Bill > H1061

This bill aims to strengthen and expand access to behavioral healthcare in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: - Establishing a Behavioral Health Investment Trust Fund to support investments in the behavioral health infrastructure, such as increasing inpatient psychiatric beds, expanding outpatient treatment settings, supporting higher provider payment rates, and expanding the behavioral health workforce through programs like psychiatric Graduate Medical Education payments and loan forgiveness. - Requiring the Group Insurance Commission and MassHealth to provide coverage for medically necessary mental health treatment without requiring preauthorization. - Expanding the membership and oversight of boards that regulate social workers, psychologists, and other allied mental health professions. - Directing MassHealth to make Graduate Medical Education payments to address shortages of psychiatrists, especially child and adolescent psychiatrists, in the state. - Establishing a task force to evaluate ways to ensure the financial stability of inpatient behavioral health units and facilities, the role of these facilities in the continuum of behavioral health services, and address workforce challenges. The bill aims to improve access to and quality of behavioral healthcare services throughout Massachusetts.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1061