(Press Release) — The CNMI House Health and Welfare Committee approved two House bills to expand access to mental health care and to establish a new, integrated Health Network Program within the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.
House Bill 22-80 brings the CNMI one step closer to joining the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact or PsyPact, an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries. The bill would expand CNMI residents’ access to mental health care, including specialized services not currently available in the Marianas. The report and bill will be voted on at the next House session on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.
The Health and Welfare Committee also approved a substitute bill for House Bill 22-77, to establish a Health Network Program within CHCC and provide for the orderly transition of medical referral services and administration to CHCC.
House Health and Welfare Chairwoman Tina Sablan said the substitute bill includes amendments that reflect recommendations received during an extensive public comment period and multiple public hearings conducted on Saipan, Tinian and Rota last summer.
“We received comments from CHCC, including the CEO and the directors of the health centers on Tinian and Rota, medical referral services leadership and staff, the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Finance, the special assistant for administration, the mayors of Tinian and Rota, and members of the public. We also reviewed reports on the medical referral program provided by CHCC and the Office of the Public Auditor,” Chairwoman Sablan said.
“In addition to providing for an orderly transition of medical referral to CHCC, the substitute bill establishes a Health Network Program that is an integrated part of CHCC, and that facilitates and expands residents’ access to CHCC’s network of providers both within the CNMI and outside of the Commonwealth,” she added.
A committee report and House Bill 22-77, HS1 will soon be transmitted to the full House for approval.
The House Committee on Health and Welfare consists of Chairwoman Sablan, Vice- Chairwoman Leila Staffler, Reps. B.J. Attao, Sheila Therese Babauta and Donald Manglona.
