NYAPRS Note: The following is an adaptation of an alert that is being circulated widely by the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery. Please call today so that Senate staff can pass on your message tomorrow morning to your Senators!
Tomorrow, the US Senate is likely to vote on a high profile Medicare ‘Doc Fix’ bill (HR 4302) that includes an unrelated program to fund forced psychiatric treatment (Title 224, Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program).
A Medicare rule kicks in Tuesday, April 1, that cuts payments to doctors. The ‘Doc Fix’ bill is intended to prevent that. However, several proposals have been added to it, including the proposal to expand outpatient commitment programs nationally.
The House passed this proposal, HR 4302, on a voice vote with no debate last Thursday.
The Senate could do the same Monday and the President could sign it before midnight.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Call both Senators from your State IMMEDIATELY TODAY!
Even though no one will likely be in the office today, we are hoping that their staff
will hear your messages and/or take your calls tomorrow morning in advance of a Monday vote.
Please leave the following message:
“I am (name, city). My Senator should NOT vote for a Doc Fix bill (HR 4302) that includes Section 224. This provision has nothing to do with Medicare. It would use Federal dollars to pay for forced psychiatric treatment in our communities. Forced treatment is costly, traumatizing, criminalizing and scares people away from seeking help.
Keep Section 224 out of the Doc Fix bill. (Leave your phone number if you want a return call.)
Please make these calls TODAY. Your voice counts if you make the calls!