Mental Health Policy Research Guide: Legislation

T6801 Social Work Policy: Mental Health Policy Research Guide

Notes

  • If you want to find news stories about policy we recommend ProQuest, but for more information please consult the News Research Guide
  • Article links on this page may break if the host website changes/updates the link. Please alert a librarian at the social work library for updates. 

Federal Legislation

Keep in mind individuals who have mental health conditions serious enough to be considered a functional disability, are Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Medicare, and Medicaid.

New Legislation

  • Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2021: If passed, its provisions would simplify the SSI claim process, expand benefits and income limits, and eliminate punitive reductions in benefits, having broad and far-reaching implications for seniors and people with disabilities.
    • Editorial Reaction here

Find Legislation

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - Formerly known as the Health Care Financing Agency (HCFA), this is the federal agency that administers the Medicare, Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Programs. Much information is available on this site, included. 
  • Congress.gov - Congress.gov is the official website for U.S. federal legislative information. The site provides access to accurate, timely, and complete legislative information for Members of Congress, legislative agencies, and the public.
  • Department of Health and Human Services - The federal department responsible for protecting the health and well-being of Americans. The Laws & Regulations page links to the major laws and regulations which direct health care in the U.S
  • ProQuest Congressional (access restricted to Columbia affiliates) - Provides full text for many titles, generally from the early 1990's to the present. Includes bills, laws, legislative histories, committee prints, House and Senate documents and reports, the Congressional Record, Code of Federal Regulations, and Federal Register.
  • Thomas - A congressional source for current bills and other legislative activities. Superseded by Congress.gov

Evaluating Health Care Policy

  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) supports research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, and broaden access to essential services.
  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provides Congress with objective, timely, nonpartisan analysis needed for economic and budget decisions and with the information and estimates required for the Congressional budget process. 
  • Government Accountability Office (GAO)  is the investigative arm of Congress. Charged with examining matters relating to the receipt and disbursement of public funds, GAO performs audits and evaluations of Government programs and activities. There are options to look at Reports and Testimony by date, topic and agency.