The Office of Behavioral Health, Disability, and Aging Policy (BHDAP) focuses on policies and programs that support the independence, productivity, health and well-being, and long-term care needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and people with mental and substance use disorders.
Note: BHDAP was previously known as the Office of Disability, Aging, and Long-Term Care Policy (DALTCP). Only our office name has changed, not our mission, portfolio, or policy focus.
Division of Behavioral Health Policy
The Division of Behavioral Health Policy is responsible for the analysis, coordination, research and evaluation of policies related to mental and substance use disorders, also referred to as behavioral health. The division is the focal point for policy development and analysis related to the financing, access/delivery, organization, and quality of services for people with mental and substance use disorders, including those supported or financed by Medicaid, Medicare, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Division of Long-Term Services and Supports Policy
The Division of Long-Term Services and Supports is responsible for the analysis, coordination, and research and evaluation of policies related to institutional and community-based long-term care and supportive services, including formal and informal caregiving. The Division is the focal point for policy development and analysis related to the financing, delivery, organization, and quality of long-term care services and supports, including those supported or financed by private insurers, Medicaid, Medicare, and the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
Division of Disability and Aging Policy
The Division of Disability and Aging Policy is responsible for policy and data development, coordination, research and evaluation of policies and programs focused on the functioning and well-being of persons with disabilities and older adults. The Division is the focal point for crosscutting disability and aging collaboration within the Department and across other federal agencies. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, are notable areas of engagement and expertise.
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Research Summit on Dementia Care 2020: Family Caregiver Stakeholder Recommendations
This is the PDF version of the Research Recommendations from the Family Caregiver Stakeholder Group prepared for the 2020 National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers (also called the Research Summit on Dementia Care).
Research Summit on Dementia Care 2020: Payer Stakeholder Recommendations
This is the PDF version of the Research Recommendations from the Payer Stakeholder Group prepared for the 2020 National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers (also called the Research Summit on Dementia Care).
Research Summit on Dementia Care 2020: Persons Living with Dementia Stakeholder Recommendations
This is the PDF version of the Research Recommendations from the Persons Living with Dementia Stakeholder Group prepared for the 2020 National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers (also called the Research Summit on Dementia Care).
Research Summit on Dementia Care 2020: Service Providers Stakeholder Recommendations
This is the PDF version of the Research Recommendations from the Service Providers Stakeholder Group prepared for the 2020 National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers (also called the Research Summit on Dementia Care).
Research Summit on Dementia Care 2020: Workforce Development Stakeholder Recommendations
This is the PDF version of the Research Recommendations from the Workforce Development Stakeholder Group prepared for the 2020 National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers (also called the Research Summit on Dementia Care).
Models for Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder, Retention, and Continuity of Care
Treatment providers, policymakers, and others are seeking ways to reverse the tide of mortality and morbidity that has accompanied the opioid epidemic. There are evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD), including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Research shows that retention in MAT results in better outcomes. Rates of treatment engagement and retention in treatment, however, are persistently low.
Models for Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder, Retention, and Continuity of Care
MODELS FOR MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER, RETENTION, AND CONTINUITY OF CARE Peggy L. O'Brien, Kristin Schrader, Alex Waddell, and Norah Mulvaney-Day IBM Watson Health July 2020 Printer Friendly Version in PDF Format (150 PDF pages)
Potential Impacts of Minimum Wage Increases on Nursing Homes: Issue Brief
Potential Impacts of Minimum Wage Increases on Nursing Homes: Issue Brief Michael Lepore, PhD; Ian Livingstone, PhD; David Naden, MA; and Zhanlian Feng, Ph.D. RTI International June 2020 Printer Friendly Version in PDF Format (5 PDF pages)
Impacts of Minimum Wage Increases on Nursing Homes: Final Report
IMPACTS OF MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES ON NURSING HOMES: FINAL REPORT Michael Lepore, PhD, Ian Livingstone, PhD, David Naden, MA, Mark Hatem, BA, and ZhanlianFeng, PhD RTI International June 2020 Printer Friendly Version in PDF Format ( PDF pages)
Potential Impacts of Minimum Wage Increases on Nursing Homes: Issue Brief
Nursing homes employ large proportions of their workforce at the minimum wage. This project sought to understand the potential impacts of federal minimum wage increases on nursing staff hours and labor costs of nursing homes. We found that an increase of the federal minimum wage would result in large proportions of nursing assistants gaining a wage increase, thereby increasing direct labor costs to nursing homes. These results are based on national estimates.
Impacts of Minimum Wage Increases on Nursing Homes: Final Report
Nursing homes employ large proportions of their workforce at the minimum wage. This project sought to understand the potential impacts of federal minimum wage increases on nursing staffing and labor costs of nursing homes. We found that an increase of the federal minimum wage would result in large proportions of nursing assistants gaining a wage increase, thereby increasing direct labor costs to nursing homes. These results are based on national estimates.
Individuals Experiencing Homelessness are Likely to have Medical Conditions Associated with Severe Illness from COVID-19 Issue Brief
Individuals Experiencing Homelessness are Likely to have Medical Conditions Associated with Severe Illness from COVID-19 Issue Brief Harper Sutherland, Mir M. Ali, and Emily Rosenoff Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation June 2020 Printer Friendly Version in PDF Format (5 PDF pages)
Individuals Experiencing Homelessness are Likely to have Medical Conditions Associated with Severe Illness from COVID-19 Issue Brief
This brief uses a proprietary dataset of electronic health records to describe the prevalence rates of chronic health conditions associated with a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 among people with a history of homelessness. The paper found that for many of the health conditions examined, people with a history of homelessness have greater prevalence than the general population. For example, they are much more likely to have chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive lung disease (23%) or asthma (24%).
Public Comment Index for the National Alzheimer's Project Act
Public Comment Index on the National Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and the National Alzheimer's Project Act
Implications of Alternative Methods of Identifying Populations with Dementia Issue Brief
Implications of Alternative Methods of Identifying Populations with Dementia Issue Brief Sarita L. Karon, PhD; Emily Graf, BA; Natalie Mulmule, BS; and Heather Menne, PhD RTI International January 2020 Printer Friendly Version in PDF Format (5 PDF pages)
Individuals' Awareness of a Dementia Diagnosis Issue Brief
Individuals' Awareness of a Dementia Diagnosis Issue Brief Sarita L. Karon, PhD; Emily Graf, BA; Natalie Mulmule, BS; and Stephanie Hughes, MPP RTI International January 2020 Printer Friendly Version in PDF Format (5 PDF pages)
Implications of Alternative Methods of Identifying Populations with Dementia Issue Brief
This study sought to identify the amount of overlap among three methods of identifying people with dementia, and to obtain national estimates of the number of people with dementia. It also explored key characteristics of people identified as having dementia by the various methods, to understand potential causes and implications of differences for policy and practice.
Individuals' Awareness of a Dementia Diagnosis Issue Brief
This study examined the characteristics of people who do not report having a diagnosis of dementia, despite a documented diagnosis by a health care provider, to health understand the factors that may contributed to their lack of awareness or failure to report. Understanding these factors is a key to taking steps to increasing awareness.
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT CAREGIVERS: FINAL REPORT
As the nation ages and more individuals live longer with chronic illness and disabilities, the need for long-term services and supports (LTSS) will rise. Roughly 9.8 million Americans ages 65 and older living in settings other than nursing homes need care and help with personal activities, with 2.7 million requiring assistance with at least three basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Ninety-five percent of older adults with LTSS needs living in a community setting received help and care from unpaid caregivers.
Functional Trajectories at the End of Life for Individuals with Dementia Issue Brief
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, is a neurocognitive disease affecting an individual’s cognitive function and behavior. Dementia is a leading cause of death and is particularly prevalent at the end of life (EOL) in older adults. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the patterns of decline for adults with dementia, who may also have comorbid terminal conditions.
Functional Trajectories at the End of Life for Individuals with Dementia: Final Report
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, is a neurocognitive disease affecting an individual’s cognitive function and behavior. Dementia is a leading cause of death and is particularly prevalent at the end of life (EOL) in older adults. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the patterns of decline for adults with dementia, who may also have comorbid terminal conditions.
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT CAREGIVERS: FINAL REPORT
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT CAREGIVERS: FINAL REPORT Stipica Mudrazija and Richard W. Johnson Urban Institute January 2020 Printer Friendly Version in PDF Format (68 PDF pages)
Functional Trajectories at the End of Life for Individuals with Dementia Issue Brief
Functional Trajectories at the End of Life for Individuals with Dementia Issue Brief Ila H. Broyles, PhD; Amy Huebeler, BS; Ira Dave, MS; Emily Graf, BA; Qinghua Li, PhD; Lauren Palmer, PhD; Zhanlian Feng, PhD; and Sarita L. Karon, PhD RTI International January 2020 Printer Friendly Version in PDF Format (4 PDF pages)
Functional Trajectories at the End of Life for Individuals with Dementia: Final Report
Functional Trajectories at the End of Life for Individuals with Dementia: Final Report Ila H. Broyles, PhD; Amy Huebeler, BS; Ira Dave, MS; Emily Graf, BA; Qinghua Li, PhD; Lauren Palmer, PhD; Zhanlian Feng, PhD; and Sarita L. Karon, PhD RTI International January 2020 Printer Friendly Version in PDF Format (50 PDF pages)
