clinical social work association

We have no doubt that the incoming administration will make changes in policies,laws, and regulations affecting clinical social workers and our clients. It is possible that some changes will make for long needed improvements.  Others, however, may make it difficult for individuals needing mental health or substance use treatment to obtaincare.  Some may conflict with the ethical principles set out in our Code of Ethics.  Still others could affect the cost of insurance, our reimbursement rates and the viability of our agencies and small businesses.

Even though the changes we anticipate now will be shifting and evolving as the new administration takes shape, CSWA is trying to begin formulating our strategy for advocacy.

The major areas below - based only what we have heard so far during the campaign and transition - are designed to provide context for considering how changes might affect our practices and our patients in the Trump administration. CSWA wants to hear from our members about which issues are of most concern in these areas.     

You can access the Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PPY8CQN . Please identify the two issues that cause you the most concern in each area, and add other concerns at the survey using this link by December 28.  The results will be made available after January 1, 2017.

• MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND REFORM LEGISLATION
• THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (“Obamacare”)
• MEDICARE AND MEDICAID
• DIVERSITY AND CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUES
• MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT

Thanks for your help in developing CSWA’s Legislative Agenda in 2017.

Laura W. Groshong, LICSW, Director, Policy and Practice
Clinical Social Work Association
lwgroshong@clinicalsocialworkassociation.org

CSWA - "The National Voice for Clinical Social Work"
Strengthening IDENTITY, Preserving INTEGRITY, Advocating PARITY