NAMI Ohio’s Response to the Administration’s Decision to Close Two State Mental Health Hospitals

NAMI Ohio is gravely concerned about any cuts in mental health spending, especially given the ever-declining real dollar funding levels for services over the past decade. The potential impact of reduced services, particularly upon seriously ill children and the adult SMD population is alarming. NAMI Ohio recognizes the difficult position Governor Strickland finds himself relative to state finances. It is unfortunate, though, that he has chosen to close two state mental health hospitals. We are, however, hopeful that the Ohio Department of Mental Health will be able to keep the hospital closures from creating a loss of available beds through the opening of new units elsewhere. We are also grateful that the Governor did not make cuts to the community mental health system.

Whether we like it or not, reducing services at the state and local levels shifts the burden for care to families, many of whom are not prepared or able to undertake that role. It is vital that the Governor keep this in mind as he plans for the future. If additional budget adjustments become necessary, priority must be given to mental health services and no additional cuts should be permitted that adversely impact care for the mentally ill. The health and well being of Ohioans must be a first priority. At a time when jobs and productivity are essential to economic recovery in Ohio, our state must be known as the place where a healthy, productive workforce is a primary focus for public policy.

It is our great hope that NAMI will be a significant player in reaching solutions to the problems facing the mental health system. We very much appreciate the Department of Mental Health’s recognition of the value of the consumer and family movement and look forward to our continued partnership.

Good News on Medication Access

There appears to be a significant break through in NAMI Ohio’s efforts to ensure open access for those individuals who rely on Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care for their mental health medications. On Friday, January 25th, the Strickland Administration announced that psychiatrists who are listed on the panels of Medicaid Managed Care Plans and those prescribers who work in the community mental health system will be exempt from prior authorizing atypical antipsychotics.

So where does this leave us? We’re not sure. So far, it appears we have made headway on at least two of the four recommendations we submitted to the Governor in July after he vetoed the open access language in the budget bill. By way of reminder, these four recommendations were:

1. Codification of the 2001 Hayes/Russell handshake which prohibits prior authorization for any atypical antipsychotic medication.

2. Assurance that individuals who are stabilized on mental health medication(s) cannot be required to switch to another medication(s) by Medicaid or Medicaid Managed Care so long as the treatment is successful.

3. An exemption from having to seek prior authorization for psychiatrists or others who prescribe within the community mental health system.

4. Education programs covering appropriate mental health prescribing practices for physicians and others who prescribe who are not psychiatrists or who otherwise do not have a specialization in treating mental illness, and who provide services to individuals outside of the community mental health system.

It appears we may have accomplished recommendations 2 and 3. NAMI Ohio is committed to pursuing recommendation 4, with or without the involvement of the state. With regard to recommendation 1—codification of the handshake—we believe it is still achievable; however, we’re not sure it is necessary. Once we have all the facts, we will be able to assess where to go from here. In the meantime, assuming everything we have heard to date is indeed accurate, it is probably safe to declare our efforts thus far a success. Congratulations!

NAMI Ohio Board Adopts Position Statement on Assisted Outpatient Treatment

On December 1, NAMI Ohio’s Board of Directors adopted a position statement on Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). In essence, it states that NAMI Ohio supports H.B. 299 sponsored by Representative Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) which establishes AOT provided that the bill is adequately funded, does not diminish services for others being served in the mental health system, and protects the rights of those it is designed to help. A list of recommended changes is included in the position statement which we believe will address these concerns and improve the overall bill. To view a copy, click here:

NAMI Ohio Position Statement on AOT