The VACBP provides industry leadership to advocate for public policies that reward efficient and effective community-based behavioral health services. As we seek to improve Virginia's behavioral health delivery system, our priorities include:

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Develop a continuum of care that enables access to the most appropriate level of service in a timely manner in a setting that best meets the patient’s needs. 

Implement strategies to address the critical shortage of qualified behavioral health workers in Virginia. ​

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Ensure reimbursement rates more appropriately reflect the true cost to deliver care.

Support and encourage data- and outcome-informed treatment.

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Support greater certainty and stability in the behavioral health delivery system.

Increase the integration of medical and behavioral health, leveraging both the public- and private-sector providers.

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Better leverage the experience, expertise and availability of private-sector behavioral health providers.

Improve accountability throughout the behavioral health delivery system, to include providers, payors, regulators and administrators.​

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Protect and enhance consumer choice in behavioral health treatment.

Increase coordination within and among agencies related to behavioral health service delivery and social service programs.

View the VACBP's Complete 2020 Priorities

2021 General Assembly Updates

Dated: 1.22.2021 | Co-Chair of the Joint HHR Subcommittee Identifies Oversight of MCOs and Their Provider Networks as “Top Priority for 2021”
In the fall, VACBP members participated in a number of policy briefings, including a call with Del. Cia Price of Newport News. In our discussion during that briefing, members had a chance to raise a number of challenges, including concerns about the relationship between the Medicaid MCOs and providers. Information shared during and following that call helped Del. Price to craft HJ577, which proposed the establishment of a joint subcommittee to study oversight of Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) and provider networks in the Commonwealth. Read more...

Dated: 1.22.2021 | VACBP Legislative Priorities Advance in Week 2 of the General Assembly Session
It has been a busy week for the Virginia legislature as bills and resolutions were considered during meetings each day that began as early as 7:00 a.m. and extended late in the day. Many of the VACBP’s legislative priorities have advanced as the session kicked into high gear this week. Just a few highlights are provided below:

• Legislation advanced in the House Health, Welfare and Institutions (HWI) Committee that requires that, for individuals in correctional facilities, mental health screenings include a requirement that, in cases in which there is reason to believe an individual is experiencing acute mental health distress or is at risk for suicide, staff of the local correctional facility must consult with the behavioral health service provider to implement immediate interventions and must provide ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety of the individual.  Read more...

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Advocacy Member Benefits

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Ability to provide input on those issues that are impacting your agency and the clients you serve on a day-to-day basis.

Exclusive opportunities to meet policymakers and discuss the issues that are most important to you.

Actively engage in the policy and regulatory development process.

Learn about the changes that may impact their organization.

Strengthen the voice and impact of the provider community.

Opportunity to support those elected officials who are aligned with the priorities of the VACBP through the VACBP Behavioral Health Improvement political action committee (PAC).

VACBP Behavioral Health Improvement PAC

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In order to advance the VACBP's policy priorities, we need members of the General Assembly who understand and care about the issues that impact our industry. The VACBP Behavioral Health Improvement PAC provides an opportunity for providers to collectively provide financial support to those elected officials and candidates who are aligned with the VACBP’s policy priorities. Click below to learn more about our PAC and how you can get involved.

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Advocacy ACTION Alerts

Overhaul of licensing regulations coming
DBHDS is currently working to overhaul the regulations that dictate how a provider operates, from governance, organizational structure, finances, employee records, orientation and training requirements, office hours, emergency preparedness, ownership succession, complaints and grievances, and much more. The VACBP is working hard to ensure the interests of providers are considered as the regulations are changed. Join our Advocacy Initiative to receive regular updates and to share your thoughts and concerns about the proposed changes. 

Concerns with proposed guidance on requirements for 90 days of operating expenses shared (September 2019)
The VACBP’s primary concerns on the proposed interpretation of this requirement included how “projected revenue” is interpreted and the unreasonable requirement that cash/line-of-credit reserve be sequestered. To read the VACBP’s comments on this issue, click here.

Recommendations for DMAS rate study highlight need for investment in early intervention, higher rates and maintenance services (August 2019)
VACBP recommendations included a focus on increasing investment in early intervention and prevention services, development of rates that reflect the true cost to provide services, elimination of “rural” rates, development of a uniform assess rate across all community-based services and development of lower cost/lower intensity services that may be beneficial on a “maintenance” basis, leading to better health outcomes for certain patients and decreased overall costs that may otherwise come without some minimal level of support. To read the VACBP’s comments on this issue, click here.