Bill > S708

This bill aims to improve access to mental health treatment in Massachusetts by establishing a clear definition of "serious mental illness" and preventing insurance carriers and state healthcare programs from imposing restrictive protocols on FDA-approved medications for treating these conditions. The bill defines serious mental illness as eight specific mental health conditions from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, including bipolar disorders, major depressive disorders, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others. Specifically, the bill prohibits insurance carriers and state healthcare divisions from implementing prior authorization requirements, step therapy protocols, or any other administrative procedures that could potentially delay or restrict patients' access to FDA-approved medications for treating these serious mental illnesses. By removing these administrative barriers, the legislation seeks to ensure that patients with serious mental health conditions can more quickly and easily obtain the medications prescribed by their healthcare providers, potentially improving treatment outcomes and patient care.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S708