Bill > HB612

This bill amends Georgia's existing law regarding the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council by adding the Insurance Commissioner as a member and establishing a new Parity Compliance Review Panel to address mental health insurance coverage violations. The panel will be composed of state commissioners, mental health clinicians, facility executives, and advocates, and will have the responsibility to receive and evaluate reports of potential mental health parity law violations from healthcare providers. The panel is authorized to analyze reports, request additional information from insurers, create educational materials about mental health parity rights, and make recommendations for punitive actions to the Commissioner of Insurance and the commissioner of community health when violations are identified. The bill defines "health care providers" broadly to include licensed healthcare professionals, hospitals, and facilities, and mandates that these providers report suspected violations of mental health parity requirements. The panel will also develop educational resources about mental health parity that are culturally sensitive, multilingual, and widely accessible. The goal is to enhance oversight and compliance with mental health insurance coverage regulations, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate mental health treatment coverage.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70742