Bill > H1164

This bill amends several chapters of Massachusetts state law to standardize and expand the definition of "licensed mental health professional" across different insurance and health service contexts. The updated definition now includes six specific types of licensed professionals: physicians specializing in psychiatry, psychologists, independent clinical social workers, mental health counselors, nurse mental health clinical specialists, and educational psychologists (with each professional operating within their lawful scope of practice). By making identical changes to multiple sections of law, the bill ensures consistent interpretation of who can be considered a licensed mental health professional for insurance and health service purposes. The modifications apply to all insurance policies, contracts, and certificates issued or renewed on or after March 1, 2006, effectively updating the previous definition from a 2000 legislative act. While the bill's title suggests a focus on improving child and adolescent mental health services, the text itself is primarily focused on technical legal definitions that could potentially expand access to mental health professionals across various insurance contexts.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1164