mental health. Our work is driven by our commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including:

prevention services for all
early identification and intervention for those at risk
integrated care
services
supports for those who need it
Recovery is the goal.
What We Fight For

In the history of treatment of people with mental health problems, our system has done a poor job at protecting people. The story of the Mental Health Bell is a reminder that we cannot return to a system where people are shackled, mistreated, and otherwise forgotten.

Since 1909, MHA has fought to improve the system for individuals who struggle with mental health problems.
Unfortunately, the fight is not over. MHA and our affiliates continue to
promote the importance of lived experience
advance prevention and early intervention
increase access to mental health and substance use care and supports
ensure equity and reduce disparities

Last Completed Projects