As psychological well being advocates, Children’ Minds Matter acknowledges the ability of our state and nationwide governments to assist enhance pediatric behavioral well being. By outlining pediatric behavioral well being legislative priorities for Southwest Florida, we now have come collectively to advocate all ranges of presidency via telephone calls, emails, and letters to our elected officers. This advocacy is difficult work and does take time, however change does occur. A major instance is the not too long ago signed Reside Wholesome legislative bundle, a big step ahead in our mission.
On March 21, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed 5 payments as a part of the Reside Wholesome bundle. This legislative bundle strengthens Florida’s well being care workforce, expands entry to high quality well being care, and advances expertise. Championed by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo of Naples together with Speaker Paul Renner, Senator Colleen Burton, and Chief Michael Grant, this laws is a win for pediatric psychological and behavioral well being care. It contains:
- $13 million in funding for Medicaid behavioral well being suppliers
- Amendments to the Baker Act comprised of:
- A streamlined course of for acquiring involuntary companies
- Flexibility for the courts to satisfy particular person therapy wants
- A complete and customized discharge planning course of
- Elimination of the 30-bed cap for disaster stabilization models
- Further funding for brand spanking new state behavioral well being hospitals
- Funding to broaden the Graduate Medical Training (GME) Statewide Medicaid Residency Program, together with at Lee Well being
- Expanded reimbursements for at-home care
- Improves telehealth entry for these in want
Moreover, the legislative bundle comprises measures to satisfy the rising well being care calls for of Florida’s ever-growing inhabitants with initiatives to retain and recruit well being care staff. Moreover, the bundle options provisions to foster improvements within the well being care trade whereas establishing specialised educating hospitals for behavioral well being.
The signing of the Reside Wholesome initiative was the results of perseverance, dedication, and collaboration by many supporters and advocates all through Florida. For Children’ Minds Matter, it is a vital stride in the direction of enhancing the way forward for pediatric psychological and behavioral well being in our group. We must always all take a second to have fun this milestone, as this bundle will assist us deal with vital gaps in psychological well being companies.
Be part of us in sending gratitude to our elected leaders with a letter expressing our appreciation for his or her dedication to enhancing the lives of youngsters and households in Florida, advocating for higher well being care, and addressing the psychological and behavioral well being wants of our communities.
There may be nonetheless a lot nice work to be finished, and we stay dedicated to advocating for the well-being of youngsters and younger individuals in Southwest Florida. Discover out how one can assist amplify our voice to drive actual change.
