The Law is the Final Word

Authorization of all the programs administered by the Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr) is up for renewal this congress. The BHPr was last reauthorized in 1998 after a six-year effort (three congresses). In fact, the reauthorization of BHPr is not considered as important as some of the other health legislation (e.g., prescription drug program), plus it can be controversial and some of the eligible health professions are actually powerful enough to hold up the legislation. The last time around the Senate drafted the bill that the House accepted. This time the tables might be reversed or another scenario is possible: both Chambers draft bills that are very different. It is also rumored that the Senate might consolidate the remaining programs and remove their discrete funding lines. Senator Enzi's Appropriations Aide stated they will try to protect funding for mental and behavioral health if the latter occurs; however, we will need to work to ensure that funds for psychology training continue to be mandated and not left to the discretion of agency officials.

Making GPE Legal

APA's proposed amendments to the reauthorization of BHPr are aimed at obtaining a clear authority for the GPE Program. The proposed language is critical to providing stability and a degree of permanence for the GPE program. It will also ensure a grant cycle of three years similar to the other BHPr programs.

Finding Champions

While we do not have one specific champion, many Members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee have expressed strong support for GPE and APA's proposed amendments for the upcoming reauthorization. Education Advocacy staff are just beginning to reach out to House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Members. Good news: A chief Aide of a key member of the HELP committee has already stated his willingness to include GPE in their draft.

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