Federal News & Issues

Aug 05, 2019

Washington, DC — The American Psychiatric Association (APA) today condemns the senseless loss of lives from gun violence that has become all too common in this country, most recently in mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. Gun violence is a public health crisis, and we must reduce the injuries and deaths that come from it, while promoting safe communities through funding of research on firearm violence and reform based on research.

Mental health programs are severely underfunded in this country and access to needed care is challenging for individuals and families. It is important to note that the overwhelming majority of people with mental illness are not violent and far more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators of violence. Rhetoric that argues otherwise will further...

Jul 19, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Psychiatric Association (APA) last fall joined six other health organizations in filing a lawsuit against the Administration’s decision to allow for the expanded sale of short-term, limited duration plans (STLDI) in exchange for comprehensive health plans mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Today, a federal district court judge upheld the government’s regulations regarding STLDI plans. In response, the APA issued the following statements:

“We are deeply disappointed that the court ruled in favor of the Administration’s rule, which will allow these plans to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and have other detrimental impacts for our patients,” said APA President Bruce Schwartz, M.D. “This ruling could be catastrophic for many Americans with mental illness or substance...