SAMHSA Strategic Priorities

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released new Strategic Priorities on September 10, 2025. SAMHSA said that it “is committed to execution of these strategic priorities by first and foremost being the HHS agency that is responsive and targeted in responding to Departmental and Administration priorities. Using this continual lens, SAMHSA will leverage our data, expertise, resources, training, and technical assistance to advance:

· Preventing substance misuse, abuse, and addiction

· Addressing serious mental illness

· Expanding crisis intervention care and services

· Improving access to evidence-based treatment for mental illness, substance use, and co-occurring disorders

· Helping individuals achieve long-term recovery and sobriety

· Identifying and addressing emerging behavioral health threats”

988 Georouting Approved by the FCC

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the georouting of calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on July 24, 2025. Nationwide providers have 18 months to comply with this rule which requires that crisis calls are routed to support that is local to the caller or text’s general location rather than relying on area codes for routing purposes. Regional providers have 36 months to comply with this rule.

State Mental Health Agency Report Released

The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Research Institute (NRI) has released six new in-depth reports analyzing how state mental health agencies (SMHAs) are operating. The snapshots cover everything from the overall structure and use of SMHAs to how they respond to crisis situations and measure crisis system outcomes. More reports are expected to be released throughout the month.

STARR Coalition Mental Health Research Policy Tracker

The STARR Coalition has opened a policy tracker and action center to keep up to date about and advocate for mental health research policies that support individuals and families with lived experience. Check in for news about the latest legislative policies related to mental health research.

Supreme Court Protects Rights of Students with Disabilities

On June 12, 2025, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that families suing schools under the Americans with Disabilities Act for discrimination against students with disabilities, including mental health and behavioral challenges, do not need to prove “bad faith or gross misjudgment” on part of the school. This will allow families whose children do not receive legally-required support to continue to use the court system to hold schools accountable.

Report to Congress on Medicaid and CHIP for Transition-Aged Youth

released a report on June 11, 2025 that includes recommendations on transitions from pediatric to adult care for Medicaid-covered children and youth with special health care needs, including mental health and substance use challenges. This report was sent to Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson to inform policy.

Family Peer Support Services: Broadening the View SAMHSA Fact Sheet

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a new fact sheet Family Peer Support Services: Broadening the View in January 2025 with considerations and recommendation for expanding family peer support services to include all family members as more siblings, spouses, adult children, and others step into a caregiving role for their loved ones with mental health and/or substance use disorders.

Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits

This fact sheet from the National Council of Nonprofits explains the various Executive Orders that have been released in early 2025 that affect nonprofit organizations’ funding and operations directly and indirectly. This fact sheet will be regularly updated.

The First Focus Campaign for Children Legislative Scorecard

First Focus Campaign for Children’s Legislative Scorecard reflects the votes, bill sponsorships, and other actions lawmakers took during the 118th Congress, which began in January 2023 and ran through January 2025. See how your legislators scored in their advocacy for children and families.

Urging the Supreme Court to Protect Rights of Students with Disabilities in ADA Education Case

On March 5, 2025, Bazelon and a coalition of national disability rights organizations filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the civil rights of students with disabilities in AJT v. Osseo Area Schools, a landmark case concerning the standards for proving disability discrimination claims in K-12 education. The brief argues that students with disabilities should not face a higher legal standard when seeking justice for discrimination in K-12 schools than exists in all other settings covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504).

17 State Lawsuit to End Section 504 - Texas vs. Becerra

17 states are asking the court to get rid of Section 504. The states disagree with a few things in the updated Section 504 rules. The lawsuit asks the court to get rid of all the updated rules—and to get rid of Section 504 itself, not just the rules they disagree with. The lawsuit claims the Section 504 goes against the United States Constitution. The lawsuit says that no one should have to follow any part of Section 504. A Joint Status Report filed on February 19th, affirmed the states continued pursual of this lawsuit.

You can also learn more with the Plain Language Explainer - Texas v. Becerra.

Lend Your Voice of Experience

NFF is working alongside Lifting Voices to contribute data for two important surveys, to better understand and improve mental health and substance use services for youth and young adults by uplifting the voices of youth, young adults, and their caregivers:

· Parent or Caregiver Survey: This survey is for parents or caregivers of youth aged 12 to 25 who have required interventions for conditions such as mental health, behavioral, attentional, or substance use needs.

· Youth and Young Adults: This survey is for individuals aged 12 to 25 who have experienced mental health and/or substance use conditions. It seeks to gather insights on accessing care and recommendations for service improvements.

Substance Use

SAMHSA's 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)

SAMHSA released the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health on July 28, 2025. The annual survey report shows how people living in United States reported their experience with mental health conditions, substance use, and pursuit of treatment.

An Assessment of Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment Facilities Across the U.S. 

The annual National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey provides an assessment of the supply and characteristics of substance use and mental health treatment facilities at a national and state level. This is an annual survey sent to all substance use and mental health treatment facilities to assess the supply and characteristics of these facilities at a national and state level. Key indicators are available at a national and state level State Health Facts. 

Partnership to End Addiction’s Insurance Resource Center

In this resource center, the Partnership to End Addiction explains some of the details of insurance, including your rights to receiving coverage for proper substance use disorder support. There are many tools and resources you can use when trying to use your insurance to pay for treatment or when navigating a denial.

Center for Addiction Recovery Support (CARS)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Office of Recovery, in partnership with One World Recovery Network (OWRN), has announced the launch of the new Center for Addiction Recovery Support (CARS) to provide essential training and technical assistance (TTA) led by people in recovery and allies to help organizations better provide recovery supports to individuals facing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Resources

Zero to Three Fact Sheet - Medicaid: What’s At Stake

Zero to Three created a national-level data fact sheet with stats on the number and background of children and babies who rely on Medicaid.

IRS Raises ABLE Account Deposit Limit

Starting January 2025, individuals with disabilities can accrue more money than before in a special type of account that allows people to save without jeopardizing access to Medicaid and other government benefits. Contributions to ABLE accounts can total up to $19,000 for 2025. That’s an increase from $18,000 last year. The change comes after the Internal Revenue Service raised the federal gift tax limit. Since the cap on annual deposits for ABLE accounts is tied to that figure, it will grow too.

Workforce Solutions Partnership: Call to Action to Build a Sustainable Behavioral Health Workforce

The Workforce Solutions Partnership is a collaboration between the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Health Management Associates and The College for Behavioral Health Leadership that is driving comprehensive solutions. Their collaborative approach brings together policymakers, health care leaders, behavioral health professionals, government entities, health plans, academic institutions, professional associations, philanthropists, technology companies and other partners to build a comprehensive strategy that addresses workforce challenges through:

• Immediate interventions to support current professionals.

• Long-term strategies to attract and retain talent.

• Innovative approaches to expand access and quality of care.

The Office of Special Education Programs Releases Two New Fast Facts

These Fast Facts spotlight OSEP’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 618 data on personnel and educational environments of children with disabilities in early childhood settings. They are packed with visualizations that help make IDEA 618 data easy to interpret and share. (1) OSEP Fast Facts: Educational Environments of Children with Disabilities Served under IDEA Part B Section 619 and (2) OSEP Fast Facts: Part B Personnel.

2024 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Report to Congress

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) report outlines the incredible progress our country has made in implementing the bipartisan Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021, building on the federal parity law. The report highlights continued issues and shows how the Departments of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Treasury have reduced barriers to care, as well as showing that MHPAEA compliance is something that plans can achieve if they make an attempt.

New Report from Mental Health America on Social Media and Youth Wellbeing

Mental Health America’s latest report, Breaking the Algorithm: Redesigning Social Media for Youth Well-Being, dives deep into how social media is impacting young people’s mental health, relationships, and daily lives. Born from the Breaking the Algorithm summit and research project, this initiative was led and co-created by young people every step of the way. This report brings together insights from over 900 survey respondents, focus groups with young people, and conversations with our youth co-researchers to explore: 1. The dual nature of social media as both a connector and a source of harm; 2. How algorithms shape youth experiences, often without their full understanding or consent; 3. Why it’s critical to empower young people with tools, education, and a voice in the systems that shape their digital worlds.

Vibrant Emotional Health Created Two New State-Level Resources

• 2024 State Appropriations for the 988 Lifeline: This resource page includes graphics for all 50 states explaining the allocated budget amount, budget length, budget status, and information about changes, where applicable.

• Interactive Legislative Map: This tool allows users to view current legislation related to the 988 Lifeline in their state, which can be filtered by issue areas such as student ID cards or mobile crisis.

Adoption Competence National Directory

Adoption journeys are unique, and so are the challenges that come with them. The Cetner for Adoption Support and Education has released an Adoption National Directory, a one-stop shop to access hundreds of mental health therapists nationwide, all with specialized training in supporting adoptive, foster, and kinship families.

Report on Policy Recommendations to Improve Youth Health Care System Delivery

This report from the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force outlines policies that if implemented would redesign the health care delivery system to better support youth by

• Strengthening and growing the behavioral health workforce,

• Increasing transparency and compliance to screening and treatment requirements,

• Promoting integrated primary care and behavioral health services for youth,

• Addressing the needs of youth with greatest behavioral health needs, and

• Strengthening crisis and stabilization services.

Read the full report here.

Proposed Legislation

SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 Passed

Representative Brett Guthrie (R-KY) re-introduced the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act to increase funding and clarify technical aspects of the bill on March 31, 2025. Rep. Guthrie first introduced this bill to prevent overdoses and provide access to immediate and long-term care recovery services in 2018, and it has been reauthorized every year since then. The bill passed in the House on June 4, 2025 and passed the Senate on September 18, 2025. It is expected to be signed into law in October 2025. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act of 2025 (H.R.4619)

Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI) reintroduced the Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act of 2025 on July 22, 2025. If passed, this bill would increase mental health parity by removing the current 190-day lifetime limit for inpatient psychiatric hospital services for Medicare recipients. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Medicaid Bump Act (H.R.4745, S.2410)

Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY), Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) reintroduced the Medicaid Bump Act in both the House and the Senate on July 23, 2025. The bill would increase the Medicaid federal matching rate for mental health and substance use disorder services in order to address one of the biggest barriers to provider participation in the Medicaid program. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Telemental Health Care Access Act (H.R.3884, S.2011)

Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Troy Balderson (R-OH) and Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) have reintroduced the Telemental Health Care Access Act, which would permanently eliminate the six month in-person requirement for Medicare beneficiaries to seek mental health services via telehealth. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Mental Health Excellence in Schools Program Act (H.R.3534, S.1895)

The Mental Health Excellence in Schools Program Act was reintroduced in the House and Senate on May 21, 2025. The bill would create a partnership between the Department of Education and universities to create tuition grants for students who complete a training program that leads to a credential as a school mental health professional. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025 (H.R.3505)

Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025 on May 20, 2025 to establish a grant program to help states, localities and Tribal governments provide life-saving nets and barriers on bridges, buildings, and other high-risk structures. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery (PEER) Support Act Reintroduced (S.1329, H.R.2741)

Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and his colleagues Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) reintroduced the PEER Support Act, which aims to remove barriers and provide support for peer support specialists—including family peers—on April 8, 2025. In September 2023, The bipartisan Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery (PEER) Support Act legislation will expand access to peer-to-peer support services for those living with mental health and substance use disorders. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Specifically, the PEER Support Act would:

• Direct the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system to create a distinct classification for peer support specialists to ensure accurate data reporting on the peer support specialist profession

• Codify the Office of Recovery in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to:
  

  • Provide leadership in the identification of new and emerging issues related to recovery support services

  • Research and publish best practice recommendations to states and entities that employ peer specialists for training, certification, and supervision of peer support specialists

  • Support ongoing professional development of peer support specialists

  • Issue recommendations on the creation of career pathways for peer support specialists

• Instruct the Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Department of Justice, to research states’ criminal background screening processes that may pose barriers to the certification or practice of peer support specialists, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for overcoming those barriers

Peer Support Act Information Sheet

CONNECT For Health Act (S. 1261)

On April 4th, Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Peter Welch (D-VT), and John Barrasso (R-WY) led a bipartisan group of 65 senators in reintroducing the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act (S.1216).

The CONNECT for Health Act would:

• Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to the location of the patient, including homes;

• Permanently allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services;

• Allow more eligible health care professionals to utilize telehealth services;

• Remove unnecessary in-person visit requirement for telemental health services;

• Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and

• Require more published data to learn more about how telehealth is being used, impacts of quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and health care providers.

NFF endorsed this legislation.

COMPLETE Care Act (S.931, H.R.2509)

Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and John Cornyn (R-TS) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder care on March 11, 2025. The Connecting Our Medical Providers with Links to Expand Tailored and Effective (COMPLETE) Care Act (S.391) will improve access to timely, effective behavioral health services in primary care settings. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) introduced campaign bill H.R. 2509 in the House on March 31, 2025. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Suicide Prevention Act (S.1062)

On March 13, 2025, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced the Suicide Prevention Act (S.1062), which would authorize a pilot program to expand and intensify surveillance of self-harm in partnership with state and local public health departments to establish a grant program to provide self-harm and suicide prevention services in hospital emergency departments. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act (S.906, H.R.1448)

On March 6, 2025, Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced a bill to fund a pilot program to support evidence-based mental health peer support activities for secondary school students. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) on February 21, 2025. NFF endorsed this legislation. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) (S.836)

Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) reintroduced the bipartisan Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) on March 4, 2025, which would update online data privacy rules for the 21st century and ensure children and teenagers are protected online. Senator Markey first introduced this legislation to update his original COPPA law in 2011 as a member of the House of Representatives and has introduced the bipartisan legislation in every Congress since. NFF endorsed this legislation. On June 25, 2025, it was ordered out of committee with favorable amendments.

Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S.830, H.R.2560)

Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced bipartisan legislation to support the health and wellbeing of family caregivers on March 4, 2025. Representative Nicholas A. Langworthy (R-NY) introduced a companion bill in the House on April 1, 2025. The Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S.830) would reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care Program through fiscal year 2030 and clarify that youth caregivers (those under 18 who are providing care or helping to provide care to family members) are eligible for the program. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act 190-Day Limit Elimination Endorsement (H.R.4946)

In March 2025, NFF joined other advocacy organizations to urge Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI), who are re-introducing the Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act (which they originally introduced in 2023, to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit for inpatient behavioral health treatment under Medicare. MedPAC unanimously called for the elimination of this 60-year old policy that is a barrier to access. You can read the letter here. 

Expanding Student Access to Mental Health Services Act (H.R.1649)

On February 27, 2025, Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) introduced this bill, which would provide school districts with increased flexibility in how they can use funds from an existing grant program under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to improve mental health services for students.

Early Action and Responsiveness Lifts Youth (EARLY) Minds Act (S.779, H.R.1735)

Representatives August Pfluger (TX-11), Kim Schrier (WA-08), John Joyce (PA-13), and Kathy Castor (FL-14), along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation on February 27, 2025 to combat the growing youth mental health crisis in America. The Early Action and Responsiveness Lifts Youth (EARLY) Minds Act would provide early intervention and prevention services to children and adults struggling with mental health challenges. NFF joined the Mental Health Liaison Group in urging the Energy and Commerce Committee to take up this legislation this year.

The Family-to-Family Reauthorization Act (H.R.1435)

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (R- TX) introduced H.R.1435 in House on February 18, 2025. Similar to the bill passed out of the House Energy & Commerce committee at the end of 2024, the bill would fund the F2F program at $9 million for 4 years, through Fiscal Year 2029.

Combating Illicit Xylazine Act Reintroduced (S.545, H.R.1266)

On February 12, 2025, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), alongside his colleagues, introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Combating Illicit Xylazine Act). This bill would list xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance while protecting the drug’s legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers. This is a reintroduction of H.R.1839 and S.993, which were both last introduced into committees in the House of Representatives and Senate in the 2023-2024 legislative session.

Parity Enforcement Act Reintroduced (H.R.957)

Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Joe Courtney (D-CT) reintroduced the Parity Enforcement Act, on February 4, 2025. If passed, this act will expand the U.S. Department of Labor’s authority to hold health insurers and plan sponsors accountable for offering health plans that violate the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Parity Enforcement Act Fact Sheet

Kids Off Social Media Act Introduced (S.278)

Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced bipartisan legislation S.278 on January 28, 2025 to keep kids off social media and help protect them from its harmful impacts. The Kids Off Social Media Act would set a minimum age of 13 to use social media platforms and prevent social media companies from feeding algorithmically-targeted content to users under the age of 17. On June 30,2025, this bill was placed on the Senate’s legislative calendar for consideration. NFF endorsed this legislation.

Specifically, the Kids Off Social Media Act would:

• Prohibit social media platforms from allowing children under the age of 13 to create or maintain social media accounts

• Prohibit social media companies from pushing targeted content using algorithms to users under the age of 17

• Provide the FTC and state attorneys general authority to enforce the provisions of the bill; an

• Follow existing CIPA framework, with changes, to require schools to work in good faith to limit social media on their federally-funded networks, which many schools already do.

Implemented Legislation

Autism CARES Act (H.R.7213) Becomes Law

The Autism CARES Act of 2024 (H.R.7213) was passed on December 23, 2024 to reauthorize and expand provisions to support autism education, research, and resources. It provides funding of more than $2.1 billion over five years. The CARES Act works to coordinate the research and training programs in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services focused on autism.

Child Welfare-Specific Provisions in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

In May 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prevents organizations that receive federal funding from discriminating against individuals based on disability. This final rule codified the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and explicitly applied Section 504 to the child welfare context. In January 2025, the Administration for Children and Families issued an Information Memorandum (IM), providing guidance on this final rule. Innovations Institute developed this explainer of the child welfare-specific provisions of the final rule based on the IM.

• For Briefings and Statements - Briefings & Statements – The White House

• For Presidential Actions - Presidential Actions – The White House

MAHA Commission Releases Strategy Report

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released a report on September 9, 2025 that outlines their strategy to address the “childhood chronic disease epidemic.” Key focus areas of the strategy related to behavioral health include autism and mental health research and prioritizing pediatric mental health education. The report also discusses reducing the rate of behavioral health medication prescribed to youth.

CMS & SAMHSA Guidance on How State Medicaid Programs Can Support Crisis Response Services

On September 5, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), released guidance for states and other stakeholders on effective practices in crisis services as well as the federal authorities under which states can finance crisis response services in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The guidance highlights effective strategies for crisis response services in rural and urban areas, describes specific Medicaid and CHIP authorities and flexibilities to support the full continuum of crisis services, and provides an overview of strategies for measuring and monitoring crisis response services.

White House Releases Executive Order on Federal Grantmaking

On August 7, 2025, the White House issued the Executive Order Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking that seeks to increase the oversight and transparency of federal discretionary grantmaking through the use of a political appointee at each agency to review all grant funding for alignment with agency missions and executive priorities.

Enforcement of the Final Rule on Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

On May 15, 2025, the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury released a joint statement explaining that the 2024 final rules for the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act would not be enforced. The rules introduced in 2013 and 2021 are still in effect, and states still have the authority to issue guidance and implement state parity rules. The Kennedy Forum urges states to continue to advocate for gold standards for parity.

Health and Human Services Reorganization

On May 8, 2025 Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., expressing concern about the proposal to eliminate the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Full text of the letter is available here. On May 12, Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) suspending the planned departmental reorganization of HHS. The TRO comes in a case filed by labor unions, nonprofits and city governments seeking to halt federal layoffs and agency reorganizations pursuant to an executive order issued in February that sought to make large-scale changes to the federal workforce, among other changes. The TRO pauses any further layoffs and reorganization of federal agencies, including temporarily halting the planned SAMHSA reorganization.

White House Releases Executive Order to Lower Drug Prices

On May 11, 2025, President Trump released an executive order that directed the Secretary of HHS to coordinate with other executive department and agency officials to communicate "most-favored-nation price targets" to pharmaceutical manufacturers to bring prices for American patients in line with comparably developed nations.

$25 Million Investment in President’s FY26 Budget for Foster Youth

First Lady Melania Trump secured a $25 million investment in President Trump’s FY26 budget to provide housing and support for youth transitioning out of foster care. In recognition of the seventh anniversary of Mrs. Trump’s BE BEST initiative, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated funds toward the Agency’s Foster Youth to Independence program (FYI).

Dr. Mehmet Oz Shares His Vision for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Dr. Oz was confirmed to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on April 3, 2025. One week later, CMS shared his vision to modernize Medicare, the Marketplaces and Medicaid so Americans get the care that they want, need, and deserve. Dr. Oz also affirmed his commitment to work with HHS Secretary Kennedy on the Make America Healthy Again Commission.

White House Releases 2025 Statement of Drug Policy Priorities

On April 1, 2025, the Office of National Drug Policy released their 2025 Statement of Drug Policy Priorities. The Statement explains that these priorities are aimed at disrupting the illicit drug supply chain and addressing the complex problem of substance use disorder in an effort to build a safer, healthier future for the United States. The President’s six drug control policy priorities are:

1. Reduce the Number of Overdose Fatalities, with a Focus on Fentanyl

2. Secure the Global Supply Chain Against Drug Trafficking

3. Stop the Flow of Drugs Across Our Borders and Into Our Communities

4. Prevent Drug Use Before It Starts

5. Provide Treatment That Leads to Long-Term Recovery

6. Innovate in Research and Data to Support Drug Control Strategies

Secretary Kennedy Renews Public Health Emergency Declaration to Address National Opioid Crisis

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. renewed the public health emergency declaration addressing our nation’s opioid crisis, which will allow sustained federal coordination efforts and preserve key flexibilities that enable HHS to continue leveraging expanded authorities to conduct certain activities in response to the opioid overdose crisis.

President Donald J. Trump Announces Actions to Make Healthcare Prices Transparent

On February 25, the White House issued an Executive Order to empower patients with clear, accurate, and actionable healthcare pricing information. Read the fact sheet for more information, which indicates the Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services will:

• Ensure hospitals and insurers disclose actual prices, not estimates, and take action to make prices comparable across hospitals and insurers, including prescription drug prices

• Update their enforcement policies to ensure hospitals and insurers are in compliance with requirements to make prices transparent

HHS Sec. RFK Jr. To Lead MAHA Commission HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s first task will be chairing a new body to combat childhood chronic disease—including autism, setting an ambitious agenda to improve Americans’ health, as well as tackling chronic disease through holistic approaches and addressing the potential overuse of medicine in the Make America Healthy Again Commission.

To learn more about the legislation advocacy efforts where you live, visit this slideshow to connect with organizations working in your state. Stay up-to-date with state-based news by subscribing to the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors’ newsletter.

Policies and Legislation

Alaska

Foster Children Psychiatric Treatment Act (H.B.36)

Representative Andrew Gray (D) introduced H.B.36, which would require a judicial hearing within seven days of admission of a foster child to an acute psychiatric hospital with the possibility of an additional seven-day extension in an effort to reduce the hospitalization of foster children who are hospitalized for longer than they need or when they do not need to be hospitalized at all. H.B.36 also allows parties to appear remotely thus reducing cost and protecting expedient due process. This bill passed the AK House on March 26, 2025. It was read in the AK Senate and referred to the Finance Committee on May 16, 2025.

Medical Assistance: Children Under Age 6 Act (H.B.151)

Alaskan Representatives Alyse Galvin (I) and Zack Fields (D) introduced a bill on March 24, 2025 that would allow children under six years of age to be continuously enrolled in Medicaid without having to re-enroll annually. It was referred to the Finance Committee on April 25, 2025.

Minors & Psychiatric Hospitals (S.B.44, H.B.52)

A pair of companion bills (S.B.44, H.B.52) proposes reforms to reduce the risk of abuse, strengthen family connections, and improve the transparency of Alaska’s psychiatric hospitals. It ensures that minors in psychiatric hospitals can maintain communication with their parents or legal guardians while hospitalized, as well as unannounced, thorough inspections of psychiatric hospitals by state public health officials twice annually. It also ensures that facilities are transparent about the use of seclusion and restraint by requiring Alaska Department of Health to write and release a report to the Legislature with data from the psychiatric hospitals that hold minors. It was referred to the AK Finance Committee on April 30, 2025 and the AK Senate Finance Committee on February 7, 2025.

Arkansas

An Act to Prohibit Prior Authorizations for Healthcare Services Provided for Treatment of a Mental Health Crisis (Act 389, H.B.1275)

On January 27 2025, Representative Frances Cavenaugh (R) and Senator Blake Johnson (R) introduced H.B.1275, which was signed into law as An Act to Prohibit Prior Authorizations for Healthcare Services Provided for Treatment of a Mental Health Crisis on March 25,2025. This new law prohibits health care insurers from requiring prior authorization for treatment of a mental health crisis.

Idaho

Law Enacted to Extend Foster Care to Age 23 (H.B.245)

Govenor Brad Little (R) signed H.B.245 into law on March 21, 2025. This law makes technical updates to the foster care laws and provides transition support during a critical stage in life to set foster youth up for long-term success. The choice of whether to extend foster care beyond age 18 is entirely up to foster youth, as long as they meet one of the eligibility requirements:

• Working toward completion of high school or equivalent program (e.g. GED)

• Enrolled in college, community college, or a vocational education program

• Employed at least 80 hours a month

• Participating in a program designed to assist in gaining employment; or

• A documented medical condition.

Florida

Children with Developmental Disabilities Act (S.B.112)

Senator Gayle Harrell (R) introduced S.B.112 which revises the scope of the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program to allow grant funds to be used for screenings, referrals for treatment, and related services for autism and other developmental disabilities. Services now remain available to these children until the beginning of the school year after the child’s fourth birthday and funding is provided for charter schools and summer camps focused on autistic children. S.B.112 passed the FL Senate and House unanimously and was signed into law by the Governor on May 27, 2025.

Mississippi

Division of Autism Services Established within MS Department of Mental Health (H.B.807)

Governor Tate Reeves (R) signed H.B.807 into law on March 18, 2025, establishing the Division of Autism Services in Mississippi's Department of Mental Health. This Division will be housed under the Bureau of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and will coordinate autism services to meet needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder across their lifespan.

Montana

Montana Legislators Approve Bill to Formalize Family Peer Support (H.B.76)

On April 12, 2025, H.B.76, sponsored by Representative SJ Howell (D), designed to strengthen families in Montana in part by formalizing a state family peer certification program under Montana's Board of Behavioral Health, passed in the MT Senate after previously passing in the MT House. The Governor signed this bill into law on May 13, 2025. This is the result of advocacy work led by Montana's Peer Network.

North Carolina

NCDHHS Invests $4 Million to Expand and Professionalize Family Peer Support for Families of Children with Complex Behavioral Health Needs

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced a $4 million investment to expand and professionalize family peer support services statewide. This initiative is designed to improve outcomes for children and families by ensuring that families navigating complex systems have access to support and guidance from someone who truly understands their journey. The investment will strengthen the behavioral health workforce by offering support for 40 new Certified Family Peer Specialists that combined will support nearly a thousand families each year. Congratulations to all of our colleagues in NC! We know this was a long journey of advocacy to press for the funding to expand the family peer workforce in your state. NFF is proud to nationally certify NC Certified Family Peer Specialists!

South Carolina

Bill to Amend SC Code of Laws to Establish Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (S.2)

The South Carolina House and Senate, on April 9, 2025 and April 16, 2025, passed S.2, which will combine The Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Department of Mental Health into one state entity, the Department of Behavioral Health. This new department will include the Office of Intellectual Disabilities, the Office of Mental Health, and the Office of Substance Abuse Services. This bill was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster (R) on April 28, 2025, effective immediately.

Resources

Texas

Texas Children’s Behavioral Health Strategic Plan 2025-2029

Texas’s Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council (SBHCC)  released the Children’s Behavioral Health Strategic Plan for the fiscal years 2025-2029. This council represents voices from across Texas, including mental health, substance use, and criminal justice professionals, people with lived experience and their families, community leaders, and program and policy subject matter experts across other stakeholder systems. The plan focuses on the mental health and substance use needs of children in Texas and offers a blueprint for understanding and meeting these needs over time.