Advocacy Update: September 2026
Regulatory Activities
Marketa Wills, M.D. CEO of APA Participates on HHS Panel to Discuss New Access Model
Dr. Marketa Wills, M.D., APA CEO and Medical Director, participated on a panel at a Health and Human Services meeting with leadership from the American Academy of Physicians and the American Heart Association regarding the need to improve access to mental health care. Click here to read more.
DOL Issues Guidance and Clarifies Mental Health Parity Enforcement Priorities
On September 8, 2026, DOL/EBSA issued a Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) clarifying its mental health parity enforcement priorities. The agency simultaneously issued additional guidance outlining potential warning signs of violations. Click here to read more.
APA, AMA Federation Urges CMS to Withdraw Proposed 50% Payment Reduction for Same-Day E/M Services Reported with Modifier -25
APA joined the AMA Federation in urging CMS to withdraw its proposal to reduce payment by 50% when a separately identifiable office/outpatient E/M service reported with modifier 25 is provided on the same day as a procedure. Click here to read more.
Congressional Activities
APA, Group of Six Presidents Advocate on the Hill
APA President-Elect Rahn Bailey, M.D. joined Presidents from the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American Osteopathic Association on Capitol Hill to advocate on behalf of psychiatry. Click here to read more.
Government Funding Continues Until December 11
This month, Congress passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, a short-term extension of federal funding through December 11, 2026. The bill was signed into law by President Trump on September 2. Click here to read more.
APA Endorses Legislation to Increase 988 Awareness
During National Suicide Prevention Month, APA endorsed legislation introduced by Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) to increase public awareness of the 988 lifeline. Click here to read more.