Legal Action Center Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Session Description: Parity has been the law since 2008 yet there are frequent violations which create obstacles for individuals to access the treatment. Providers feel at a loss of what to do next when they identify violations. Those seeking treatment don't have the fortitude to work through the maze to file a complaint. Much of the implementation of parity was delegated to the states. Enforcement and compliance responsibility are a complicated puzzle. The Legal Action Center has taken the lead in evaluating states' responses to parity and developed resources to address non-compliance. Texas lawmakers saw shortcomings in parity enforcement and passed legislation to make compliance more robust. This session will offer a look at parity 11 years after becoming law, how states can bring the law into daily practice, and what providers can do to increase their own awareness of parity and turn up the volume calling for compliance and enforcement.
Learning Objectives:
After this activity participants should be able to
Assess their organization's understanding of parity and how to challenge violations when encountered.
Discuss ways to engage state policy makers in discussions to improve parity compliance and enforcement.
Describe the maze of parity compliance responsibility to better assist clients with parity concerns.