PTSD Coverage for First Responders

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Problem

There is an epidemic of first responders committing suicide in this country. This bill seeks to change the way that we deal with PTSD among them and remove the barriers to them seeking treatment. Additionally, when a peace officer is voluntarily committed for psychiatric help, their service weapon is taken away and they are not able to receive it back for six months – this prevents them from doing their job and earning a living and acts as an additional barrier to seeking help.

Solution

The legislation established eligibility requirements for police officers, fire fighters and parole officers to receive benefits for PTSD. The benefits are limited to 52 weeks available within a four year period from the qualifying event. The workers compensation benefits are decreased by any additional benefits that the individual is receiving (e.g. disability insurance). Allows law enforcement officers to receive their service weapon back before six months if they have been voluntarily committed to a psychiatric institution.

Pediatric Behavioral Health Navigation program #telehealthhelpskids

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Problem

1 in 5 children aged 0-18 has a diagnosable mental disorder. 1 in 10 youth has a serious mental health problem that is severe enough to impair their function at home, in school, or in the community. Stress experienced by children exposed to hurricanes and other natural disasters can have lasting impacts on mental wellness, particularly children in remote, rural areas. A significant number of children and families have been negatively impacted by Hurricane Michael and are in need of behavioral/mental health navigation services if they are to maximize intervention benefits, reduce risk, and increase the overall quality of their lives. A severe lack of providers in the area makes it difficult for families to access these critical services.

Solution

Providing a centralized entry point dedicated to assuring high-quality and culturally competent behavioral health services to youth aged 0 to 21 years old living in a hurricane impacted county. Using technology, the Pediatric Behavioral Health Navigation program provides access to a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services for children and adolescents with psychiatric and developmental disorders including specialized evaluations for youth from birth to 21 years, evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and disruptive behaviors, psychopharmacological evaluation and management, psychodynamic psychotherapy, parenting skills workshops, individual school consultation, and case management services and coordination.

Sober Homes Task Force

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Problem

The opioid crisis has been devastating to local, state and national communities. Unfortunately, many stakeholders operate in a vacuum, lacking communication and cooperation. Opportunities to positively impact the crisis may remain unknown to legislators, law enforcement, medical societies, treatment providers and the public at large. The void created by disjointed action can actually serve to perpetuate the inefficiencies, fraud and abuse that currently plague our current system of treating opioid use disorder. The problems of patient brokering and insurance fraud, which have plagued the rehab industry, has spread throughout the country. In response, Palm Beach County’s Sober Homes Task Force provides a national model for success.

Solution

There are many honest, effective providers in the addiction arena that are working tirelessly toward the goal of reducing drug dependency and overdose deaths. Combining these forces with elected leaders, patient advocates and others will develop innovative ideas and legislative proposals that will provide law enforcement and regulators with the proper tools to reduce fraud and abuse in the treatment industry. Two task forces — law enforcement and civilian — working toward the common goal of protecting those with substance use disorder and holding accountable corrupted providers will bring clarity, oversight and needed change to a complex and inefficient treatment system. As a result, lives will be saved and taxpayer funds safeguarded.

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