Advocacy Update: June 2026
APA Resources and Activities
APA Pushes Back on Aetna Reimbursement Reductions for Alma-Clinicians
On June 4, 2026, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and American Psychological Association Services, Inc. sent a joint letter to Aetna expressing concern about reported reimbursement changes affecting behavioral health services delivered by Alma-affiliated clinicians. Click here to read more.
Applications Open for the 2027 Psychiatric Services Achievement Awards
Since 1949, the Psychiatric Services
Nominations Open for the 2027 Frank J. Menolascino Award
The award was established in memory of Frank J. Menolascino, M.D., who was an authority on mental illness in persons with intellectual developmental disorders/developmental disabilities. Click here to read more.
Regulatory Activities
APA Comments on Proposed Prior Authorization Rule
APA submitted comments to CMS on the proposed interoperability and prior authorization rule, supporting efforts to modernize electronic prior authorization and improve transparency. Click here to read more.
APA Comments on Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting Program
APA submitted comments on the 2027 Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting Program stressing the continued importance of addressing tobacco cessation even if CMS removes the current quality measure. Click here to read more.
APA Submits Comments on NIH Strategic Plan Framework
PA submitted comments in response to the Request for Information (RFI) on the framework for the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2027–2031. Click here to read more.
APA Submits Comments to SAMHSA on the Removal of the Buprenorphine Practitioner Locator
APA submitted a partner letter to SAMHSA in response to the planned removal of SAMHSA’s buprenorphine practitioner locator and pharmacy locator. Click here to read more.
Congressional Activities
Bill Introduced to Reauthorize Minority Fellowship Program
APA endorsed legislation introduced by Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) to reauthorize the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP).
APA Pushes for Gun Violence Prevention Research Funding
APA joined more than 400 organizations urging House and Senate appropriators to increase federal investments in public health research into firearm morbidity and mortality prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and National Institute of Justice (NIJ).
APA, Medical Organizations Support Provider Reimbursement Stability Act
APA endorsed legislation from Representatives Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) to update the budget neutrality threshold for Medicare physician payment.
APA Supports Federal Investment in Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education
APA joined a letter to Congress encouraging investment in the Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program.
APA Joins Letter Supporting Pediatric Mental Health
APA joined a letter to Congress urging increased funding for the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) program in Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27).