Bill introduced to extend MU benefits for mental health facilities, professionals

U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, D-R.I., has introduced the HITECH Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010 in the House of Representatives to extend health IT assistance to behavioral health, mental health and substance abuse professionals and facilities.

The bill, H.R. 5025, seeks to amend the Public Health Service Act and the Social Security Act, so that the newly eligible facilities and professionals under the bill could receive meaningful use incentives of EHRs funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

According to the bill, the Payment Incentives for Eligible Professionals under Medicare section of the Social Security Act is proposed to be amended so that an eligible professional would mean:

• A physician;
• A clinical  psychologist providing qualified psychologist services; and
• A clinical social worker.

Additionally, Section 1886(n)(6)(B) of the Social Security Act--the section concerning eligible hospitals--is proposed to be amended by adding "an inpatient hospital that is a psychiatric hospital" as an eligible hospital.

In terms of Medicaid providers, H.R. 5025 seeks to extend to facilities such as public hospitals that are principally psychiatric hospitals and private hospitals (that are principally psychiatric hospitals), mental health treatment facilities and substance abuse treatment facilities that have at least 10 percent of its patient volume attributable to individuals receiving medical assistance under Medicaid.

Currently, the bill is referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means.