House Passes Version of Bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act

Legislation to Increase Access, Improve Quality of Mental Health Care Included as Amendment to House ‘Doc-fix’ Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a demonstration project of the bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health Act, introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) and U.S. Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Leonard Lance (R-NJ) in the House.  The legislation expands access to community mental health services and strengthens the quality of care provided for those living with mental illness. 

The version of the legislation, included as an amendment to the House’s so-called “doc-fix” (SGR) bill, establishes pilot programs in eight states to increase access to community mental health centers and improve the quality of care at those centers.  Those programs could then be extended to other states.  The bill now heads for a final vote in the Senate, where a version of the Excellence in Mental Health Act was passed as an amendment in the Senate Finance Committee.

Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ), said: “I am extremely pleased that the ‘Excellence in Mental Health Act’ is one step closer to becoming the law of the land.  This bipartisan and bicameral effort will expand access and improve quality standards of care for those individuals with mental illness and their families.”