On the CMHS Front
Brief updates on various activities
New Study Examines Expansion of Mental Health/Substance Abuse Insurance Benefits. "The Cost and Effects of Parity for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Insurance Benefits," released by SAMHSA, estimates that full parity for mental health and substance abuse services in private health insurance plans that tightly manage care would increase premiums less than one percent. The estimated premium increase for a composite of health plans that reflect insurance coverage nationwide (e.g., Fee for Service, Preferred Provider Organization, Health Maintenance Organization) would average 3.6 percent. For a copy of the study, see the Information Center's "Where to Turn."
The 46th Annual National Conference on Mental Health Statistics. The Survey and Analysis Branch, CMHS, sponsored the conference held in Washington, D.C., in May with the theme, "Behavioral Health Care Confronts a Difficult Future: Need for Collaboration, Improved Practices, Data, and Analysis." A number of consumers/survivors participated in the many workshops held. For more information contact, Allen Keme at (301) 443-3343.
Involuntary Interventions and Coercive Practices Executive Summary. Following a December 1997 meeting concerning involuntary interventions and coercive practices, this summary was developed. The meeting served to elicit diverse opinions and beliefs from a wide range of individuals and groups. Since an important aspect of the mission of CMHS is fostering independence and protecting the legal rights of people with mental illness, the meeting provided information on this important topic. For a copy, contact the Information Center, see "Where to Turn."
Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health. CMHS has the lead in developing this report on mental health, in partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health. This effort represents the first Surgeon General's Report to focus exclusively on mental health. Information regarding the report may be accessed through the Information Center, see "Where to Turn."
Spanish Version of Managed Care Booklet Available. The award-winning, "Managed Mental Health Care. What to Look for. What to Ask" publication will soon be available electronically through the Information Center website, see "Where to Turn."
People of Color Consumer/Survivor Meeting. This fall, CMHS will convene an invitational meeting on the impact of health care reform, including managed care, on people of color consumers/survivors. For more information, contact: Consumer Affairs Specialists Paolo del Vecchio or Iris Hyman at (301) 443-2792.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Background Paper. CMHS issued a report on ECT this spring summarizing the following information: 1) the current state of knowledge regarding this treatment; 2) consumer and public views; 3) relevant laws and regulations; and 4) priority research tasks. For a copy of the report, contact: Norma Hatot at (301) 443-0000.
"Taking Charge Together" was the theme of the Alternatives' 98 Conference held last February in Long Beach, Ca. This annual gathering sponsored by CMHS provided an opportunity for mental health consumers/survivors to exchange ideas, hear about national issues, and learn new skills. Over 650 people attended.
Consumer-Psychologists Dialogue Meeting. A meeting between invited consumers/survivors and psychologists will take place this summer in Washington, D.C. to explore means of partnership-building. This is a follow-up to the successful consumer-psychiatrist meeting held last summer.
Consumer Affairs Bulletin
Volume 3, No. 2, Summer 1998
CMH98-5021
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