Federal Policy UpdateWeek of January 26Hill & Budget Update The U.S. House passed a funding bill on January 22 that would extend funding for the Department of Health and Human Services through FY2026 and continue Medicare telehealth flexibilities including the delayed in-person visit requirement through December 2027. However, Senate negotiations stalled due to disagreements over Department of Homeland Security funding, leading to a brief partial government shutdown and a temporary lapse in Medicare telehealth flexibilities. APA Services anticipates these telehealth provisions will be restored once Congress completes negotiations and continues to advocate for a permanent solution. Psychologists are encouraged to urge Congress to act quickly, please click this link to respond to an action alert! Psychological Science, Technology & Regulation APA participated in an international expert workshop co-hosted by the World Health Organization focused on responsible AI governance in mental health. APA contributed psychological science expertise to help shape global research priorities and policy principles for the use of generative AI in clinical and consumer settings, emphasizing evidence-based safeguards to protect users. APA also submitted input to the National Science Foundation as it develops its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, underscoring the importance of sustained federal investment in behavioral and social science research. Education & Training The U.S. Department of Education released a proposed rule implementing student loan provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Importantly, the rule retains the consensus definition of “professional degree,” including health service psychology programs. APA Services plans to submit comments during the public comment period, with a final rule expected this spring. Practice & Workforce APA Services submitted comments to CMS on proposed Medicare Advantage rules for 2027, urging stronger protections for access to behavioral health care. Recommendations included allowing plan disenrollment when timely care is unavailable, adding behavioral health access measures to the Star Rating system, strengthening parity protections, reducing cost sharing, and advancing health equity particularly for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Health Equity & Advocacy APA Services provided advocacy training at the Alabama Psychological Association Mid-Winter Conference, covering legislative engagement, messaging, coalition building, and strategies for sustaining advocacy efforts and addressing social justice fatigue. |
