HR-8543 : Still Just a Bill


The Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act, also known as H.R. 8543, aims to improve and expand access to mental health services by permanently authorizing and funding Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs).

  • Medicaid Program: Establishes a permanent prospective payment system for CCBHCs under Medicaid, ensuring stable funding for services.
  • Medicare Program: Includes CCBHC services as covered services under Medicare, with a developed prospective payment system.
  • Community Behavioral Health Clinic Grants: Creates operating grants for CCBHCs to provide a full array of behavioral health services, with specific criteria and requirements for eligible clinics.
  • Technical Assistance: Provides technical assistance programs to support CCBHCs and related organizations.
  • Data Infrastructure: Establishes a data collection and analysis system for community behavioral health clinics.
  • Accreditation: Sets accreditation standards for CCBHCs to ensure quality of care.

The bill authorizes appropriations for these programs through 2028, intending to improve mental health service access, quality, and coordination.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2024-12-17CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Health.House committee actions
2024-05-31CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Health.House committee actions
2024-05-23IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2024-05-23IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2024-05-23IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress