Recognizing the significant and often overlooked behavioral health needs experienced by individuals and families affected by rare diseases, and for other purposes.

Integration of Care: The resolution affirms that behavioral health is an essential component of rare disease care and should be integrated into clinical pathways, research, and Federal policies (Section 2).

Increased Access via Federal Agencies: It calls on agencies like the HHS, NIH, and CMS to prioritize behavioral health access within their initiatives and research funding (Section 3).

Peer Support: The resolution encourages the expansion of standardized, evidence-informed peer support programs, including virtual and community-based models (Section 4).

Cultural Competency: It supports efforts to strengthen cultural competency and humility to ensure equitable access and reduce disparities (Section 5).

Workforce Investment: The resolution urges investment in the behavioral health workforce, specifically focusing on child and adolescent providers (Section 6).

Improved Financial Access: It recommends that payors evaluate and address reimbursement barriers that currently limit access to integrated services (Section 7).

Clinician Education: It encourages the creation of Federal incentives for clinicians to pursue continuing medical education regarding the psychiatric and psychosocial dimensions of rare diseases (Section 8).

Collaborative Strategies: It supports collaboration between Federal agencies, advocacy organizations, and academic institutions to develop comprehensive strategies (Section 9).