The last few months have seen significant movement across a broad array of issues. Learn more by reading the full September 2025 Advocacy Update.

APA Urges Health Plans to Reject New Telehealth CPT® Codes That Threaten Access to Psychiatric Care
In response to the American Medical Association’s introduction of new telehealth-specific CPT® codes (98000–98015), APA is leading an initiative with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the Path Forward Coalition to urge commercial insurance plans to reject the new billing codes and maintain payment parity using the outpatient E/M codes with telehealth modifiers.

ONC Releases HTI-4 Final Rule
The Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) released their Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability (HTI-4) Final Rule which includes technology requirements for e prescribing, electronic prior authorization, clinical decision support, and updates interoperability standards. The rule aims to cut administrative burden, improve affordability, and give patients and providers faster access to needed treatments.

APA Submitted Comments on Medicare’s Proposed Rule on the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program
APA submitted comments supporting CMS’ proposal to increase payment for services billed in the non-facility setting by 6% on average, however, we opposed the proposal to decrease payment for services billed in facility settings by 9% based on an arbitrary reduction in indirect facility practice expenses.

APA Submitted Comments on Medicare’s 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Proposed Rule
APA commented on CMS’s proposed rule focused on ensuring access to all psychiatric services through coverage and payment.

MHLG Letter in Support of the Telemental Health Access Act
APA led a Mental Health Liaison Group (MHLG) letter supporting the Telemental Health Care Access Act (H.R. 3884/S.2011) introduced by Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Troy Balderson (R-OH) and Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Tina Smith (D-MN).

APA Endorses SPARC Act
APA endorsed legislation led by Representatives John Joyce (R-PA) and Deborah Ross (D-NC) and Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) to support access to specialty physicians in rural areas.

APA Endorses Mental Health for Latinos Act
APA endorsed the Mental Health for Latinos Act led by Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-OR) and Nanette Barragan (D-CA) and Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).

House and Senate Appropriators Advance FY25 Funding Bills for Federal Health Programs
In May of this year, President Trump released his President’s Budget recommendations for federal appropriations funding.

APA Readies Advocacy for 2026 Legislative Priorities
As the 2026 legislative session approaches, APA State Government Affairs staff are working with District Branch and State Associations’ leadership across the country to proactively initiate legislation to increase access to psychiatric care and prepare to voice patient safety concerns with potential scope of practice bills as well as legislation to legalize hallucinogens.

Call for APA Component Applications Now Open
APA President-Elect Mark Rapaport, M.D., invites members to express interest in serving on an APA Council or Committee.