BHPA® Core 1 Course
Legislative and Historical Perspectives of MHPAEA
We are excited to announce that we are actively offering the BHPA® Core 1 course, Legislative and Historical Perspectives of MHPAEA. This course is the first of four required courses specifically developed by IRES for the BHPA® designation.
The course lasts for five weeks and has an introduction and five learning modules with one learning module completed weekly. Each learning module has a quiz at the end and there is a final test at the end of all five modules. The learning objectives for each module and the overall course are found below.
Overall Course Learning Objectives:
-
Why is there a need for mental health parity?
-
How has legislative history evolved to address the gaps in mental health parity?
-
How do federal and state law requirements impact mental health parity?
-
What are the common terms/acronyms that are used when discussing MHPAEA?
-
How does MHPAEA enforcement differ between federal and state authorities?
-
Where can additional reference materials be found to support a deeper understanding of mental health parity issues?
Module One: The need for mental health parity
Introduction and Welcome to the Course
Learning Objectives:
-
Compare the ways that behavioral health coverage was provided before/after MHPAEA legislation.
-
Define and describe the significant distinctions between the terms “Mental Health”, “Substance Use Disorder”, and “Behavioral Health”.
-
Identify the impact of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases on MHPAEA.
-
Contrast “Mental Health and Substance Use” conditions with “Medical and Surgical” conditions.
Module 2: Development of Legislation for Behavioral Health/Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health
Learning Objectives:
-
Identify the significant legislative developments that impacted behavioral health during the previous century.
-
Describe a recent scenario that demonstrates how mental health parity continues to evolve.
-
Identify the products that are impacted by MHPAEA.
-
Define the terms “grandfathered plans” and “grandmothered plans” related to MHPAEA.
Module 3: Mental Health Parity and Equity Addiction Act Requirements in Detail
Learning Objectives:
-
Describe two types of Quantitative Treatment Limitation (QTL) testing required by MHPAEA.
-
Explain the significance of proper “Classification of Conditions and Benefits” as it relates to MHPAEA.
-
Define a treatment limitation known as a Non-Quantitative Treatment Limitation (NQTL)
Module 4: Related Federal Legislation and Tools for MHPAEA Oversight
Learning Objectives:
-
Discuss the role that federal and state regulators hold in the enforcement of MHPAEA.
-
Explain additional federal legislation that is related to MHPAEA and identify the acronyms that are commonly used.
-
Identify and locate additional compliance tools that have been developed to assist regulators and providers.
Module 5: Regulatory Areas Impacted by MHPAEA and Areas of Further Study
Learning Objectives:
-
List specific insurance-related processes that may be impacted by MHPAEA.
-
Identify the additional courses to be developed for BHPA® designation.