Latest News

11/20/2024

DEA, HHS issue third extension of pandemic telehealth prescribing flexibilities

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in concert with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently issued a third extension of COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled medications, to be effective through December 31, 2025.

11/12/2024

OACBHA's one-pager focuses on the importance of coping skills for individuals in recovery

The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities' most recent one pager focuses on emphasizing the importance of individuals developing coping skills while in recovery. When going through traumatic moments in life, it’s important to use the skills learned to find healthy outlets for stress and anxiety. They help manage the most challenging moments of life. When recovering from addiction or a mental illness, however, the mental, emotional, and physical ability to cope with stress and grief may be lower than normal. Re-learning how to deal with life’s tough times without substances or self-harm is critical for long-term recovery.

10/31/2024

2025 Coding & Documentation for Psychiatry & Management (including E/M)

Jan. 14, 2025, 10 am - 3 pm (live event), Columbus

This information-packed workshop is designed for new and experienced billing and coding personnel, psychiatrists, counselors, and others in the behavioral health field. Changes to coding, guidelines and documentation requirements often change on an annual basis. By participating in this workshop attendees will be prepared to select appropriate billing codes for psychiatric and substance use disorder services, including evaluation and management (E/M) codes for physician services. With enhanced knowledge and tools, participants will be able to code and document with precision to avoid denials due to incorrect reporting of services ensuring compliance and appropriate reimbursement for the services performed.

10/30/2024

Psychiatry Boot Camp #2 for Residents/Fellows and Medical Students Interested in Psychiatry

Dec. 4, 2024 from 6-7 p.m. EST

OPPA’s exclusive Psychiatry Virtual Bootcamp #2 is designed for all residents, fellows and medical students to serve as a refresher addressing several common, easily confused topics. This is just one of many OPPA member benefits. TOPICS TO BE COVERED Mind on Trial: Understanding Competency to Stand Trial

10/30/2024

New SAMHSA Publication: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) Principles in Recovery

SAMHSA's Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) Principles in Recovery emphasizes the principles: DEIA; behavioral health equity; culturally and linguistically appropriate services; trauma-informed and resilience-centered care; and person- and family-centered care. It also provides introductory information and directs readers to recommended resources and examples of best practice recovery programs and services.

10/16/2024

OhioMHAS regional hospitals first in the U.S. to implement Epic Electronic Health Record

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is making an “epic” leap in patient-centered care with the launch of a new electronic health record (EHR) system at Ohio’s six regional psychiatric hospitals. OhioMHAS leaders have successfully migrated Ohio's psychiatric hospital records to Epic Systems. “Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, providing world-class mental health care is the top priority. At OhioMHAS, we are working every day to innovate and streamline the way we do business,” said Department Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “We are excited to lead the nation in enhancing patient care in state psychiatric hospitals. This state-of-the-art system will allow our staff to work more efficiently and communicate more effectively, so we can achieve our ultimate goal of putting our patients at the center of care.”

10/09/2024

Peer-reviewed study links state anti-trans laws with increased suicide among trans teens

States that passed anti-transgender laws aimed at minors saw suicide attempts by transgender and gender nonconforming teenagers increase by as much as 72% in the following years, according to a new study by The Trevor Project. The peer-reviewed study, recently published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, looked at survey data from young people in 19 states, comparing rates of suicide attempts before and after bans passed. Among 13-17 year olds, two years after a law took effect, the likelihood of a past-year suicide attempt was 72% higher than it was before passage.

10/07/2024

FDA approves drug with new mechanism of action for treatment of schizophrenia

On September 26, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Cobenfy (xanomeline and trospium chloride) capsules for oral use for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. It is the first antipsychotic drug approved to treat schizophrenia that targets cholinergic receptors as opposed to dopamine receptors, which has long been the standard of care.

09/10/2024

PRMS Psych-cess: Hispanic Psychiatry

Free webinar for RFMs and ECPs - Sept. 18, 6:30 - 8 p.m. (ET)

Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS) will host a free webinar for residents, fellows, and early career psychiatrists, led by experts in the field to set you up for success. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Psych-cess: Hispanic Psychiatry will feature a panel of knowledgeable psychiatrists leading a discussion on their diverse experiences as Latinx physicians studying and practicing psychiatry, and treating diverse communities.

09/06/2024

Message from OPPA's President - It's Women in Medicine Month!

As we celebrate Women in Medicine Month this September, I’m reflecting on the incredible contributions women have made to the field of psychiatry and medicine as a whole. This is a special time to recognize the perseverance, leadership, and strength of women who have broken barriers and continue to inspire us all.

08/30/2024

Ohio Overdose Awareness Day - August 31

With a goal of raising awareness, supporting communities in the fight against drug addiction, and remembering loved ones lost to the epidemic, the state will observe “Ohio Overdose Awareness Day” on Aug. 31. OhioMHAS and RecoveryOhio have teamed up to release two new toolkits to help communities plan and host events in recognition of Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31) and Recovery Month (September).The all-new Overdose Awareness Day toolkit includes social media graphics and posts, flyers, and digital ads that can be used by local communities and organizations to help promote awareness and local events.

08/22/2024

Bonus Free Course for August: The Role of Psychiatry in K-12 Schools

This course explores the important role of mental health services in schools, particularly for underserved student populations. The course will highlight a successful model in North Carolina that provides education, universal screening, and appropriate services for students in response to their level of need.

08/15/2024

APA sends Action Alert to all members about declining Medicare reimbursement rates

Contact your member of Congress today

While Congress has taken action to mitigate some of the recent Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) cuts on a temporary basis, reimbursement continues to decline. To make matters worse, physicians remain the only providers whose Medicare payments do not automatically receive an annual inflationary update. As a result, Medicare physician payments have lagged 29% behind the rate of inflation growth since 2001. This places a terrible financial burden on physicians and makes it difficult for them to keep their doors open and ensure quality care for patients.

08/14/2024

11th Annual Current Concepts in Integrated Healthcare

FREE for a limited time! Nov. 2, 2024

The 11th Annual Current Concepts in Integrated Healthcare is scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, inside the Cabaret at House Three Thirty (formerly the Tangier Restaurant), 532 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44303. Attendees may attend the all-day medical conference in-person or virtually. The meeting will focus on mental illness, substance use and the intersection with physical illness.

08/09/2024

NIMH releases back to school resources for mental health

Returning to school can be exciting and challenging for children and teens. During this season, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) shared these resources on coping strategies and guidance for seeking help during this stressful time. NIMH also offers brochures and fact sheets on mental disorders and related topics for children and adolescents.

08/07/2024

OPPA Annual Psychiatric Update 2025

March 1-2, 2025 - Hilton Polaris, Columbus

Save the date! Planning is well underway for OPPA's Annual Psychiatric Update, which will be held on Sat./Sun., March 1-2, 2025 at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus. The theme of the 2025 meeting recognizes OPPA 75th anniversary: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating the Present, and Shaping the Future of Psychiatry. The event will be a big celebration as we have lined up some of the best-of-the-best nationally recognized speakers!

07/01/2024

OPPA successfully brokers a deal on SB 60

As members are likely aware, OPPA originally took a position of active opposition to Senate Bill 60 – a bill that would create a new mid-level mental health profession - Certified Mental Health Assistant. There were significant concerns about the legislation, including training and education, lack of specificity, as well as patient and physician protections. We were asked to identify our top ten major concerns with the bill and our potential solutions to those issues. We are happy to report we were successful in working with the chair, sponsor and committee members to include all 10 items that we requested, which is a huge win for psychiatrists and individuals with mental illness.

06/05/2024

OPPA signs on to coalition proponent testimony on House Bill 452 - efforts to address violence against heathcare providers

House Bill 452 requires each hospital system, and each hospital that is not part of a hospital system, to establish a security plan for preventing workplace violence and managing aggressive behaviors. The hospital system or hospital making the plan must involve a team of health care employees who provide direct patient care. The bill also includes reporting requirements.

05/29/2024

OPPA sends Action Alert to members to take action to oppose Senate Bill 60

Please contact your legislators if you haven't already done so

OPPA (and other physician groups in Ohio) sent out a Call to Action in opposition of Senate Bill 60 that would establish licensure by the State Medical Board for a new allied practitioner: a certified mental health assistants (CMHAs). The legislation does not outline any education and training requirements for this new practitioner and would give them prescriptive authority. The Ohio Senate is poised to vote on this legislation in the coming weeks and OPPA needs your help. Please follow the instructions to send a letter to your Senator and Representative and urge them NOT to support SB 60. It will only take a few moments of your time, and it is critical that your legislators hear from you that while Ohio physicians understand and share the common goal of addressing the increased need for mental health care services across the state – this proposal is NOT the solution!

05/29/2024

New officers hit the ground running!

The 2024 officers of OPPA took office on May 8 and wasted no time taking action on several key issues, representing the organization in important meetings with stakeholders, appointing new committees and chairs, as well as advocating on several important pieces of legislation.

04/02/2024

In addressing maternal mortality, mental health often left out

As reported recently in Psychiatric News, Mental health conditions are the leading underlying cause of maternal mortality, yet mental health is often left out of national initiatives to improve maternal outcomes. Experts say much more needs to be done, including gathering data to better understand the significance of the problem.

04/02/2024

OSAM Network releases new OSAM-O-GRAM

The Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring (OSAM) Network has announced the release of its latest OSAM-O-Gram, Stimulant Use, Race, and Naloxone Awareness, now available on the OhioMHAS website. This brief discusses fentanyl-adulterated stimulants and highlights Naloxone awareness and experiences.

04/01/2024

April is National Minority Health Month

April is National Minority Health Month (NMHM), a time to raise awareness about health disparities that continue to affect people from racial and ethnic minority groups and encourage action through health education, early detection, and control of disease complications.

03/06/2024

SMBO launches sexual misconduct page

The State Medical Board of Ohio is committed to prioritizing the safe handling of sexual misconduct complaints to ensure the public is protected from dangerous providers. This month, the Medical Board published a new page on the SMBO website that highlights the importance of reporting sexual misconduct and explains the tools used to properly address the complaints.

02/28/2024

Supporting Mental Health of Black Children and Youth

Developing a Better Understanding

The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities released its February one-pager entitled “Supporting Mental Health of Black Children and Youth” provides facts on the mental health struggles that face the demographic. For African American children and adolescents coping with the risk or reality of serious emotional disturbances, the world we live in can be a particularly painful and dangerous place. Along with the normal developmental struggles and social/emotional turmoil of childhood and adolescence.

02/19/2024

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Teen dating violence, also known as intimate partner violence or intimate relationship violence, is a serious problem in the U.S., affecting approximately 10% of all teenagers between the age of 12 to 18. It includes stalking, harassment, physical or sexual abuse. Throughout February, organizations and individuals nationwide are coming together to highlight the need to educate young people about dating violence, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse. With their adult allies, youth activists achieved a major victory in 2005 and 2013 when the importance of addressing teen dating abuse was highlighted in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Both Chambers of Congress have declared the entire month of February to teen dating violence awareness and prevention.

02/17/2024

OPPA applauds Gov. DeWine's announcement of increased support for human trafficking survivors

Topic will be addressed at upcoming OPPA Annual Psychiatric Update

OPPA president, Alyse Stolting, MD, stated Governor DeWine's announcement of nearly $5 million in funding to enhance support for human trafficking survivors in Ohio is truly commendable. This substantial investment reflects the Governor's commitment to addressing the needs of survivors and combating the pervasive issue of human trafficking. The inclusion of mental health services in the funded programs is particularly praiseworthy, recognizing the critical role mental health plays in the recovery of survivors. The prioritization of evidence-based and survivor-informed programming ensures that the allocated funds will be utilized effectively, providing impactful services to those who need them the most.The upcoming OPPA meeting will also address human trafficking, providing a platform for discussions and collaborations that will contribute to the ongoing fight against human trafficking.

02/16/2024

Kennedy Forum issues report on Ensuring Coverage of Behavioral Health Emergency Services

In mid-December 2023, the Kennedy Forum released a new brief, “Ensuring Coverage of Behavioral Health Emergency Services.” Addressed in the brief are policy options that will insurance coverage for the full range of behavioral health emergency services, examine a case study from Washington State, and outline model legislation. Currently, commercial insurance doesn’t cover the full range of behavioral health emergency services, and the cost is unjustly offloaded onto public institutions. This not only burdens the taxpayer, but also leaves systems of care underfunded, understaffed, or altogether non-existent. The Kennedy Forum recognizes that people should have access to comprehensive health care whenever they need it, including moments of crisis. Furthermore, lack of available resources and insurance coverage should not stand in the way of our communities’ ability to provide emergency care from crisis call to crisis response. We urge policymakers to embrace our recommendations to build out and subsequently enforce coverage for the full continuum of behavioral health emergency care.

02/16/2024

APA draft guideline on the Prevention and Treatment of Delirium

APA seeks review and draft comments before the deadline of March 8

The draft guidance was developed following the APA guideline development process and was drafted on a systematic review of the available evidence conducted by the Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center. Guideline statements are based on the balance of possible benefits and harms of the recommended actions as discussed in the text. This document is a draft only and does not yet represent official APA policy.

02/08/2024

Registration now open for OPPA's Annual Psychiatric Update!

April 13-14, 2024, Marriott University, Columbus

Psychiatry has undergone notable expansion in recent years, characterized not only by innovative advancements in treatment interventions but also by an increased propensity for inclusion, engagement with the wider society, self-critique, introspection, and a conscientious reevaluation of conventional wisdom. The 2024 Annual Psychiatric Update by OPPA, “Re-imagining Mental Health: Innovations and Insights in Psychiatry” takes place in this context.

02/06/2024

HPIO releases latest brief on ACEs prevention strategies

A webinar on the topic will be held on Wed., Feb. 28, at 11:30 a.m.

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) has released a new publication titled “Strategies to Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Ohio: Promoting Positive Social Norms and Intervening to Lessen Harm.” Since 2020, HPIO has released a series of policy briefs on ACEs in Ohio. As part of its Ohio ACEs Impact Project, HPIO has outlined a comprehensive and strategic approach to preventing ACEs, elevating 12 key evidence-informed strategies. This latest brief examines the implementation status of four strategies to promote social norms that protect against violence and adversity and intervene to lessen immediate and long-term harm.

02/06/2024

RecoveryOhio releases Strategic Plan

RecoveryOhio recently offered a comprehensive roadmap designed to address the challenges and opportunities in Ohio’s recovery and mental health landscape. The three-year roadmap addresses community needs around addiction and mental health and will modernize interactions between the state and the public, and create a focus on the initiatives and deliver the greatest results to the greatest number of Ohioans.

11/29/2023

ODM recorded webinar on Direct Worker Relationships Rule Training

Rule goes into effect on January 1, 2024

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) posted a recorded training for implementation of the forthcoming OAC rule 5160-44-32 Home and community based Medicaid waiver program provider and direct care worker relationships on the ODM resuming routine Medicaid eligibility operations webpage under “Appendix K Resources.” There, you will find the operational training for the extraordinary care instrument to support care coordinators’ determination of clients’ extraordinary care needs.