Bill > A03319

This bill amends the New York insurance law to include creative arts therapists as qualified providers of outpatient mental health services across various types of insurance policies, including individual, group, and health service contracts. Currently, these policies already cover outpatient mental health services provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts. The bill adds creative arts therapists to this list, ensuring they can provide outpatient care and be reimbursed by insurance in the same manner as other mental health professionals. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that this amendment does not modify or expand the scope of practice for these professionals, nor does it create a new mandated health benefit. The changes will apply to all insurance policies issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after the bill's effective date. The legislation aims to recognize creative arts therapists as legitimate mental health service providers and improve access to their specialized therapeutic services.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3319