Behavioral Health

Information on how hospitals, health systems and other caregivers can improve treatment and management of illnesses affecting the mind as well as the body.
10.01.2018  | Opioids: A Step Forward in D.C., a Potential Step Back in Mass.
In Mass., optimism over a federal opioid bill is mixed with concern over an impending threat to the state's behavioral health system
09.10.2018  | CDC Seeks Hospital Info to Inform Opioid Epidemic
In the battle against the opioid epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking data from hospitals across the U.S.
08.27.2018  | FDA Seeks Best Practices for Prescribing Opioids
The FDA has awarded a contract to develop evidence-based guidelines for appropriate opioid analgesic prescribing.
08.27.2018  | Hospitals at Risk of Closing; Nursing Union Ignores the Facts
Approximately 30 hospitals a year across the U.S. are closing, according to a national study that is resonating in Massachusetts.
08.20.2018  | Governor Baker Signs Opioid and Alzheimer's Legislation
Last week, Gov. Charlie Baker signed two pieces of legislation of interest to the hospital community.
08.06.2018  | Opioid Bill Passes
Close to midnight on July 31, the Massachusetts Senate sent Governor Baker the final text of legislation to address the opioid epidemic.
08.06.2018  | Copy of Opioid Bill Passes
Close to midnight on July 31, the Massachusetts Senate sent Governor Baker the final text of legislation to address the opioid epidemic.
08.06.2018  | Reform Bill Agreement Stalls at Final Hour of Session
The legislative effort to get Massachusetts community hospitals some much-needed financial relief failed last week as the House and Senate were unable to reach compromise on two similar bills.
07.23.2018  | ED Boarding Would Worsen if Ratio Ballot Question Passed
The Boston Globe had a strong article last week by reporter Liz Kowalczyk highlighting the ongoing problem of ED “boarding.”
07.23.2018  | Senate Passes Bill to Expand Tools for Addiction Treatment
In a 37-0 vote last Thursday, the Massachusetts Senate passed “An Act for Prevention and Access to Appropriate Care and Treatment of Addiction.”
07.23.2018  | Creative, Community-Focused Hospitals Receive Grant Funding
The Health Policy Commission (HPC) last Wednesday announced its SHIFT-Care grant awardees.
07.16.2018  | Free Training on Treating Pregnant Women with OUD
SAMHSA is hosting a freecourse designed to help physicians and healthcare professionals who care for pregnant women with opioid use disorder.
07.16.2018  | House Passes Important Bill in the Fight Against Opioid Abuse
The Massachusetts House of Representatives voted unanimously last Wednesday to pass a sweeping, multi-part bill to fight the opioid crisis.
07.02.2018  | Senate Votes to Up Legal Age for Tobacco; MHA Agrees
The Massachusetts Senate last Thursday voted 33 to 3 to pass SB 2571, which would raise the legal age for tobacco use from 18 to 21 years.
06.25.2018  | The Latest Opioid Data from Massachusetts
DPH’s quarterly opioid report was released last Friday showing that for the first three months of 2018 there were approximately 474 confirmed or estimated deaths from opioids in Massachusetts.
06.25.2018  | A Pact Between Patient and Caregiver to Avoid Opioid Misuse
Last week, MHA, working with member facilities, released two documents to assist hospitals in addressing a trend of patients misusing opioids within facilities.
06.18.2018  | Mass. House Releases Major Healthcare Overhaul
The Massachusetts House of Representatives could begin consideration as early as tomorrow on a massive healthcare reform bill.
06.04.2018  | Friday Postings Highlight Ongoing Safety Efforts
AHA’s #HAVhope Friday is a national day of awareness that unites the hospital and healthcare community to combat violence through the use of digital media.
05.21.2018  | Senate Budget Debate Begins; MHA Suggests Two Amendments
Debate on the Massachusetts Senate’s budget proposal begins tomorrow and MHA has two priority amendment.
05.14.2018  | UMass Memorial’s National Recognition for Community Care
UMass Memorial Medical Center was one of three finalists for the prestigious 2017 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service.

Resources

Click on the links below for easy access to important information related to state healthcare issues and advocacy.
Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts websites below to find information on legislative hearings and other meetings of interest to the healthcare community.
To guide your navigation of the legislative process and assist your advocacy efforts, please visit the following state websites:
MHA has also developed the following documents for your information and benefit: