Bill > S773

This bill aims to expand access to mental health services by making several key changes to existing laws. It requires insurance providers, state health plans, and Medicaid to cover medically necessary mental health services across various settings without requiring pre-authorization, including inpatient psychiatric facilities, community health centers, crisis stabilization services, and substance use disorder providers. The bill broadens the definition of "licensed mental health professional" to include a wider range of practitioners, such as licensed counselors, nurses, physician assistants, and clinical social workers, and allows clinicians working towards licensure to provide services under supervision. Additionally, the bill updates regulations around patient transportation, restraint procedures, and hospitalization for individuals with mental illness, ensuring more humane and flexible approaches to mental health treatment. The legislation also exempts Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) programs focused on behavioral health services from application and registration fees and mandates that insurers reimburse acute care hospitals for emergency behavioral health services at rates comparable to MassHealth. These provisions are designed to improve mental health care access, reduce barriers to treatment, and provide more comprehensive support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S773