NAMI is excited to announce the release of its third annual state legislation report tracking state mental health budgets and identifying legislative trends across the country: State Mental Health Legislation 2015: Trends, Themes and Effective Practices.
Among the report’s positive findings were that several states passed innovative measures that can serve as models for development and change across the country. In more alarming news, NAMI found that overall investment in state mental health budgets has been declining for the past three years.
Vermont’s Act 54 is identified in the report’s Health Insurance Parity appendix, which describes legislation that addresses the need for “coverage of mental health and substance use services on the same terms and conditions as other types of medical care.” Vermont HB 241 and S 141 were also identified under the report’s Civil Commitment and Court-Ordered Treatment and Gun Ownership sections, respectively.
NAMI hopes this report will serve as an important tool for state leaders and advocates as we work together to improve mental health care in this country. You can download the full report and view more of the highlights on NAMI’s website.
