by rimhca.board | Jun 1, 2015 | Front Page, Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 18, 2015 Contact: Jim Finley 800-326-2642 jfinley@amhca.org www.amhca.org Modification of TRICARE Independent Practice Standards Advanced ALEXANDRIA, Va. – On May 15, 2015 the full House approved House Armed Services Committee legislation that included a provision sought by the American Counseling Association (ACA) to modify the TRICARE August 18, 2014 rule for Certified Mental Health Counselors. Under HR. 1735, “The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016” (NDAA), the extension of full independent practitioners status for CMHCs under TRICARE would be temporarily broadened to include more practitioners from many different training programs. This new language is now part of the House version of the NDAA and will ultimately be considered by the Senate. The Senate version, S. 1118, currently does not include the House language, but they are expected to soon consider their own NDAA bill. The comprehensive annual funding bill sets the spending policy and rules for the nation’s armed forces.ACA sought the change without input from other stakeholders such as AMHCA, NBCC, CACREP, or the MFTs. Consequently, at this time these other stakeholders are unresolved about taking further action on the provision as it merely postpones the full implementation of the TRICARE 2014 rules until 2027, when the 2014 standards would be restored. As policy, it provides much more time for recent and future CMHC graduates from non-CACREP programs to participate independently under TRICARE. However, even with the delay, CMHC training programs will still need to transition quickly to CACREP to ensure graduates can participate in programs operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and receive professional training funds administered by the Department...
by rimhca.board | Jun 1, 2015 | Front Page, Press Release
Starting a private practice can be the most exciting, yet most intimidating, step you will take in your career. It helps to have some guidance along the way, and it is critical to get the support you need while making this fabulous leap of faith. Here are a few tips to get you going, and keep you going. #1: Stop putting it off until you are ‘ready’ Once you decide owning your own private practice is what you want, it’s important to be prepared for taking the leap into private practice. Few of us ever really feel ready, but that’s to be expected. Those butterflies in your stomach will keep you on your game; they will keep you excited and wide-eyed. Being excited about your work can help you to become incredibly successful. If you are working for someone else, probably 50 percent to 75 percent of the revenue you generate is left on the table for your employer. You do the math—how much money is it costing you each month that you put off establishing your own private practice? The golden handcuffs of traditional employment (predictable income, benefits, guaranteed clients) can be very comforting for some, but are quite costly for those who want to own their own business. #2: Make it your ‘dream’ practice, right from the start Now that you’ve taken the leap, be sure you customize your practice. Take the time to dream. Where do you want to work? What will your office look like? Which days will you work? How many hours a day will you work? What types of clients will you see?...
