NATSAP Celebrates 25th Anniversary in 2024! 
NATSAP's Legislative Agenda
These priorities reflect NATSAP's dedication to ensuring the highest standards of safety and care in therapeutic treatment programs. By advocating for regulatory changes, supporting research, and promoting professional standards in the field, NATSAP aims to enhance the well-being of individuals in need of therapeutic care and the professionals who serve the community.
Federal Legislation for Residential Treatment Centers
For almost a decade, NATSAP’s has advocated for stronger protection for children in residential care. In 2025, NATSAP will hold its 10th Annual DC Hill Day!
Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA)
SICAA will continue to be the cornerstone of the advocacy efforts, since the bill’s 2021 introduction. The recent passage of the Act represents a significant milestone, and the Association is proud to have joined alumni, mental health organizations, and advocacy groups see the legislation enacted into law. NATSAP will continue the collaboration with these partners. In addition, NATSAP will work with SPELL THIS GROUP OUT NASEM to ensure the law’s successful implementation.
SICAA’s key reforms enhance safety and accountability in youth residential programs with:
- Biannual Reports: NASEM issued reports on abuse prevalence, funding, and regulatory gaps.
- Enhanced Coordination: Federal agencies will improve data sharing and oversight.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Emphasize trauma-informed practices and community-based care models.
- Broadened Scope: Expand the definition of youth residential programs and strengthens oversight.
Moving forward, NATSAP will support the implementation of SICAA by engaging Congressional leadership, offering recommendations through federal regulatory oversight agencies, and supporting NASEM reports.
Advancing NATSAP's Priority Legislation
NATSAP continues to pursue the introduction of comprehensive legislation to establish baseline safety standards in therapeutic treatment programs. Draft language focuses on:
- Safety measures
- Staff training requirements
- Medication administration protocols
- Staff-to-child ratios
- Parental consent procedures
The Association remains committed to eliminating abuse and ensuring all individuals seeking therapeutic care are treated with dignity and respect.
Fostering Access and Opportunity in Mental Health
- Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2025
- Expands Medicare reimbursement for clinical social workers to cover more services.
- Provides funding for programs addressing mental health disparities in underrepresented communities.
- Mental Health Workforce Diversity and Support Act
- Provides grants to recruit and retain mental health professionals from diverse backgrounds.
- Supports training programs emphasizing cultural competence and language access.
- Behavioral Health Integration Incentive Act
- Encourages integration of mental health services into primary care, with a focus on underserved populations.
State-Level Advocacy
- Promoting State Licensure Protections: Collaborating with state licensing boards to ensure regulatory processes uphold safety, accountability, and ethical standards.
- Establishing Clear Guidelines: Advocating for state-specific best practices that outline staff training, crisis response protocols, and evidence-based treatment models.
- Engaging Local Advocates: Partnering with advocacy groups to align and amplify shared goals.
- State-Specific Initiatives: Supporting the adoption of state-level reforms, such as stricter oversight of program operations and improved reporting mechanisms.
NASW Interstate Licensure Compact
- Conducting legislative research to develop guidelines for professionals in therapeutic and educational programs.
- Partnering with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) to promote licensure reciprocity.
- Advocating for state legislatures to pass compact legislation, improving workforce mobility and access to care.
Looking Ahead
NATSAP remains steadfast in pursuing policies that enhance the safety, quality, and accessibility of therapeutic care. From federal legislation to state-level reforms, our goal is to ensure children and families receive the highest standards of care and support. By working together with lawmakers, advocates, and stakeholders, NATSAP aims to create a brighter future for youth and young adults in therapeutic programs and the professionals who serve them.
Current Bill Tracking
Bills: 2
AKALARAZCACOCTDEFLGAHIIAIDILINKSKYLAMAMDMEMIMNMOMSMTNCNDNENHNJNMNVNYOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAVTWAWIWVWYU.S.Total Bills: 121
State Legislative Information and Statistics
These pages provide comprehensive details about the legislative session for 2024 each state. It includes the session dates, party breakdowns in the House of Representatives and State Senate, bill progress, types of bills introduced, passed bills and resolutions, and the sponsorship and enactment of legislation by party. Additionally, it offers links for further exploration into the each state Legislature, its members, committees, bills, regulations, and finding legislators. It's a hub of information detailing the legislative process and key statistics for the ongoing session.
Invite Your Legislator to Your Program!
Do you consider your program to be a great example of high-quality, ethical, and evidence-based residential/wilderness treatment? Are you looking for ways to shed light on these types of programs with legislators?
NATSAP has a solution- “Invite Your Legislator To Work Day”!
NATSAP can point you in the direction of your legislators, both federal and state. But who should be the one to contact them??- That should be you!
Most offices want to hear from the constituent voice (you!) rather than the national trade association (us). Legislators are MUCH more likely to visit your program if you invite them directly as their constituents. And who better to explain and advocate for your program than you?
Here's what NATSAP can do (and has already done)!
- Supply the channels to contact your federal, state, and local officials.
- Provide an example email body & sending instructions
If you have any further questions on how to get in touch with your representatives or NATSAP’s other government relations/advocacy efforts, please feel free to email Maddy Schoap, Public Affairs Director at maddy@natsap.org or Alec Stone, Executive Director at alec@natsap.org.