Bill > H1128

This bill aims to improve access to mental health treatment by establishing a clear definition of "serious mental illness" and removing administrative barriers to medication for patients with these conditions. The bill defines serious mental illness as eight specific conditions from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, including bipolar disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It amends two Massachusetts laws to prohibit insurance carriers and state health insurance programs from imposing prior authorization requirements, step therapy protocols, or any other administrative procedures that could delay or restrict the dispensing of FDA-approved drugs for treating these serious mental illnesses. By eliminating these potential obstacles, the legislation seeks to ensure that patients can more quickly and easily access medications that their healthcare providers believe are appropriate for their mental health treatment, potentially reducing delays in care and improving patient outcomes.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1128