Bill > S673

This bill aims to ensure that support groups are part of the pathway of care following the annual mental health wellness exam. The key provisions are: 1. The Department of Mental Health must compile a list of appropriate treatment resources, distribute it to individuals during the mental health wellness exam, and update the list annually. 2. Providers must refer patients who receive a mental health diagnosis during the annual exam to a follow-up care option, such as individualized therapy or an evidence-based support group, that can be accessed within six weeks. 3. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services must annually assess the behavioral healthcare workforce and resources available for treatment referrals, analyze the number of referrals made and successfully accessed, and submit a report to the legislature. 4. The state must build upon the network of community behavioral health centers and establish a network of evidence-based support groups to increase access to behavioral healthcare services following referrals from the annual mental health wellness exam.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S673