FY2024 Annual Report

Jacques Hryshko, LPC, ACS FY2024 NJAMHAA Board Chair Debra L. Wentz, PhD President and CEO Dear NJAMHAA Members: While COVID has become endemic, we know that its behavioral health impacts continue in epidemic proportions as the numbers of children, youth and adults with anxiety and depression remain at exceedingly high levels and the suicide and opioid epidemics have not abated. Changes to policies, regulations and funding at the state and federal levels occur each week as the unwinding of waivers and innovation continue. While so much that is new is welcome, often overdue, it makes for a tumultuous environment that is difficult to keep up with. NJAMHAA will continue to bring members all the latest news as well as lend our advocacy in order to impact changes for powerful results that benefit members and those they serve. In FY2024, NJAMHAA’s leadership led to many great successes, including significant funding increases in both the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Children and Families. We are working hard to build on two years of substantial increases that, while helpful, still do not cover the full cost of care or allow for competitive wages. Beyond budget successes, NJAMHAA’s advocacy has transformed challenging issues through regulatory, legislative and policy changes. Our leadership has been instrumental in bringing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) grantees to the table with DHS staff as the state moves to expand the CCBHC demonstration program under a State Plan Amendment; we have received commitments from key sponsors to include social work interns along with alcohol and drug counselors in amendments to the telehealth statute so they may respectively begin and continue providing telehealth services; and we have engaged the state on numerous policy changes, such as the placing of liens in perpetuity for capital improvements and staffing eligibility requirements. While NJAMHAA’s work to support a strong, stable workforce has been a top priority, we have not lost sight of the many other challenges facing our members. NJAMHAA’s transformational leadership around the carve-in of behavioral health services into Medicaid managed care has brought impactful results with the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services recently announcing that: Medicaid rates will serve as an initial floor for the carve-in; prior authorizations will be automatically approved for an initial undetermined period; any willing provider will be enrolled for the first 24 months; and work is underway to streamline the credentialing process. These all respond to the recommendations NJAMHAA has made. As we continue meeting the challenges that arise each day and preparing for and shaping those on the horizon, we encourage you to join us in our advocacy, training and networking opportunities, and to share your valuable input that we will take to state and federal policymakers. We highly value your membership and the opportunity to support the important work you do, and look forward to continued powerful, impactful results from our leadership and advocacy. Sincerely, MESSAGE FROM THE President and Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair