For Immediate Release

Contact: Rob Grant, Communications Director
202.966.7300, Ext. 119
rgrant@aacap.org

Samantha Phillips, Communications Coordinator
202.966.7300, Ext. 154
sphillips@aacap.org

Washington, DC, May 5, 2017 – American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) President Gregory K. Fritz, MD, released the following statement:

"As a professional medical association dedicated to helping and protecting children and families, we were extremely disappointed by the U.S. House of Representatives vote to pass the American Health Care Act by a slim margin of 217-213.

This legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration. If enacted in its current form, it would allow states to apply for a waiver to remove the mandate for insurance products to cover the Essential Health Benefits, including mental health and substance use services, as well as implement a higher cost "high-risk" pool for those with pre-existing conditions.

We now turn our focus and efforts on the Senate. We urge the Senate to proceed with caution and take the necessary time to review all aspects and potential effects of the proposed legislation.

Moving forward, AACAP will continue to be steadfast in our efforts to advocate for protecting children's mental health care."

For more information, please contact communications@aacap.org.

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Representing 9,200+ child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children's mental health.

AACAP Members actively research, diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents and their families. For more information please visit www.aacap.org.