Vantage Policy Watch Week of August 25, 2025

jameliahand
Aug 24
2 min read

Updated: Sep 22

Tracking the Ripple Effects of Policy on Behavioral Health, SUD, and Systems of Care by Vantage Clinical Consulting LLC

CMS Expands Behavioral Health Integration + Telehealth Flexibilities

What’s happening: CMS released a proposed Physician Fee Schedule Rule for 2026 that prioritizes behavioral health integration (BHI) in primary care and continues payment for telehealth-delivered behavioral services, including audio-only visits. These policies also extend flexibilities for FQHCs and RHCs through January 1, 2026.

*Telehealth Policy Update

*Medicare Mental Health Coverage Guide

Vantage Take: Providers must align workflows with BHI CPT codes, digitize records, and develop cross-discipline care teams. Telehealth infrastructure is no longer optional; it's core to sustainable delivery.

Counseling Compact Gains Ground: 39 States On Board

What’s happening: The Counseling Compact, which allows licensed counselors to provide services across state lines, has now been adopted by 39 states + DC, with implementation expected in Fall 2025.

Vantage Take: Behavioral health agencies must update credentialing processes, legal frameworks, and payor policies to support multi-state virtual care. Don’t wait! interstate demand is rising, and onboarding systems must be ready.

Youth Cannabis Vaping on the Rise, SAMHSA Reports

What’s happening: According to the 2023 NSDUH, 61.3% of teens (12–17) who reported marijuana use in the past month vaped it which is up from 52.1% in 2021. This is most prevalent in states with legal recreational marijuana. 2023 NSDUH National Report

Vantage Take: Prevention programs must evolve to address vaping-specific messaging, especially for middle and high school students. Integrating real-time data into your curriculum is no longer optional.

Behavioral Health Workforce Compact Inching Forward

What’s happening: Momentum is growing toward a Behavioral Health Workforce Compact, modeled after PSYPACT and the Counseling Compact, to allow interstate practice for psychologists, social workers, and peer specialists. PSYPACT Info & State Trends

Vantage Take: Now is the time for agencies to advocate for inclusion of SUD and mental health professions, ensuring equitable access to telehealth-based workforce models and not just for psychologists.

ICYMI: Recent Federal Actions to Watch

HHS Restructuring Finalized: All behavioral health functions from SAMHSA now reside under the newly formed Administration for Health Advancement (AHA). Look out for new funding notices and compliance expectations this fall.
DEA Extends Telemedicine Waivers (Again): Providers can continue prescribing buprenorphine without in-person visits through December 31, 2025, as the DEA finalizes its long-awaited permanent telemedicine rule.

✅ ACTION STEPS FOR PROVIDERS THIS WEEK:

Audit your Medicare contracts and billing practices to align with new behavioral integration rules
Update your staff onboarding to support Counseling Compact licensure expansion
Revise prevention messaging to address cannabis vaping trends among teens
Educate stakeholders about the benefits of a national behavioral health compact and how it could ease workforce shortages
Strengthen telehealth and compliance protocols in anticipation of permanent DEA rules by year-end

From Vantage:

Vantage Clinical Consulting is your strategic partner in navigating these shifts. Whether you're focused on digital readiness, clinical compliance, workforce development, or sustainability, we’re here to help you build systems that last.