Government Affairs Newsroom

Published: 5/24/2023

At least 19 states have passed legislation to restrict gender-affirming care for youth while another 19 have introduced such bills. Read on to see the potential impacts for you and your clients.

Published: 5/24/2023

NBCC had the opportunity to submit comments to SAMHSA focusing primarily on Preventing Overdose; Promoting Resilience and Emotional Health for Children, Youth, and Families; and Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce.

Published: 4/20/2023

President Biden’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year expands numerous federal mental health programs and includes new initiatives. These include Medicare, SAMHSA programs, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and much more.

Published: 3/22/2023

NBCC will host and co-sponsor free webinars with members of the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition on April 21 and May 5 about how Medicare Part B coverage for counselors will be implemented in January 2024.

Published: 3/22/2023

After many years of advocacy, the Department of Veterans Affairs has officially instituted a unique occupational series for professional counselors. This step will improve hiring of counselors in the VA system and enhance counselor identity throughout the federal workforce.

Published: 2/15/2023

The Counseling Compact continues to make great strides as more states introduce legislation to facilitate counseling across state lines. Visit our Grassroots Action Center to find out how you can advocate for your state to join, along with helpful information and updates.

Published: 2/15/2023

NBCC’s Counseling News You Can Use is a new weekly digest that brings together the latest mental health news from various outlets. NBCC curates articles relevant to counselors and mental health professions to ensure that you have easy access to the most current news that impacts your profession and practice.

Published: 1/19/2023

NBCC participated in the biennial meeting held by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for UNESCO-recognized nongovernmental organizations. NBCC's work with UNESCO helps to expand global access to counseling and mental health services.

Published: 12/14/2022

NBCC met with the national association representing payers of behavioral health insurance benefits to discuss increasing the participation of counselors in health plans and managed care networks. This initial meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration.

Published: 12/14/2022

A new Medicare rule expands the role of counselors within the program beginning in 2023. It allows counselors to provide services under the general supervision of a physician, whereas direct supervision was previously required.

Published: 11/9/2022

At the inaugural meeting of the Counseling Compact Commission, delegates selected NBCC as one of four ex-officio (nonvoting) members of the executive committee. NBCC will provide information and resources to the voting members as they establish the commission and carry out its duties.

Published: 11/9/2022

After many years of advocacy, a federal occupational series will enhance the employment of counselors throughout the government.

Published: 10/19/2022

Several actions have been taken at the national level in 2021–2022 to expand access to prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support for Americans affected by the opioid crisis.

Published: 9/23/2022

Delaware recently became the 17th state to join the Interstate Counseling Compact, and now each member state will appoint a delegate to the newly formed Compact Commission, which will meet for the first time in October.

Published: 9/23/2022

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its proposed Physicians Fee Schedule, which helps determine reimbursement rates. Read more about NBCC’s comments to CMS to include LPCs and increase access to care.

Published: 8/24/2022

Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), the chair and ranking member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, have requested an update from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Office of Personnel Management on the efforts to create the occupational series for LPMHCs and MFTs in the VA.

Published: 8/24/2022

The Biden administration has implemented new grant programs to address youth mental health issues and strengthen school-based services to help children in need of care. These efforts will also create new opportunities for counselors across the country.

Published: 7/20/2022

The Safer Communities Act will expand children’s mental health services, strengthen existing federal gun laws, and expand access to Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs). NBCC summarizes key points and what to expect next.

Published: 7/20/2022

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid has proposed a rule change to the 2023 Physician Fee Schedule, which governs payments to professionals who bill Medicare for their services.

Published: 5/13/2022

In April, Nebraska became the 10th state to join the Counseling Compact, enabling the long-awaited legislation to be enacted so that counselors in its member states can practice within all of those states. Here’s a look at what will happen next in the process.

Published: 5/13/2022

A new 9-8-8 dialing code will go into effect July 16, 2022, to help improve access to suicide prevention and crisis services, but many states are not yet prepared. By asking your legislators to support the 9-8-8 Implementation Act of 2022 (H.R. 7116), you can help your state receive guidance and resources to establish and streamline its system before the transition.

Published: 4/13/2022

Communities in the U.S. Virgin Islands and others across the globe, are facing more extensive mental health concerns than ever before due to the pandemic, global unrest, substance disorders, and the multifaceted stressors impacting families.

Published: 4/13/2022

In March of 2022, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (S. 4349) was signed into law. Focused on improving mental health care for counselors and other providers, it includes funding to raise awareness, combat stigma, and prevent suicide and burnout.

Published: 2/18/2022

In a recent flurry of congressional hearings, mental health experts have renewed calls for increased resources for mental health care, investing in the workforce, expanding access to telehealth, and broadening the continuum of care for individuals in crisis situations.

Published: 2/8/2022

As NBCC and the MMWHC continue to gain support for the Mental Health Access Improvement Act, now is the time to contact members of Congress to show support for the needs of millions of Medicare recipients who lack access to mental health services.

Published: 2/8/2022

The U.S. Government Accountability Office has released a report on high-risk populations whose mental health continues to be affected by the pandemic, including children, young adults, and parents.

Published: 1/26/2022

In November 2021, Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-2) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) introduced H.R. 6076, the Compacts, Access, and Responsible Expansion (CARE) for Mental Health Professionals Act.

Published: 1/7/2022

The National Defense Authorization Act is legislation that Congress passes each year to make changes to the policies and organization of U.S. defense agencies and provide guidance on how military funding can be spent. Congress uses the NDAA to establish defense priorities, make organizational changes to military agencies, and provide guidance on how funding should be used.

Published: 1/5/2022

The No Surprises Act was signed into law in December 2020 and contains key provisions that align with the intentional transparency, clarity of processes, and initial disclosures that counselors value. Read our brief summary of key provisions impacting counselors and their practice.

Published: 1/4/2022

Each year, Congress authorizes mental health programs and services to support service members, military retirees, and their families through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The recently passed 2022 NDAA (S. 1605) includes mental health care programs and services to address the needs of these individuals.

Published: 12/8/2021

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) was signed into law through bipartisan action in mid-November with plans for investing in high-speed internet, transportation, the environment, and other aspects of our “built world.” Why is this something that counselors should care about? Because there are significant implications for access to mental health care, counselors, and the counseling profession.

Published: 10/12/2021

NBCC and the Grassroots network will be taking part in the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Hill Day at Home on Oct. 19. We encourage certified counselors to sign up to participate and advocate for the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act (H.R. 4323/S. 2069) and the Mental Health Access Improvement Act (H.R. 432/S. 828).

Published: 10/7/2021

On Sept. 14, counselors and mental health advocates across the country came together on Virtual Action Day to help the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition spread the word about the Mental Health Access Improvement Act (H.R. 432/S. 828).

Published: 9/15/2021

NBCC, along with the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition, counselors, and marriage and family therapists from across the country, participated in the Virtual Action Day on Sept. 14.

Published: 8/18/2021

Since 2019, it is estimated that more than 90,000 lives have been lost to overdose. Though much has been done by counselors and other health care professionals to try to enhance prevention, treatment, services, and supports, individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) often still face stigma, discrimination, and marginalization within society.

Published: 7/14/2021

It is essential to the profession that health coverage providers recognize the value of the services provided by the more than 250,000 counselors and marriage and family therapists.

Published: 6/17/2021

The Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2021 (S. 828/H.R. 432), continues to build momentum in the Senate. If passed, the proposed legislation would allow mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists to bill Medicare for counseling services.

Published: 6/17/2021

Licensed counselors continue to watch the progression of the Counseling Compact, an interstate compact that would give state legislators the power to expand portability and protect the public.

Published: 4/14/2021

With S. 828, the Mental Health Access Improvement Act, recently introduced in the Senate, NBCC and our partners in the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition will continue to build on the momentum from success in the last Congress and hope to gain even more cosponsors.

Published: 4/14/2021

As state legislatures have been introducing and passing legislation on telehealth and portability, NBCC remains committed to promoting proposals that both preserve educational requirements for counselors and expand portability and telehealth opportunities.

Published: 3/17/2021

Congress passed another sweeping COVID-19 relief bill. Titled the American Rescue Plan, the legislation was signed into law by President Joe Biden after months of debate in both the House and the Senate.

Published: 2/10/2021

The Mental Health Access Improvement Act has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives as H.R. 432 by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-5) and Rep. John Katko (R-NY-24).

Published: 2/10/2021

The federal appropriations process, by which Congress allocates funds for the entirety of the federal government, is getting underway for fiscal year 2022.

Published: 1/13/2021

Despite months of setbacks and disagreements on the fiscal year 2021 budget, NBCC’s Government & Legislative Affairs team was able to secure funding increases for many of our priority federal programs.

Published: 12/9/2020

NBCC’s Government and Legislative Affairs Department is preparing to continue pushing for our priority issues in the 117th Congress.

Published: 11/11/2020

With the recent passing of S. 785, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, NBCC commits to working with the VA in implementing this important legislation.

Published: 10/14/2020

Congress has passed a last-minute continuing resolution to keep the government funded through Dec. 11. With the approaching November elections, it is possible that they could pass another continuing resolution to push the negotiation process into early 2021.

Published: 9/16/2020

NBCC, along with the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition, sent letters urging HHS Secretary Azar and CMS Administrator Verma to include S. 286/H.R. 945 in any list of policy options they present to the president.

Published: 8/12/2020

The commissioners of the FCC recently unanimously voted to approve 988 as the designated number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This change is the result of continued work by NBCC and many other mental health organizations to ensure that a three-digit number was created for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Published: 8/12/2020

The House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies has released their appropriations bill, which includes substantial increases for several vitally important mental and behavioral health programs.

Published: 7/15/2020

As the movement toward police reform gains momentum, NBCC advocates for counselor inclusion in proposed legislation regarding mental health response teams.

Published: 6/10/2020

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published a new Public Health Emergency Rule regarding Section 3704 of the CARES Act, passed on March 27. While these changes are set to expire after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is lifted, this rule marks significant progress in our fight to expand Medicare.

Published: 6/10/2020

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is requesting feedback from health care providers on two key scoring criteria that they use to develop agency policies. Learn how you can add your voice!

Published: 5/6/2020

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many state licensure boards are adopting emergency rules and policies to expand eligibility for telehealth providers.

Published: 5/4/2020

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) released a report, "Confronting Rural America’s Health Care Crisis," which highlights the need to expand Medicare.

Published: 3/11/2020

The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (S. 785), was passed unanimously early last month. This bill is a large, sweeping measure that would make many changes to the way the VA currently provides mental health services to veterans.

Published: 3/11/2020

As Congress begins the FY2021 appropriations process, NBCC continues to prioritize and push for federal spending to include SAMHSA’s Minority Fellowship Program and the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program.

Published: 2/12/2020

Conversion therapy, the controversial set of unproven and often harmful treatments that purport to “cure” same-sex attraction, is a practice that counselors and many other medical professionals have fought to ban for decades.

Published: 1/15/2020

Despite the political challenges of the process, NBCC has successfully secured additional funding for many programs that fund counselor education and workforce development.

Published: 1/15/2020

NBCC has been working with our partners to inform lawmakers and the public about the Mental Health Access Improvement Act, and we need board certified counselors willing to aid in our communication efforts!

Published: 12/11/2019

Congress passed a spending bill last month which extended funding until November 21 in an effort to buy more time to come to an agreement on 2020 spending levels.

Published: 12/5/2019

Lawmakers are leaving Washington for recess and are scheduled to return on January 3 for the Second Session of the 116th Congress.

Published: 11/13/2019

The Michigan Legislature has passed HB 4325, a bill that clarifies licensure laws while protecting the scope of practice and ability of LPCs in the state to treat and diagnose.

Published: 11/13/2019

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has launched a new tool to help those in need of treatment for substance use disorder locate and access treatment near them.

Published: 10/16/2019

As Congress debates over federal spending levels, NBCC keeps its focus on working with Congressional partners to secure an increase in funding for SAMHSA’s Minority Fellowship Program.

Published: 9/11/2019

U.S. Reps. Chris Stewart (R-UT) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) have introduced H.R. 4194, National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2019.

Published: 9/11/2019

Congress has returned from a month long August recess and has a full agenda for the rest of the year. Aside from finishing the appropriations process, it is likely Congress will look to pass at least some legislation relating to health care.

Published: 8/14/2019

Members of the House of Representatives and Senate have left Washington D.C. for their annual summer recess

Published: 8/14/2019

The House of Representatives moved forward with its annual appropriations process in the months leading up to the August recess, but the Senate waited until a budget and spending cap deal was struck and signed by the President

Published: 7/9/2019

NBCC is partnering with the National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH) for the annual Hill Day in Washington D.C., which allows mental health professionals, including counselors, to visit their senators’ and representatives’ offices and make their voices heard on public policy.