BHPA® (Core 1) Course - Legislative and Historical Perspectives of MHPAEA

We are excited to announce that we are actively offering the BHPA Core 1 course, Legislative and Historical Perspectives of MHPAEA. This course is the first of four required courses specifically developed by IRES for the BHPA® designation. 

The course lasts for five weeks and has an introduction and five learning modules with one learning module completed weekly. Each learning module has a quiz at the end and there is a final test at the end of all five modules. The learning objectives for each module and the overall course are found below. 

Overall Course Learning Objectives:

1. Why is there a need for mental health parity?

2. How has legislative history evolved to address the gaps in mental health parity?

3. How do federal and state law requirements impact mental health parity?

4. What are the common terms/acronyms that are used when discussing MHPAEA?

5. How does MHPAEA enforcement differ between federal and state authorities?

6. Where can additional reference materials be found to support a deeper understanding of mental health parity issues?

WHEN?

The program will require weekly in accordance with the following schedule.

Module One – Week of February 17, 2025 

Introduction and Welcome to the Course

Module 1: The need for mental health parity

Learning Objectives:

A.    Compare the ways that behavioral health coverage was provided before/after MHPAEA legislation.

B.    Define and describe the significant distinctions between the terms "Mental Health", "Substance Use Disorder", and "Behavioral Health".

C.    Identify the impact of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases on MHPAEA.

D.    Contrast "Mental Health and Substance Use" conditions with "Medical and Surgical" conditions.

During the week, student is expected to self-study and complete the module assignments on their own.

Module Two – Week of February 24, 2025

Module 2: Development of Legislation for Behavioral Health/Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health

Learning Objectives:

A.     Identify the significant legislative developments that impacted behavioral health during the previous century.

B.     Describe a recent scenario that demonstrates how mental health parity continues to evolve.

C.     Identify the products that are impacted by MHPAEA.  

D.     Define the terms "grandfathered plans" and "grandmothered plans" related to MHPAEA.

During the week, student is expected to self-study and complete the module assignments on their own.

Module Three – Week of March 3, 2024

Module 3: Mental Health Parity and Equity Addiction Act Requirements in Detail 

Learning Objectives:

A.     Describe two types of Quantitative Treatment Limitation (QTL) testing required by MHPAEA.

B.     Explain the significance of proper “Classification of Conditions and Benefits” as it relates to MHPAEA.

C.     Define a treatment limitation known as a Non-Quantitative Treatment Limitation (NQTL)

During the week, student is expected to self-study and complete the module assignments on their own. In addition, participation in the following meetings is expected. 

·        Small Group Connection Meeting Thursday, March 6 at 2:00 pm Central/3:00 Eastern/1:00 Mountain/12:00 Pacific

·        Collaboration Meeting via Zoom Friday, March 7 at 10:00 am Central/11:00 Eastern/9:00 Mountain/8:00 Pacific

Module Four – Week of March 10, 2024

Module 4: Related Federal Legislation and Tools for MHPAEA Oversight

Learning Objectives:

A.       Discuss the role that federal and state regulators hold in the enforcement of MHPAEA.

B.       Explain additional federal legislation that is related to MHPAEA and identify the acronyms that are commonly used.

C.       Identify and locate additional compliance tools that have been developed to assist regulators and providers.

During the week, student is expected to self-study and complete the module assignments on their own. In addition, participation in the following meetings is expected. 

·        Small Group Connection Meeting Thursday, March 13 at 2:00 pm Central/3:00 Eastern/1:00 Mountain/12:00 Pacific

·        Collaboration Meeting via Zoom Friday, March 14 at 10:00 am Central/11:00 Eastern/9:00 Mountain/8:00 Pacific

Module Five – Week of March 17, 2025

Module 5: Regulatory Areas Impacted by MHPAEA and Areas of Further Study

Learning Objectives:

A.       List specific insurance-related processes that may be impacted by MHPAEA.

B.       Identify the additional courses to be developed for BHPA designation.

During the week, student is expected to self-study and complete the module assignments on their own. In addition, participation in the following meetings is expected. 

·        Small Group Connection Meeting Thursday, March 20 at 2:00 pm Central/3:00 Eastern/1:00 Mountain/12:00 Pacific

·        Collaboration Meeting via Zoom Friday, March 21 at 10:00 am Central/11:00 Eastern/9:00 Mountain/8:00 Pacific

WHERE?

The virtual platform may be reached through a website, and no special software is required. Participants will need to register on the Thinkific platform (instructions will be provided).

WHY?

This is the foundational course providing the legislative background and history of MHPAEA. The program will include quizzes to be completed at the end of each module and a final examination at the end of the last module. Full participation and successful completion of the final examination will result in the successful completion of the first of four required courses toward the Behavioral Health Parity Auditor (BHPA) designation.