Regulatory updates for behavioral health programs
What changed, who it affects, and what to update in your policies, forms and training. Every article is checked against primary sources and dated, so you know how current it is.
Telehealth prescribing after December 31, 2026: what behavioral health programs should prepare now
The temporary DEA rules that allow controlled-substance prescribing by telemedicine without an in-person visit end December 31, 2026, and the permanent rule is still under White House review. Here's where things stand and what to put in your policies before January.
Medicaid & paymentMedicaid work requirements begin by January 1, 2027. What behavioral health providers need to know.
States that cover the Medicaid expansion group must start CMS's new community engagement rule by January 1, 2027, unless they receive a temporary exemption. People with substance use disorders and disabling mental disorders can be exempt, but whether they're exempted automatically often depends on what's on your claims.
Opioid treatment programsMobile units, medication units and fewer barriers to opening: how states expanded OTP access in 2026
Louisiana and New Mexico dropped need requirements for new opioid treatment programs, and several states made it easier to run mobile and medication units. Here's what changed, what didn't, and what OTP policies need to cover.
Medicaid & paymentCMS opens a standing Medicaid path for CCBHCs. Here's what the new state plan option means.
An October 2026 CMS letter lets every state cover Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic services as a regular Medicaid benefit, outside the time-limited demonstration. Here's what changed and what clinics should prepare.
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