Bill > S1394

This bill aims to ensure efficient and effective implementation of behavioral health reform in Massachusetts through several key provisions. The legislation establishes new responsibilities for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate behavioral health services, including developing biennial strategic plans, aligning processes across agencies, and creating a centralized data dashboard to monitor service utilization and identify disparities. The bill introduces protections for individuals with disabilities by prohibiting harmful behavioral modification procedures, and expands crisis response capabilities by establishing a grant program for emergency communication centers to better integrate behavioral health crisis response. Additionally, the bill creates a special commission to study ways to increase the number of outpatient mental health providers who accept insurance or offer sliding fee scales. The legislation also includes provisions for reporting on progress, establishing new programs for medication-induced movement disorders, expanding employee leave for mental health needs, and enhancing crisis intervention services across various state agencies. These comprehensive reforms seek to improve mental health and substance use services, increase accessibility, and promote health equity in the commonwealth.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1394