Latest News
04/04/2025
Survey of Private Practice Psychiatrists - Accepting Insurance for Services
The Behavioral Health Provider Coalition for Insurance Advocacy (of which, OPPA is a member) is asking for feedback from private practice psychiatrists about accepting insurance for psychiatric services. We hope to better understand the experiences and motivations behind mental health practitioners (psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, clinical counselors, and behavioral analysts) who have moved from accepting health insurance to operating cash-only practices. Your responses will help us understand the broader impact of this shift on both practitioners and patients. All responses will remain confidential. Please 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.
04/04/2025
OPPA Annual Psychiatric Update 2026 - Save the Date
April 18-19, 2026 at the Hilton Polaris, Columbus
Plans are already underway for OPPA's 2026 meeting! Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend what is sure to be another epic educational and networking event!
03/20/2025
NAMI releases Issue Brief exploring Trends in Mental Health and Criminal Justice State Policy
Mental illness is not a crime, yet individuals with mental illness are disproportionately impacted by our nation’s criminal justice system and overrepresented in jails and prisons. About two in five people who are incarcerated have a history of mental illness. NAMI’s Trends in Mental Health and Criminal Justice State Policy explores how state policymakers and advocates can address this problem through legislation.
03/20/2025
Medicare telehealth flexibilities extended until Sept. 30, 2025
This week, Congress extended telehealth flexibilities under Medicare for another six months, until September 30, 2025. This extension allows Medicare beneficiaries to continue receiving telehealth care from their homes, ensures expanded eligibility for healthcare providers offering these services, and maintains coverage for audio-only visits.
03/12/2025
A Call to Action: Stewarding APA & Psychiatry Through Rapidly Changing Times
APA Insider Session - Mar. 25, 6:30 pm ET, via Zoom
Join APA's next Insider Session and learn how APA is advocating for psychiatry at the federal level and how APA is taking action on evolving policies and members' concerns. Click on "read more" to register.
03/11/2025
Ohio budget process overview
The Ohio state budget process is currently underway, with significant activity expected over the next few weeks. The timeline for this process is crucial for understanding how the budget will be shaped and finalized. The budget process involves multiple stages and amendments, with both the House and Senate playing critical roles. Each step in the timeline is an opportunity for adjustments and refinements to address the needs and priorities of Ohio's citizens.
03/06/2025
Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation one pagers
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation has released two important one-page publications on special populations at increased risk of suicide: "Suicide Risk in the Black Community" and "Gambling - the High Stakes of Mental Health and Suicide Risk.
02/17/2025
HPIO releases Ohio Medicaid Basics 2025
The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) has released the 11th edition of Ohio Medicaid Basics, a primer that provides an overview of the Medicaid program in Ohio. Published every other year since 2005, to coincide with the biennial budget process, Ohio Medicaid Basics provides an overview of the Ohio Medicaid program, including eligibility, covered services, spending, and recent policy changes. There are more than 3 million Ohioans — more than 1 in 4 people in the state — enrolled in Medicaid. This includes more than 1.2 million children.
02/12/2025
Psychiatry Boot Camp #3 for RFMs and medical students interested in psychiatry
Thursday, Feb. 20, 6 - 7 pm, EST
OPPA’s exclusive Psychiatry Virtual Boot Camps are developed all resident and fellow members, as well as medical students who are members to serve as a refresher addressing several common, easily confused topics. This is just oneof many OPPA member benefits.
02/12/2025
New rules allow telehealth prescribing, but ‘Special Registration’ proposal may create barriers
APA wants to hear from you!
The new final rules will facilitate remote treatment of opioid use disorder and boost telehealth care for veterans. APA is seeking feedback on the proposal to add new requirements for clinicians teleprescribing controlled substances and will host a listening session on February 18 (see below).
02/03/2025
RecoveryOhio launches dashboard to predict & prevent overdose
The Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force and the Ohio Department of Public Safety announced the launch of a new human trafficking dashboard that combines data from several state agencies into a centralized location to increase accessibility for the public, policy makers, and researchers. The dashboard is available on the DataOhio Portal.
01/31/2025
Changes to opioid treatment rules to take effect Jan. 31
To provide more person-centered and supportive treatment environments that promote trust, recovery, and engagement, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has made modifications to Ohio Administrative Code (O.A.C.) rules for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) in Ohio. The O.A.C. 5122-40 rule changes will become effective on Friday, Jan. 31.
01/28/2025
ODH data: suicide deaths decreased in Ohio in 2023
The number of suicide deaths in Ohio declined for the first time in three years in 2023, decreasing about 1% from 2022’s numbers, according to new data from the Ohio Department of Health (Source: “Ohio Suicides Decreased in 2023 for First Time in 3 Years, According to Department,” Mahoning Matters, January 24, 2025). According to the 2023 Ohio Suicide Report, Ohio deaths by suicides dropped to 1,777 in 2023 – 20 fewer than 2022. Ohio’s decrease compares favorably to national numbers. Across the country, suicide rates declined by less than 1% last year.
01/28/2025
RecoveryOhio has launched a new online dashboard
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiative has launched a groundbreaking new online dashboard, designed to predict when communities may be at heightened risk for a spike in drug overdoses, so local leaders can take action in time to save lives. This first-of-its-kind tool uses a variety of data to pinpoint ZIP codes at increased risk for overdoses up to 30 days in advance.
01/15/2025
Study: Expanding Mental Health Access Would Boost Ohio Economy
Increasing access to mental health services would boost Ohio’s economy, according to a new study, “Expanding Access to Mental Health Supports Would Help the Economy, According to New Report,” Ohio Capital Journal, January 10, 2025 recently reported. The cost of untreated mental health challenges to the U.S. economy is nearly $300 billion — mainly due to lost productivity and higher healthcare expenditures, according to a new study from the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health & Family Services Providers.
01/08/2025
Attend OPPA's Annual Psychiatric Update and make it a mini family get-away
March 1-2, 2025 - Hilton Polaris, Columbus
OPPA is excited to hold its 2025 Annual Psychiatric Update on March 1-2, 2025 at the beautiful Hilton Polaris, Columbus. Boasting state-of-the-art amenities along with exceptional accommodations, this hotel is moments from the Polaris Fashion Place Mall as well as many shops, restaurants and entertainment options nearby. The Hilton Columbus/Polaris is conveniently located just off Interstate 71. Bring the family and make it a mini family getaway!
01/08/2025
Celebrating the New Year and OPPA's 75th Anniversary!
As we welcome the new year, it is a time for reflection, celebration, and anticipation of the future. This year holds special significance for the Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association (OPPA) as it marks its 75th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the organization's enduring commitment to advancing the field of psychiatry and supporting mental health professionals in Ohio.
01/07/2025
Ohio's 136th General Assembly convened on January 6, 2025
With the start of the new two-year legislative session, newly elected representatives and senators took their oaths of office. Following ceremonial proceedings, both chambers will hold separate retreats in the coming weeks to establish priorities for the year. The biennial state budget will dominate early legislative action. Governor DeWine is expected to unveil his final two-year operating budget proposal by early February. The House will take the lead in budget deliberations with the Senate expected to receive the House-passed budget in the Spring. Key budget considerations will include behavioral health, healthcare and substance use disorder spending items. In the next couple of weeks, OPPA will announce its Advocacy Day at the Statehouse.
12/30/2024
Reflecting on Our Journey: A Year in Review
Happy New Year!
As the year draws to a close, we reflect upon the journey we’ve shared, feeling deeply grateful for the people who make this community so special. This is a moment to pause, celebrate what we’ve accomplished together, and acknowledge the incredible dedication of our members and volunteers who make it all possible.
12/19/2024
Ohio medical students invited to become a member of OPPA
Discover your career in psychiatry
Joining the Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association as a Medical Student Member offers an invaluable opportunity for those enrolled in a school of medicine in Ohio, including osteopathic medicine students. As members, medical students are able to explore psychiatry as a potential career path and gain access to a vast array of resources. These include cutting-edge research and practical information that can enhance your understanding of psychiatry and its relevance across various medical fields. Medical student members can also request a sponsorship to attend OPPA's Annual Psychiatric Update, serve on an OPPA committee, submit poster abstracts, request a mentor and so much more! Join today - membership is free! (Medical students who are already members of APA will need to also complete an application for membership in OPPA.)
12/19/2024
OACBHA December One Pager: How to Find Help 101
The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities December One Pager entitled "How to Find Help 101" provides information on the first steps to take to find help for someone struggling with mental health issues. The most important step in treating a mental health condition sometimes feels like a challenging one: finding a mental health professional. People have many different reasons to consult a mental health professional. Asking family, friends, and care providers if they know any health care professionals or programs for mental health or drug and alcohol use is often the easiest way to find an available health care professional or program.
12/17/2024
OPPA/OPPF launch Mentoring Network - new membership benefit!
The Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Foundation, in collaboration with OPPA, proudly now offers a Mentoring Network designed to support medical students with an interest in psychiatry, as well as residents, fellows, and early career psychiatrists who may seek guidance from a mentor or wish to serve as one themselves. Mentoring within this network is a collaborative relationship where a more experienced psychiatrist (Mentor) provides invaluable guidance, support, and encouragement to less experienced individuals (Mentees).
12/17/2024
New effort to improve care coordination and reduce fatal drug overdoses
OARRS now alerts healthcare providers about previous overdose history
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Board of Pharmacy Executive Director Steven Schierholt announced that Ohio’s prescription drug monitoring program, known as the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS), will begin alerting healthcare providers about patients who have experienced a non-fatal drug overdose. These alerts are intended to improve care coordination and promote access to medication for opioid use disorder and other tools to prevent fatal overdoses.
12/16/2024
2025 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference
January 29-30, 2025
The 2025 Ohio Problem Gambling Conference will bring together national experts, state leaders, and local innovators in problem gambling prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, research, administration, and responsible gambling. Those interested in prevention and treatment of gambling disorder should attend, as well as healthcare professionals who want to learn more about the convergence of risky behaviors such as gambling, substance use, mental health disorders, and health conditions across the lifespan. With more than $6 billion wagered in the past year through October, the behavioral health workforce needs to prioritize building knowledge and skills in the problem gambling field for informed prevention, clinical interventions and recovery supports.
12/09/2024
HPIO Data Brief: Mental health conditions among Ohio children and youth
The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) issues new data brief on mental health conditions among Ohio children and youth. In recent years, rates of mental health conditions have increased among Ohio children and youth. Childhood mental health conditions are associated with an increased risk of chronic physical health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), continuing mental health problems and worse employment outcomes in adulthood. The brief includes prevalence estimates of some of the most common mental health conditions affecting children and youth. The data shows considerable disparities, especially by family income, sex, LGBTQ+ identity and disability status. Understanding this data, and engaging children, youth and their parents and caregivers, can lay the foundation for action and policy change.
12/05/2024
CMS Issues Final Reminder on Program Year 2023 Open Payments Data
In June 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published Program Year 2023 Open Payments data along with updated and newly submitted data from previous program years. The Program Year 2023 records are available for review and dispute in the Open Payments system through December 31, 2024. Covered recipient review of the data is voluntary, but strongly encouraged. If you believe any records attributed to you are inaccurate or incomplete in any way, you may initiate a dispute and work with the reporting entity to reach a resolution. To dispute records from earlier years that are no longer available within the Open Payments system, you must contact the reporting entity directly. CMS does not mediate or facilitate disputes; it is up to the reporting entity and covered recipient to work together to reach a dispute resolution.
11/22/2024
Governor’s Work Group on Competency Restoration and Diversion
Recommendations to increase access to state psychiatric hospitals
Yesterday, Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn released the final recommendations of the Governor’s Work Group on Competency Restoration and Diversion. The recommendations aim to free up more beds in the state’s psychiatric hospitals, while also expanding local options for mental health treatment and support across Ohio.
11/20/2024
DEA, HHS issue third extension of pandemic telehealth prescribing flexibilities
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in concert with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently issued a third extension of COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications, to be effective through December 31, 2025.
11/12/2024
Online gambling rise poses significant public health threat
A recent report published in Lancet Public Health highlights the significant public health threat posed by the rise of online gambling. It reveals that nearly 16% of adults and over 26% of adolescents using online casinos and slot machines suffer from gambling disorders. The study estimates that up to 449 million people could be affected globally, with around 80 million adults diagnosed with a gambling disorder. In Ohio, the 2022 Ohio Gambling Survey revealed that 1 in 5 adults were experiencing negative consequences from gambling. This number had doubled since the previous survey in 2017.
11/12/2024
OACBHA's one-pager focuses on the importance of coping skills for individuals in recovery
The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities' most recent one pager focuses on emphasizing the importance of individuals developing coping skills while in recovery. When going through traumatic moments in life, it’s important to use the skills learned to find healthy outlets for stress and anxiety. They help manage the most challenging moments of life. When recovering from addiction or a mental illness, however, the mental, emotional, and physical ability to cope with stress and grief may be lower than normal. Re-learning how to deal with life’s tough times without substances or self-harm is critical for long-term recovery.
11/12/2024
Governor DeWine Announces $100 Million in Federal Funding to Fight Opioid Use, Prevent Overdose Deaths in Ohio
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn announced the award of $100 million in federal grant funding that will be used in communities across the state to advance ongoing efforts to fight opioid use disorder and prevent overdose deaths. This marks the fourth round of State Opioid and Stimulant Response (SOS) grant funds awarded throughout Ohio. These SOS 4.0 grants were received by OhioMHAS through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support local organizations that offer prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and long-term recovery services for Ohioans struggling with an opioid or stimulant use disorder.
10/31/2024
2025 Coding & Documentation for Psychiatry & Management (including E/M)
Jan. 14, 2025, 10 am - 3 pm (live event), Columbus
This information-packed workshop is designed for new and experienced billing and coding personnel, psychiatrists, counselors, and others in the behavioral health field. Changes to coding, guidelines and documentation requirements often change on an annual basis. By participating in this workshop attendees will be prepared to select appropriate billing codes for psychiatric and substance use disorder services, including evaluation and management (E/M) codes for physician services. With enhanced knowledge and tools, participants will be able to code and document with precision to avoid denials due to incorrect reporting of services ensuring compliance and appropriate reimbursement for the services performed.
10/30/2024
Governor DeWine announces Ohio’s overdose deaths dropped for second consecutive y
Governor Mike DeWine announced today newly verified data demonstrating that the number of overdose deaths in Ohio have dropped substantially for a second consecutive calendar year. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH)’s 2023 Ohio Unintentional Drug Overdose Report, released today, revealed a 9% decline in verified overdose deaths across the state. In 2023, Ohio recorded 4,452 unintentional drug overdose deaths, down from 4,915 in 2022.
10/30/2024
Psychiatry Boot Camp #2 for Residents/Fellows and Medical Students Interested in Psychiatry
Dec. 4, 2024 from 6-7 p.m. EST
OPPA’s exclusive Psychiatry Virtual Bootcamp #2 is designed for all residents, fellows and medical students to serve as a refresher addressing several common, easily confused topics. This is just one of many OPPA member benefits. TOPICS TO BE COVERED Mind on Trial: Understanding Competency to Stand Trial
10/30/2024
OPPA Insight Member Forum - Advocacy Boot Camp
Nov. 11, 2024, 7-8 pm - Virtually
Have you been wanting to become more involved in advocating for your patients and your profession, and just don’t know how to get involved? Then, this member forum is for you! Designed for Psychiatrists, Residents, Fellows, and Medical Students. This educational event is FREE to members. Registration is required.
10/30/2024
New SAMHSA Publication: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) Principles in Recovery
SAMHSA's Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) Principles in Recovery emphasizes the principles: DEIA; behavioral health equity; culturally and linguistically appropriate services; trauma-informed and resilience-centered care; and person- and family-centered care. It also provides introductory information and directs readers to recommended resources and examples of best practice recovery programs and services.
10/24/2024
OPPA's Secretary, Ujjwal Ramtekkar, MD's latest article in Forbes
Five Ways Businesses Can Take the Lead on Suicide Prevention
The data is sobering. In 2022, 49,476 Americans died by suicide, making it the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S. Tens of millions more thought about, planned or attempted suicide, underscoring the staggering number of people who are at risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The silver lining: Leaders can play a pivotal role in changing this by recognizing the influence workplace culture has on mental health and committing to prioritizing the well-being of ourselves and our team members.
10/16/2024
OhioMHAS regional hospitals first in the U.S. to implement Epic Electronic Health Record
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is making an “epic” leap in patient-centered care with the launch of a new electronic health record (EHR) system at Ohio’s six regional psychiatric hospitals. OhioMHAS leaders have successfully migrated Ohio's psychiatric hospital records to Epic Systems. “Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, providing world-class mental health care is the top priority. At OhioMHAS, we are working every day to innovate and streamline the way we do business,” said Department Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “We are excited to lead the nation in enhancing patient care in state psychiatric hospitals. This state-of-the-art system will allow our staff to work more efficiently and communicate more effectively, so we can achieve our ultimate goal of putting our patients at the center of care.”
10/16/2024
OPPA President announces new initiative: OPPA Member Forum Series
Inaugural Forum: Advocacy Bootcamp to be held virtually on Nov. 11, 7-8 p.m.
OPPA President, Nita Bhatt, MD, initiates OPPA’s Member Forum Series, which is dedicated to empowering individuals through dynamic educational and leadership opportunities. This new series focuses on enhancing leadership skills, encouraging continuous learning, and fostering an inclusive culture where every voice is valued. Participants will have the chance to engage with thought leaders, share experiences, and gain insights that can be applied to both personal and professional development. Together, these initiatives support a vibrant psychiatric community committed to growth and excellence.
10/09/2024
Peer-reviewed study links state anti-trans laws with increased suicide among trans teens
States that passed anti-transgender laws aimed at minors saw suicide attempts by transgender and gender nonconforming teenagers increase by as much as 72% in the following years, according to a new study by The Trevor Project. The peer-reviewed study, recently published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, looked at survey data from young people in 19 states, comparing rates of suicide attempts before and after bans passed. Among 13-17 year olds, two years after a law took effect, the likelihood of a past-year suicide attempt was 72% higher than it was before passage.
10/07/2024
ODH J-1 Visa Waivers Intent to Apply now open
Must be postmarked by January 31, 2025
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) participates in the State 30 Program to increase access to healthcare services for Ohio’s underserved populations. J-1 visa waivers allow foreign medical graduates to remain in the United States after completing residency/fellowship training in exchange for a three-year commitment to provide healthcare services in underserved areas. The State 30 Program has a strong preference for primary care physicians and psychiatrists who will practice in HPSAs.
10/07/2024
FDA approves drug with new mechanism of action for treatment of schizophrenia
On September 26, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Cobenfy (xanomeline and trospium chloride) capsules for oral use for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. It is the first antipsychotic drug approved to treat schizophrenia that targets cholinergic receptors as opposed to dopamine receptors, which has long been the standard of care.
10/07/2024
OSU Grand Rounds: Lifestyle for Positive Mental and Physical Health
Wed., Oct. 9, 1 - 2 p.m., in-person in 170 DHLRI & virtual via Carmen Zone
Join APA President, Ramaswamy Viswanathan, MD, DirMedSc, as he discusses how advances in our understanding of how lifestyle factors affect mental and physical health and the evidence-base for these relationships in some specific disorders. Dr. Viswanathan will cite exercise and interventional studies that showed benefits in depression disorders.
09/10/2024
PRMS Psych-cess: Hispanic Psychiatry
Free webinar for RFMs and ECPs - Sept. 18, 6:30 - 8 p.m. (ET)
Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS) will host a free webinar for residents, fellows, and early career psychiatrists, led by experts in the field to set you up for success. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Psych-cess: Hispanic Psychiatry will feature a panel of knowledgeable psychiatrists leading a discussion on their diverse experiences as Latinx physicians studying and practicing psychiatry, and treating diverse communities.
09/09/2024
Get ready for OPPA's biggest and best annual education event and celebration of 75 years!
March 1 - 2, 2025 - Hilton Polaris, Columbus - Registration is open
Register now to attend OPPA's 2025 Annual Psychiatric Update! This highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, March 1 (all day), and Sunday, March 2 (half-day) at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus. Join us as we Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, and Shape the Future of Psychiatry! You won't want to miss this enriching experience featuring some of the "best-of-the-best" speakers in the field of psychiatry. Our new venue, the Hilton Polaris, Columbus, offers a state-of-the-art environment designed to enhance your learning and networking opportunities.
09/06/2024
Message from OPPA's President - It's Women in Medicine Month!
As we celebrate Women in Medicine Month this September, I’m reflecting on the incredible contributions women have made to the field of psychiatry and medicine as a whole. This is a special time to recognize the perseverance, leadership, and strength of women who have broken barriers and continue to inspire us all.
08/30/2024
OACBHA One-Pager for August - Medications and Heat Intolerance
The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) released its August 2024 one-pager. The August one-pager entitled “Medications & Heat Intolerance” provides facts on how certain medications can affect an individuals heat intolerance. While psychiatric medications offer a reduction in anxiety, depression, and other mental illness symptoms, they can meddle with our thermoregulation. Due to the increased risk, individuals taking antidepressants should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
08/30/2024
Ohio Overdose Awareness Day - August 31
With a goal of raising awareness, supporting communities in the fight against drug addiction, and remembering loved ones lost to the epidemic, the state will observe “Ohio Overdose Awareness Day” on Aug. 31. OhioMHAS and RecoveryOhio have teamed up to release two new toolkits to help communities plan and host events in recognition of Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31) and Recovery Month (September).The all-new Overdose Awareness Day toolkit includes social media graphics and posts, flyers, and digital ads that can be used by local communities and organizations to help promote awareness and local events.
08/30/2024
Medical Board releases Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024
In case you missed it, the State Medical Board of Ohio recently released its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024. In addition to Board actions, the report includes data related to communication and outreach activities, licensure activities, public records requests, and more.
08/22/2024
Bonus Free Course for August: The Role of Psychiatry in K-12 Schools
This course explores the important role of mental health services in schools, particularly for underserved student populations. The course will highlight a successful model in North Carolina that provides education, universal screening, and appropriate services for students in response to their level of need.
08/22/2024
APA Course of the Month: Mental Health of Zoomers
Each month, APA members have free access to an on-demand CME course in the APA Learning Center. The March course explores mental health of Zoomers. This course analyzes societal changes contributing to increased adolescent stress and associated risk of mental health disorders. Participants will also gain insight into the construct of engagement as a key principle in addressing the mental health crisis among Gen Z teens.
08/15/2024
APA sends Action Alert to all members about declining Medicare reimbursement rates
Contact your member of Congress today
While Congress has taken action to mitigate some of the recent Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) cuts on a temporary basis, reimbursement continues to decline. To make matters worse, physicians remain the only providers whose Medicare payments do not automatically receive an annual inflationary update. As a result, Medicare physician payments have lagged 29% behind the rate of inflation growth since 2001. This places a terrible financial burden on physicians and makes it difficult for them to keep their doors open and ensure quality care for patients.
08/14/2024
Next edition of Clinical QuickNotes on Substance Use Disorders Released
The Ohio Substance Use Disorders Center of Excellence (SUD-COE) at Case Western Reserve University has released the second of its series, “Clinical QuickNotes on Substance Use Disorders.” This QuickNote is titled “What’s Happened with Alcohol Use Disorder.” “Clinical QuickNotes” provide brief overviews of various clinically relevant topics and are designed for busy physicians to review in just a few minutes. These QuickNotes complement other virtual and live trainings and learning communities offered by the SUD-COE.
08/14/2024
11th Annual Current Concepts in Integrated Healthcare
FREE for a limited time! Nov. 2, 2024
The 11th Annual Current Concepts in Integrated Healthcare is scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, inside the Cabaret at House Three Thirty (formerly the Tangier Restaurant), 532 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44303. Attendees may attend the all-day medical conference in-person or virtually. The meeting will focus on mental illness, substance use and the intersection with physical illness.
08/09/2024
Registration deadline for APA's State Advocacy Conference approaching
APA’s 2024 State Advocacy Conference will take place September 21–22 at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. This event is designed to help psychiatrists develop effective strategies and tactics to engage legislators on the many challenges facing psychiatry at the state level. Registration deadline is August 15.
08/09/2024
NIMH releases back to school resources for mental health
Returning to school can be exciting and challenging for children and teens. During this season, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) shared these resources on coping strategies and guidance for seeking help during this stressful time. NIMH also offers brochures and fact sheets on mental disorders and related topics for children and adolescents.
08/09/2024
Mental Health America releases its 10th annual State of Mental Health in America report
The report ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia according to 15 mental health access and prevalence measures. The report provides a snapshot of mental health among youth and adults and tracks changes in the prevalence of mental health conditions. The U.S continues to be in a mental health crisis, MHA said in a statement accompanying the release.
08/07/2024
OPPA Annual Psychiatric Update 2025
March 1-2, 2025 - Hilton Polaris, Columbus
Save the date! Planning is well underway for OPPA's Annual Psychiatric Update, which will be held on Sat./Sun., March 1-2, 2025 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus. The theme of the 2025 meeting recognizes OPPA 75th anniversary: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating the Present, and Shaping the Future of Psychiatry. The event will be a big celebration as we have lined up some of the best-of-the-best nationally recognized speakers!
07/01/2024
4th Annual APA & APAF MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K Run, Walk, & Roll Live Race & Virtual Race
Saturday, July 20
Join OPPA's team and help reach our goal of $2K and make a difference in the mental health of young people of color! The APA's Division of Diversity and Health Equity invites you to join us in combating mental health inequities facing young people of color and in honoring mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell. Your time and dollars can help make a difference for young people of color facing mental health challenges and the impact of systemic racism. Funds raised benefit the APA/APAF Moore Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program, which supports community organizations that have undertaken innovative awareness programs and/or have provided services to improve the mental health of young people of color.
07/01/2024
OPPA successfully brokers a deal on SB 60
As members are likely aware, OPPA originally took a position of active opposition to Senate Bill 60 – a bill that would create a new mid-level mental health profession - Certified Mental Health Assistant. There were significant concerns about the legislation, including training and education, lack of specificity, as well as patient and physician protections. We were asked to identify our top ten major concerns with the bill and our potential solutions to those issues. We are happy to report we were successful in working with the chair, sponsor and committee members to include all 10 items that we requested, which is a huge win for psychiatrists and individuals with mental illness.
07/01/2024
BHPCIA seeking input on your experience with Insurance Panel Participation
The Ohio Behavioral Health Provider Coalition for Insurance Advocacy - of which, OPPA is a member, is seeking feedback on your experience as a behavioral health clinician working with insurance companies. This survey is part of an ongoing series of reports. Responses will inform a forthcoming survey from the Behavioral Health Provider Coalition for Insurance Advocacy. No identifying information will be shared in the final report, but we may select quotes that illustrate important trends and themes. All responses are optional. Please respond as soon as possible.
06/05/2024
OPPA signs on to coalition proponent testimony on House Bill 452 - efforts to address violence against heathcare providers
House Bill 452 requires each hospital system, and each hospital that is not part of a hospital system, to establish a security plan for preventing workplace violence and managing aggressive behaviors. The hospital system or hospital making the plan must involve a team of health care employees who provide direct patient care. The bill also includes reporting requirements.
06/05/2024
New innovative tool generates customized 988 materials for Ohio communities
Just ahead of the two-year anniversary of the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Ohio, a new tool has been created to allow anyone throughout the state to design free, customized 988 materials that can be shared within their communities. The easy-to-use OHIO988 Materials Generator will help stakeholders and individuals throughout Ohio to create handouts, posters, and social media graphics with messaging and visuals that can be tailored to their respective audience.
05/29/2024
OPPA sends Action Alert to members to take action to oppose Senate Bill 60
Please contact your legislators if you haven't already done so
OPPA (and other physician groups in Ohio) sent out a Call to Action in opposition of Senate Bill 60 that would establish licensure by the State Medical Board for a new allied practitioner: a certified mental health assistants (CMHAs). The legislation does not outline any education and training requirements for this new practitioner and would give them prescriptive authority. The Ohio Senate is poised to vote on this legislation in the coming weeks and OPPA needs your help. Please follow the instructions to send a letter to your Senator and Representative and urge them NOT to support SB 60. It will only take a few moments of your time, and it is critical that your legislators hear from you that while Ohio physicians understand and share the common goal of addressing the increased need for mental health care services across the state – this proposal is NOT the solution!
05/29/2024
OPPA Advocacy Day at the Statehouse - Register Today!
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Join your colleagues and register today to attend the 2024 OPPA Advocacy Day at the Statehouse. Let your voice be heard in meeting one-on-one with your State Representative and State Senator. OPPA will schedule the meetings for you, provide you with Issue Briefs and key talking points on one or two priority pieces of legislation. It's never been more important to advocate on behalf of your patients and your profession!
05/29/2024
New officers hit the ground running!
The 2024 officers of OPPA took office on May 8 and wasted no time taking action on several key issues, representing the organization in important meetings with stakeholders, appointing new committees and chairs, as well as advocating on several important pieces of legislation.
05/16/2024
APA Course of the Month: Psychopharmacology Master Class: The Art of Psychopharmacology
Each month, APA members have free access to an on-demand CME course in the APA Learning Center. The May course will address the science of the art of psychopharmacology – highlighting the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, the importance of a patient-centered evaluation, prescribing decisions that facilitate the patient's healthy use of treatment, common errors in prescribing and more. Click here to access the Course of the Month and sign up for updates about this free member benefit.
04/02/2024
In addressing maternal mortality, mental health often left out
As reported recently in Psychiatric News, Mental health conditions are the leading underlying cause of maternal mortality, yet mental health is often left out of national initiatives to improve maternal outcomes. Experts say much more needs to be done, including gathering data to better understand the significance of the problem.
