Latest News
05/25/2023
House Bill 68 - Gender Affirming Care (a.k.a. Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act)
OPPA among the more than 200 people/organizations to submit opponent testimony
The OPPA provided written testimony in opposition to House Bill 68 this week. As stated to lawmakers, "OPPA is committed to advocating for the mental health needs of all individuals, including individuals with Gender Dysphoria and their families . . . we do not believe anyone should be prevented from accessing gender-affirming treatments provided according to best practices defined by medical experts in the field."
05/25/2023
OhioMHAS draft rules on psychiatric residential treatment facilities
Deadline to submit comments is June 7,, 2023
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is proposing to amend the following Ohio Administrative Code rules: Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities. OPPA members are encouraged to review the rules and submit comments if need be and copy OPPA @ oppa@oppa.org
05/25/2023
OhioMHAS draft rules on seclusion and restraint, including mechanical retraint
Deadline to submit comments is June 16, 2023
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is proposing to adopt rules that amend the requirements for the provision of seclusion and restraint by certified providers. The rules have been submitted to the Common Sense Initiative (CSI) office for review; and comments regarding the rules can be submitted to OhioMHAS or directly to CSI. OPPA members are encouraged to submit comments if need be and copy OPPA @ oppa.org
05/25/2023
ASAM and AAAP's jointly developed Clinical Guidelines on the Management of Stimulent Use Disorder
Deadline to submit comments is May 31, 2023
The public comment period closes in one week for the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP)’s jointly developed Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Stimulant Use Disorder.
05/24/2023
Drug overdose deaths down in Ohio
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found an estimated 109,680 overdose deaths occurred last year, according to numbers recently posted by the CDC. That’s about 2% more than the 107,622 U.S. overdose deaths in 2021, but nothing like the 30% increase seen in 2020, and 15% increase in 2021. Eight states, including Ohio, reported sizable overdose death decreases of about 100 or more compared with the previous calendar year.
05/04/2023
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For the past 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. SAMHSA has a toolkit with information about how to help spread the word about May being Mental Health Awareness Month.
04/26/2023
Medical board seeking first medical director
Deadline to apply is May 7, 2023
The State Medical Board of Ohio (SMBO) is seeking an experienced physician, who will step into a brand new role as the board’s first Medical Director. This position will work directly with the Executive Director and will have a pivotal role with the Board by providing medical knowledge and expertise in SMBO's day-to-day processes. This position will supervise portions of compliance, standards review and quality assurance and participate as a member of the senior leadership team among other assignments.
04/26/2023
DEA-registered practitioners training requirement
On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 enacted a new one-time, eight-hour training requirement for all Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered practitioners on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders.
04/12/2023
SAMHSA is recruiting grant reviewers
SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes. The Division of Grant Review (DGR) is recruiting reviewers for fiscal year 2023 who have academic qualifications and professional work experience in mental health services, preventing substance misuse, and/or treating substance use disorder.
04/06/2023
OPPA social event on Saturday evening, April 22, 2023
If you have already registered to attend OPPA's Annual Psychiatric Update on April 22-23, 2023, make sure you also signed up to attend the social event planned for Saturday evening, April 22.
04/06/2023
OPPA thanks its members who attended Advocay Day at the statehouse on Mar. 29
OPPA members from all over Ohio gathered at the statehouse in Columbus on March 29, 2023 to meet with their legislators to advocate on behalf of their patients and the profession of psychiatry. OPPA members discussed with lawmakers a number of issues, including collaborative care, the need for additional psychiatric-residency training positions, medical marijuana and more. If you weren't able to attend, you can still get involved. Effective advocacy is not just a one-time event, it is something done on an ongoing basis as it's all about relationships. Reach out to Executive Director, Janet Shaw, to learn about how you can become involved.
04/06/2023
In case you missed it: OhioMHAS Market Analysis Survey (closes on April 15)
The Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is supporting the 2023 Behavioral Health Careers Education & Careers Awareness Market Analysis in Ohio communities. An independent research firm, Measurement Resources Company (MRC), has been contracted to conduct the market research. The results of the market analysis will provide OhioMHAS and its partners with a report of current awareness and perceptions of behavioral health career paths, the reasons employees in related fields are not entering the behavioral health field or why employees are leaving the field, and communication strategies for recruiting behavioral health workers.
03/31/2023
New DEA education requirement on substance use disorders announced
The DEA has released guidance on the new one-time requirement for eight hours of training on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders (SUDs).
03/10/2023
Several bills introduced recently that OPPA will be advocating in support of or opposition to
There have been several bills re-introduced in the Ohio legislature over the past couple of weeks that OPPA will once again advocate for or against as it did during the last session. As a reminder with each new two-year General Assembly, any legislation that does not pass has to be reintroduced in the next General Assembly to be considered any further. The 135th GA began in January.
03/09/2023
Ohio launches new data dashboards to report overdose, substance-use measures
Governor Mike DeWine announced that the state has launched new data dashboards to better track and report data on overdose deaths and other substance-use related measures for all 88 Ohio counties. These statewide dashboards were adopted and expanded from dashboards created through the National Institutes of Health-funded HEALing Communities Study – the largest implementation study ever conducted in addiction research.
03/07/2023
Study: Black Americans Reply on ERs for MH Treatment
New research finds Black adults are more likely to visit emergency rooms (ER) when experiencing a mental health problem than white adults but face longer delays, and are less likely to be admitted to a hospital for treatment (Source: “Study: Black People Visit ER for Mental Health at Highest Rates,” U.S. News, March 1, 2023).
03/03/2023
CMS awards new Medicare-funded residency slots
In case you missed it, in January, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded the first 200 of 1,000 Medicare-funded residency slots meant to support the healthcare workforce and fund additional positions in hospitals serving underserved communities. Approximately three-quarters of the new positions will be for primary care and mental health specialties.
03/01/2023
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week - March 20-26, 2023
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism are gearing up for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW) 2023 to be held March 20-26. NIDA’s flagship health education observance, is held in partnership with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). NDAFW is an annual, week-long health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. NIDA offers a toolkit with promotion tips to help you plan and promote NDAFW-related events.
02/23/2023
In case you missed it - updates made to forms for Medicaid Behavioral Health Services
Updates have been made to two forms used by Medicaid behavioral health providers. The form updates, made in collaboration with MCOs and BH Providers and Stakeholders, are intended to improve clarity and ease of use and reflect the new Next Generation MCOs that began coverage on February 1, 2023. Updates have been made to the Prior Authorization - Community Behavioral Health and the SUD Residential Treatment Notification of Admission form.
02/23/2023
OhioMHAS Trauma Informed Care Series: More trainings available
Registration is open for three additional trainings as part of the OhioMHAS Trauma Informed Care Training Series. Training topics include best practices for treating trauma, cognitive processing therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. CEUs for Ohio Social Workers, Counselors, Psychologists, and SUD Professionals have been approved.
02/21/2023
SMBO Statement on Handling Sexual Misconduct Complaints
The State Medical Board of Ohio takes allegations of licensee misconduct seriously, especially when it involves sexual misconduct. The SMBO has a Fact Sheet and video statement that physicians are encouraged to review to learn more about how the board handles sexual misconduct complaints.
02/20/2023
Telehealth and in-person visits for controlled substances
As we all have seen since the onset of the pandemic, physicians across Ohio have continued to embrace remote healthcare services. What started as a way to provide care due to the virus, has now blossomed to provide care to anyone with internet or phone access. In that vein, the Ohio General Assembly created a new law updating the use of telehealth and telemedicine services. Revised Code 4743.09, effective March 23, 2022, permits physicians and other allied practitioners to use telehealth to care for patients. The new law also requires the Medical Board to create administrative rules providing more detail of how telehealth services can be provided.
02/15/2023
OhioMHAS conducts behavioral health workforce survey
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is committed to growing a strong and supported behavioral health workforce in Ohio. Along with Deloitte, our agency is engaging in a project to define strategies that address the key challenges within our Wellness Workforce Priorities: Increasing Career Awareness, Supporting Recruitment, Incentivizing Retention, and Supporting Contemporary Practice.
02/15/2023
Medical board adopts new telehealth rules
On Wednesday, February 8, the board voted to adopt new telehealth rules. Along with Ohio’s telehealth law in Sub. HB 122 (134th G.A.) (in particular R.C. 4743.09) which became effective on March 23, 2022, the rules expand telehealth for physicians (MD, DO, DPM), physician assistants, dietitians, respiratory care professionals and genetic counselors. The rules will go into effect on February 28, 2023.
02/02/2023
Governor DeWine prioritizes mental health in State of the State address
On Tuesday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivered his 2023 State of the State Address, during which he spoke about the strength of the state and discussed the priorities that will be contained in his Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 executive budget. Governor DeWine’s speech focused heavily on children, families, and mental health and highlighted his commitment to giving all Ohioans the tools needed to live up to their full, God-given potential. “We must face the fact that no Ohioan will ever fully live up to their potential or be able to lead purposeful and meaningful lives if their mental illness remains in the shadows and untreated,” Governor DeWine said.
02/02/2023
State of Ohio Biennial Fiscal Budget - the process
Ohio lawmakers consider many hundreds of bills during a typical biennial session of the General Assembly yet, no legislation is more important to the operation of state government than the bills that compose the state budget. It is through the enactment of these bills that the General Assembly is able to allocate the state's financial resources among the thousands of competing spending priorities.
02/02/2023
Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: More Than a Checklist
A resource from Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities
In honor of Black History Month, OACBHA has released Health Equity Diversity, and Inclusion: More than a Checklist. By offering a framework and practical resources, this toolkit supports organizations wanting to take action to address behavioral health disparities in their community. Building upon the Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Readiness Toolkit, the toolkit provides practical recommendations and steps to help your organization move from performative actions to systemic change. Both toolkits are available for download on the OACBHA website.
02/02/2023
In honor of Black History month
In 1976, during the nation's bicentennial, President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” when he called for Black History Month. During February, OPPA will share more information about Black History month, including information and resources to assist individuals and organizations that are taking action to address behavioral health disparities. If you wish to share anything or recognize an individual, please send an email oppa@oppa.org
02/02/2023
Removal of DATA Waiver (X-Waiver) Requirement
The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, in its Jan. 2023, E-News, provided information about the Act by Congress, which eliminated the DATA-Waiver Program. Section 1262 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (also known as Omnibus bill), removes the federal requirement for practitioners to submit a Notice of Intent (have a waiver) to prescribe medications, like buprenorphine, for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). With this provision, and effective immediately, SAMHSA will no longer be accepting NOIs (waiver applications). The Board is in the process of reviewing how this change will impact its current rules and requirements and will be issuing additional guidance.
01/31/2023
New data dashboard spotlights health, well-being of Ohio’s young children
Groundwork Ohio, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research, policy, and advocacy organization that champions high-quality early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age five, recently released its first Early Childhood Dashboard. Groundwork Ohio describes the Dashboard as a “tool to advance equity and catalyze advocacy and action needed to lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids (prenatal to age 5), families and communities.”
01/11/2023
Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program
Applications accepted through Wednesday, February 15
The goal of the Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program (OPLRP) is to increase access to primary care (including psychiatry) for underserved communities and populations. In exchange for loan repayment assistance, physicians commit to practice for a minimum of two years at an eligible site in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or Health Resource Shortage Area, accept Medicare and Medicaid, and see patients regardless of ability to pay.
01/10/2023
Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office at ODI for parity
OPPA applauds Governor DeWine's Executive Order 2023-04D, which establishes the Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office at the Ohio Department of Insurance ensuring vigilant compliance with mental health and addiction parity insurance laws.
01/09/2023
Gov. DeWine Signs Mental Health and Disability Terminology Act
OPPA applauds Governor Mike DeWine for signing House Bill 281, known as the Mental Health and Disability Terminology Act, into law. H.B. 281 represents a major step in reducing institutionalized stigma for people with a serious mental illness and other disabilities.
01/09/2023
OPPA applauds Governor DeWine for dedicating $85 Million to Behavioral Health Recruitment and Retention
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 45 into law. Sponsored by State Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) and former Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton), the bill includes an $85 million investment to grow Ohio’s behavioral health workforce by making education more attainable and affordable for students committed to behavioral health careers and $90 million in one-time funding to support the needed expansion of behavioral health crisis infrastructure.
01/09/2023
Webinar: The New Chapter of Reproductive Justice and the Legacy of Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, January 14, 9 a.m. eastern
Area 4 of the APA Assembly, is pleased to sponsor its 3rd annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Program, which will focus on the mental health concerns impacting women and the real threat to the autonomy of women to make decisions about their body, an issue that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King described as an essential civil right.
01/09/2023
ODM Next Generation Provider webinar
Feb. 1, 2023 implementation date
The Ohio Department of Medicaid will host a 1-hour webinar to share information on the changes Ohio Medicaid providers can expect in the next implementation scheduled for Feb. 1, 2023, including an overview of the transition to the Next Generation managed care plans, Electronic Data Interchange, and Fiscal Intermediary. Additionally, they will discuss key changes and where resources are available to assist providers in the transition.
12/22/2022
Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Foundation Research Awards Deadline is Dec. 31, 2022
The deadline for submitting an entry for The Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Annual OPPF Research Awards is December 31, 2022. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this year’s award search, your entry should be submitted now. There will be separate awards in the categories of OPPA General Members, Resident-Fellow Members and Medical Students.
12/20/2022
HPIO Data Snapshot illustrates mental health trends in Ohio
The Health Policy Institute of Ohio has released a Data Snapshot with visualizations of data on prevalence and trends of mental health concerns in Ohio. The snapshot includes data graphics on poor mental health days, depression, mental health care and trends in suicide. The publication also includes a list of resources to improve resilience and recovery in Ohio.
12/20/2022
Federal regulators propose expanding access to opioid use disorder treatment
Comments on the proposed changes may be made until Feb. 14, 2023
Federal regulators are proposing an update to federal treatment regulations for opioid use disorder. The update would make permanent COVID-era policies that allow take-home doses of methadone and the use of telehealth to access buprenorphine prescriptions.
12/20/2022
Updated Medicaid Behavioral Health Provider Manual issued
Changes effective January 1, 2023
The Ohio Department of Medicaid has published an updated version of the Medicaid Behavioral Health (BH) Provider Manual including several changes that will become effective January 1, 2023. Version 1.25 of the BH provider manual contains several important changes.
12/01/2022
2023 Coding and Documentation Changes for Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Care
Changes go into effect with services beginning on Jan. 1, 2023
Each year, there are changes in the CPT Coding Manual. To ensure members and their staff are informed of the latest changes in documentation and coding for psychiatry and other behavioral health services, OPPA is offering a 3-part series of on-demand webinars. On-demand, recorded webinars allows for viewing of the content at a time that is most convenient for the learner. Avoid rejection of claims and delays in reimbursement by learning about the changes.
10/11/2022
Firearm-related suicides, homicides continued to rise in 2021, CDC finds
Homicides and suicides involving guns, which soared in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, continued rising in 2021, reaching the highest rates in three decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported.
09/26/2022
Ohio Department of Insurance launches new office to address insurance parity complaints
The Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office (MHIA) is the state's official resource to help patients, consumers, mental health advocates, behavioral health providers, employers, first responders and other stakeholders understand and navigate mental health and substance use disorder insurance so Ohioans get access to the treatment they need.
09/26/2022
Please share your experience with credentialing and behavioral health parity
This survey is part of an ongoing series of questionnaires and reports (of the aggregate data) initiated by the Behavioral Health Provider Coalition for Insurance Advocacy, of which OPPA is a member. No identifying information will be shared in the final report, which may be shared with payers, however, BHPCIA may select quotes that illustrate important trends and themes. All responses are optional. Your feedback will help to inform our advocacy efforts in Ohio. Note: As professional associations, we are bound by state and federal antitrust laws which generally prohibit discussion of of actual or proposed fees and economic factors that influence fee levels.
09/26/2022
Worth repeating: Mandatory Electronic Prescribing of Schedule II Controlled Substances
Effective September 23
Ohio House Bill 193 became effective on September 23. This law establishes the requirement that a physician (or other prescriber) issue an electronic prescription when prescribing a Schedule II controlled substance, but also allows for issuance of a written prescription in specified circumstances. Refer to the FAQ developed by the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy for more details.
09/26/2022
Governor announces 20 first responder agencies in Ohio will receive a total of $7.7 million
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that 20 local first responder agencies will receive a total of $7.7 million to help them boost their staffing levels to ensure thorough coverage for emergency response. The grants represent the second round of the new Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program.
09/22/2022
Final 2022 enCompass Training for Navigating Addiction
November 1, 2022, 9 am - 5 pm
Recovery Ohio, in partnership with the Addiction Policy Forum, will hold its final (virtual) statewide enCompass Training to help Ohio families and communities navigate addiction on Nov. 1 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Click the link for more information and to register. The training is free and open to all adults who want to learn more about addiction and have the skills to respond. Attendees often include families, friends, caregivers, clergy, law enforcement, first responders, healthcare providers, employers, educators, community-based service providers, and anyone interested in learning how to respond to substance use/co-occurring disorders.
09/21/2022
In case you missed it: New ICD-10-CM codes for neurocognitive disorders
Effective October 1, 2022
Every October 1, the ICD-10-CM codes for all of medicine are updated, resulting in the addition of new codes and the revision or deletion of existing codes. Only a small fraction of the 68,000 codes are actually affected; last year, 159 new codes were added, 25 codes were deleted, and 27 existing codes were revised. This year the coding changes are largely confined to major and mild neurocognitive disorders, but they represent the most consequential coding changes for DSM-5 disorders since the October 1, 2015, changeover from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM.
09/08/2022
PBS stations to air suicide prevention special – Sept. 13
In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, PBS has announced that it will air Facing Suicide beginning Sept. 13 at 9:00 p.m. (check local listings). Facing Suicide combines the poignant personal stories of people impacted by suicide with profiles of scientists at the forefront of research to reveal new insights into one of America’s most pressing mental health crises. Shining a light on this difficult topic can destigmatize suicide while revealing that there is help as well as hope for those at risk and their loved ones.
08/30/2022
OPPA Annual Psychiatric Update 2023 - Save the date!
In-person, Marriott University Columbus, April 22-23
Be sure to mark your calendars and make plans to attend OPPA's Annual Psychiatric Update, which will be held in-person for the first time since 2019! The planning committee is in the process of developing an outstanding event that includes a variety of timely and relevant topics, presented by national and local experts. There will be a fun, engaging and interactive social event being planned for Saturday evening! More details will be provided as the program comes together!
08/30/2022
Governor announces second Annual Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 and launches naloxone website
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently announced that Ohio will observe the state’s second annual Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday, Aug. 31 and begin recognition of September’s Recovery Month. Established in 2021 by Senate Bill 30, Ohio Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise public awareness and remember the lives lost to the ongoing national opioid epidemic.
08/29/2022
Youth in Crisis: Suicide Rates Trend Up for Black Youth
This month's OACBHA's, Developing a Better Understanding
In response to the December 2021 U.S. Surgeon General's advisory, drawing the nation’s attention to youth mental health, the Ohio Association of Country Behavioral Health Authorities issued its newest Developing a Better Understanding: Youth in Crisis - Suicide Rates and Trend Up for Black Youth. Between 2009 to 2019, the proportion of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased by 40%, with an increase of 36% for those who seriously considered attempting suicide, and a 44% increase of those who created a plan for suicide.
08/19/2022
OSU 2022 Suicide Prevention Conference
September 9, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., eastern
Suicide prevention takes more than the effort of just one person. To truly eliminate the stigma and end suicide it takes all of us. The Ohio State University of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health is hosting the 2022 Suicide Prevention Conference.
08/03/2022
OhioMHAS seeks feedback on draft rules related to Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility
Deadline to comment is August 12, 2022
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has filed draft rules to make changes/additions to administrative rules related to substance use disorders. Although this new type of program, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF), does include people who might have Substance Use Disorders, it is specifically for people 21 years old or younger who have “complex needs” that can include psychiatric problems, developmental disabilities, behavioral problems, and/or substance use problems. These new rules are all focused on defining and establishing the policies for PRTF’s. The draft rules will be particular interest to child and adolescent psychiatrists.
08/03/2022
Serve your association and make a difference
Deadline to submit nominations is September 1, 2022
Members of the OPPA Council make the important decisions that ultimately steer the organization and have a real-life impact on patients. To reflect OPPA's diversity, members of minority or underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to run for office. Nominate yourself or a colleague!
08/03/2022
SOBP seeks stakeholder feedback on amended rules: Drug Take Back
Deadline to comment is August 12, 2022
As part of its required 5-year rule review process, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy (SOBP) seeks stakeholder feedback on proposed amended rules related to drug take back and authorized collectors.
08/03/2022
CMS seeks public comment to improve Medicare Advantage
Deadline to comment is August 31, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Request for Information seeking public comment on the Medicare Advantage program. CMS is asking for input on ways to achieve the agency’s vision so that all parts of Medicare are working towards a future where people with Medicare receive more equitable, high quality, and person-centered care that is affordable and sustainable.
08/03/2022
NIMH Resources Encourage Americans to Focus on Mental Health this Back-to-School Season
Going back to school can be stressful for children and adolescents, and focusing on mental health is more important than ever during this time. Throughout August, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) will share resources for children, adolescents, parents, educators, and providers about coping with the challenges of returning to school.
08/03/2022
ODI Webinar: Understanding Mental Health Insurance Benefits
August 16 and 23
The Ohio Department of Insurance’s (ODI) new Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office is conducting free, live webinars in August to help patients and and healthcare professionals understand the mental health and substance use disorder insurance benefits that may be in a consumer's health plan, the role insurance may play in receiving treatment, and provide an overview of the new Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office.
08/02/2022
AG's Task Force Committee on Mental Illness and Jails webinar series
This ongoing webinar series features content pertinent to jail staff to better understand mental health disorders and available treatment. These webinars are beneficial to all jail staff. The series is a collaboration between the Attorney General's Task Force Committee on Mental Illness and Jails and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Center of Excellence at NEOMED.
07/28/2022
Mandatory electronic prescribing of Schedule II controlled substances
Goes into effect September 23, 2022
Effective September 23, 2022, Ohio House Bill 193 will go into effect. This law establishes the requirement that a prescriber issue an electronic prescription when prescribing a Schedule II controlled substance, but also allows for issuance of a written prescription in specified circumstances. To assist licensee's, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy developed a frequently asked question document.
07/27/2022
Developing a Better Understanding
Supporting Mental Health of Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities July edition of its Developing a Better Understanding series is now available. This month’s one-pager entitled “Supporting Mental Health of Refugees and Asylum Seekers” discusses the mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers and providers ideas for how to support those in need of help.
07/27/2022
Racial Inequalities in Physical and Chemical Restraint Use in the Emergency Psychiatric Setting
Live webinar - September 9, 2022 at Noon (Eastern)
This webinar, free of charge to members, will address current research on racial inequalities in physical and chemical restraint use in the emergency psychiatric setting. Participants will learn about the impact of unconscious bias and structural racism on patient care. Participants will be inspired to self-examine their own biases and to make changes in their practice that reduce race-based inequities. This webinar is FREE to OPPA members, however, you must register in advance.
07/27/2022
Racial Inequalities in Physical and Chemical Restraint Use in the Emergency Psychiatric Setting
FREE Live webinar - Postponed until Fall 2022 - Date to be Announced
This webinar will address current research on racial inequalities in physical and chemical restraint use in the emergency psychiatric setting. Participants will learn about the impact of unconscious bias and structural racism on patient care. Participants will be inspired to self-examine their own biases and to make changes in their practice that reduce race-based inequities. This webinar is FREE to OPPA members, however, you must register in advance.
07/26/2022
Ohio’s SUD 1115 Waiver Stakeholder Advisory Committee and Annual Public Forum – Aug. 16
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) will hold the annual public forum on the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) 1115 Demonstration Waiver during the upcoming SUD 1115 Stakeholder Advisory Committee. The meeting will be held virtually at 1:00 p.m. on Aug. 16. The public forum will open immediately following the regular agenda of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee. During the public forum, any interested party is invited to offer comments on any aspect of the waiver. Written comments may also be submitted before or after the public forum.
07/26/2022
Free Webinar: The Unrecognized Trauma of Missing Women of Color
Offered by APA, Area 4 on Saturday, July 30, 11-12 p.m. Eastern
Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each July to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental health illness in the United States. In support of this year's awareness month, APA's Area 4 Council is pleased to host an informative webinar for psychiatrists (and others who may have an interest)
07/16/2022
The 988 National Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline launched nationally and in Ohio on July 16, 2022.
From this day forward, Ohioans can call 988 for any behavioral health crisis. While national and statewide 988 public awareness campaigns will not begin until 2023, as local public-serving organizations and community agencies consider opportunities to educate their residents about the 988 service.
07/05/2022
988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launches July 16
The 988 National Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline launches nationally and in Ohio on July 16, 2022. From that day forward, Ohioans can call 988 for any behavioral health crisis. While national and statewide 988 public awareness campaigns will not begin until 2023, as local public-serving organizations and community agencies consider opportunities to educate their residents about the 988 service.
07/05/2022
Governor DeWine Announces Launch of OhioRISE
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced the official launch of Ohio Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence (OhioRISE), a new Ohio Medicaid specialized managed care behavioral health program for young people with the most complex needs. Nearly 5,500 children and youth can access services immediately.
07/05/2022
Ohio Judge Joyce Campbell elected president of the NAMI national board
Congratulations to Ohio Judge Joyce Campbell who was elected president of the national National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Board. Judge Campbell was one of the early mental health court judges in Hamilton, Butler County and has served in many distinguished roles, including the Ohio Supreme Court Specialized Docket Committee. She also served as President of the Ohio Judicial Conference. Judge Campbell has been a tireless champion and advocate for specialized dockets from their earliest days.
07/05/2022
APA July Course of the Month – Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD: Theory, Technique and Context
Psychedelics have long been employed by traditional healers to promote physical and mental recovery. This course will review the pharmacological and psychological evidence base for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, describe its clinical application and consider the role which altered states have played over the centuries in clinical and cultural efforts to transcend psychological trauma.
06/29/2022
Overturning Roe v. Wade - Impact in Ohio
Much has been published by various sources, including a position statement by the APA, related to the decision made June 24 by the Supreme Court of the United States of America to overturn Roe v. Wade, which protected the constitutional right for individuals to access abortion services, rejecting nearly 50 years of Supreme Court precedent. For the time being, to keep OPPA members up-to-date on what this decision means in Ohio, we are sharing the summary (as June 28, 2022) provided by the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA). OPPA will continue to provide updated information as we receive it. Also, look for additional information specific to OPPA in the upcoming issue of its quarterly publication, Insight Matters.
06/28/2022
Governor DeWine announces $1.3M for statewide first responder wellness programs
As part of the new Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program, Governor DeWine is awarding approximately $1.3 million to three statewide programs that focus specifically on the unique wellness concerns of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and others who routinely respond to traumatic incidents.
06/28/2022
Join OPPA's team to support the Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K
Saturday, July 9, 2022
On Saturday, July 9, APA will host the second annual Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K Run, Walk & Roll to raise money for the APA Foundation’s Moore Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Initiative. The initiative supports individuals and community organizations that have undertaken innovative awareness programs and/or have provided services to improve the mental health of young people of color. Please show your support by joining OPPA's team and participate in this year’s event (either virtually or in your local community)!
06/21/2022
Autism and opioid use disorder rejected as qualifying conditions
On Wednesday, June 8 the State Medical Board of Ohio voted to reject the petitions for autism spectrum disorder and opioid use disorder due to a lack of scientific evidence that supports the efficacy of medical marijuana for the two conditions. These conditions will not be added to Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program at this time. The OPPA submitted a letter to the SMBO strongly opposing adding the two conditions.
06/21/2022
Self-poisoning suicide attempts spike among young people in past five years, study finds
A new study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center found rates of suicide attempts by self-poisoning among adolescents have more than doubled in the last decade in the U.S., and more than tripled for girls and young women. The study, published online today in The Journal of Pediatrics, evaluated the incidence and outcomes from intentional suspected-suicide self-poisoning in children and young adults ages 10 to 24 years old from 2000-18.
06/21/2022
Reporting About Substance Use and Mental Health
A Resource for Media Professionals
Governor Mike DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiative, the Ohio Attorney General’s Task Force on Criminal Justice and Mental Illness, and the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance have created “Reporting About Substance Use and Mental Health: A Resource for Media Professionals” as a tool to help journalists, producers and other media professionals reduce the use of potentially stigmatizing language or imagery in news and media coverage.
06/09/2022
Racial Inequalities in Physical and Chemical Restraint Use in the Emergency Psychiatric Setting
FREE Live webinar - Postponed until Fall 2022 - Date to be Announced
This webinar will address current research on racial inequalities in physical and chemical restraint use in the emergency psychiatric setting. Participants will learn about the impact of unconscious bias and structural racism on patient care. Participants will be inspired to self-examine their own biases and to make changes in their practice that reduce race-based inequities. This webinar is FREE to OPPA members, however, you must register in advance.
06/09/2022
Pride month behavioral health resources
Behavioral health equity is about ensuring access to quality health services for all populations. For this year’s Pride Month, the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Association has developed a little challenge to help you to continue learning about the LGBTQ+ community and how to create more inclusive environments for this population. The learning challenge includes links to articles and videos for you to review throughout the month.
