The White House recently proposed several actions intended to reduce gun violence in the U.S., including expanding residents’ access to mental health care.
The proposal calls for expanding and reforming mental health programs, including those involved in identifying and treating individuals who might pose a threat to themselves and others. President Trump also called for a review of statutory and regulatory privacy protections, such as HIPAA, to determine if the federal government must issue clarifications or changes to improve the coordination of services among health care professionals, school officials and law enforcement. Also included in the proposal is further integrating mental health, primary care and family services and supporting programs that use court-ordered treatment for mental health conditions.
Separately, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several steps the Department of Justice (DOJ) is taking to support the White House’s new proposals, including strengthening background checks with a particular focus on mental health.
