Throughout my 32 years in public service, there is one issue I’ve found that touches nearly every Georgia family regardless of party, race, creed or socioeconomic status. That is mental health. Think about it. If the topic comes up in conversation, it takes only a moment for most people to be reminded of a friend or family member who struggles with mental health.
Kevin Tanner
Georgia has been last in mental healthcare for too long, but the good news is that hope is on the horizon. House Bill 1013, the Mental Health Parity Act, has been introduced this session by a bipartisan group of legislators, including Speaker David Ralston. Notably, in an extraordinary show of support, the speaker personally introduced the bill on the House floor. The only time he has typically done so during his tenure as speaker is when he introduces the state budget.
This bill did not happen overnight; it is the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration with a large cross-section of advocates and stakeholders. The vision for a better mental health care delivery system began to take shape in 2019 when the House passed legislation that created the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission. The Commission, which I have had the honor of chairing with 24 expert members by my side, was tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the behavioral health care system in Georgia and proposing solutions for many of the gaps we face in providing access to care to all Georgians regardless of location, income or life situation.
What we found was heartbreaking, but it also inspired our work, which became more urgent with the challenges exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Too many families were left to fight this battle on their own with no support and few options. It was clear decisive action was needed right away. Speaker Ralston said it best, “I am tired of telling desperate, hurting families that we have no treatment options available in Georgia. I am tired of looking in the faces of mothers who have lost a child because they saw no hope, and I’m tired of seeing the faces of those whose spiral downward has been fed by substance abuse.”
Mental health care is such a complex and overwhelming issue it can be difficult to figure out where to even begin tackling the problem. Thankfully, the Commission was up to the challenge and House Bill 1013 contains concrete reforms to expand mental health access for Georgians, including:
- Creating parities in the system to elevate the importance of mental health coverage so it is equal to physical health coverage. A compliance officer funded through the State will ensure the best quality of service for patients.
- Strengthening the mental health workforce through better wages, loan forgiveness programs and the ability to fully practice to the extent their license allows.
- Streamlining patients’ points of contact between physicians and insurance companies so the patient always comes first.
- Creating diversion programs so that non-violent offenders can get out and stay out of the criminal justice system.
- Placing a renewed emphasis on adolescent mental health services.
Each one of these policy proposals is a commonsense solution that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Georgians and their families facing mental health challenges.
This historic bill would not have seen the light of day without the unwavering support and commitment of the speaker and his wife Sheree. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Behavioral Health Commission members, the advocates and the countless individuals who have worked tirelessly for two decades for this opportunity. I am also extremely grateful to Gov. Brian Kemp and his entire team for their support and to Reps. Todd Jones and Mary Margaret Oliver for shepherding the bill.
Georgians are frustrated by today’s divided political climate in which it seems partisan interests often get in the way of doing the people’s business. By passing mental health reform, the General Assembly has the opportunity to show our state and the nation that it is still possible to put politics aside and come together to build a better Georgia for all.
This legislation and the work that went into it is dedicated to all Georgians and their families who suffer with mental health and substance abuse. May they have hope and a brighter future.
Former state lawmaker Kevin Tanner served as chairman of the House Transportation Committee. He currently serves on the State Road and Tollway Authority board and is chairman of the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission.
