I just wanted to give a quick update and ask for additional help. Our bill, H 1787, has passed, favorably, the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse and has been forwarded to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. The final date to make a decision on this is April 20th. We want to ensure that it gets passed much sooner than that. So, please follow this link to the committee and do me a favor and start calling and advocating that they report the bill favorably. In fact, I have written a quick summary of what you should say if you are unsure. It reads as follows:
"I am calling to ask that you support and report favorably bill H 1787 "An Act Relative to Expanding Access and Safety of Mental Health Services." This bill allows Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), to be included in the language for Chapter 123 Section 12 and 35. LMHCs, like Social Workers and Psychologists, have a full scope of practice and work in the same areas, such as hospitals, agencies, private practice and emergency rooms. The Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Nation Association for Social Workers of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Psychological Association have all written public letters of support for this bill. Please report favorably, H 1787."
As I get news, I will share it with you.
Thank you, as always, for your support and effort!