Integrated Health Policy Subcommittee

I requested and was assigned to the Policy Subcommittee of the Integration of Health and Behavioral Health Workgroup for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission which met on Januay 7, 2010. I am the only psychologist on this subcommittee, but I am in good company. Other members include, Lynda Frost (Hogg Foundation - Chair/Agency Rep.); Luanne Southern (Dept. of State Health Services Deputy Commissioner - Agency Rep.); Tom Valentine (HHSC- Agency Rep.); Gyl Switzer (Mental Health America Texas); Inman White (Texas Council of Community MHMR Centers); Robin Peysen (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill); Susan Milam (National Association of Social Workers); Pat Brewer (Texas Department of Insurance); Matt Wolf (Sen. Duell's Aide); and Dan Sutherland (Rep. Truett's Aide). In this first meeting, we began discussing policy related to considerations for furthering the integration of health and behavioral health. We decided to proceed by identifying various existing models and assigning each model to 2 members of the subcommittee who would idenfy potential policy issues related to the model's implementation in Texas. Our focus will be on identifying best practices, barriers, and service delivery considerations. I have alerted Lynda Frost that the January edition of the APA Monitor has reforming health care as its theme. We will get our assignments via e-mail along with the date of the next subcommittee meeting and the next full workgroup meeting. More to come after that.