U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) was part of a bipartisan group of legislators that introduced draft legislation on Monday that aims to address America’s mental health crisis.
The Mental Health Reform Act would leverage mental health research and innovation to ensure that Americans receive appropriate care for mental health and substance abuse disorders.
“Our mental health system is broken — the Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 begins to fix it,” Cassidy, a licensed physician, said. “We have all seen a promising life destroyed by untreated mental illness. Destroying not just the person, but also their family. By focusing and making resources available for patients and families, we can help restore mental health to the emotionally broken.”
The bill would enhance coordination between federal agencies and departments that provide mental health care and would enhance accountability through evaluations of mental health programs.
U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) joined Cassidy in introducing the draft legislation.
“One in five adults in this country suffers from a mental illness, and nearly 60 percent aren’t receiving the treatment they need,” Alexander, the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, said. “This bill will help address this crisis by ensuring our federal programs and policies incorporate proven, scientific approaches to improve care for patients. States like Tennessee and local governments are on the forefront in treating mental illness and substance abuse, and this legislation will support their efforts so people can get the help they need.”
Murray, the ranking member of the Senate HELP Committee, said that she has heard too many stories about people who could not get the mental health care they needed.
“Our mental health system has been broken for far too long, and I’m pleased that Democrats and Republicans were able to break through the gridlock and agree on policies to help deliver quality, integrated care to our neighbors, friends, and loved ones who struggle with mental illness,” Murray said.
In addition to increasing access to mental health care, the bill would improve training for those who provide and care and promote better enforcement of existing mental health laws.