For many years, advocates and individuals with psychiatric histories across the country had fought against the Murphy Bill due to its regressive policies and increased measures involving forced treatment. Seeing it passed almost overnight, buried in another bill, was a painful blow to the movement. Among the changes brought about by the 21st Century Cures Act was a new oversight role (Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use) for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to which Elinore McCance-Katz was appointed. (Unfortunately, McCance-Katz is also known for her narrow perspective on psychiatric diagnosis, and her negative views on peer support.)
- Report on advances in research on SMI and SED related to prevention, diagnosis, intervention, treatment and recovery, and access to services and supports;
- Evaluate the effect federal programs related to SMI and SED have on public health, including outcomes across a number of important dimensions; and
- Make specific recommendations for actions that federal departments can take to better coordinate the administration of mental health services for adults with SMI or children with SED.