Bill > HR4484

This bill aims to expand psychological mental and behavioral health services for Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP beneficiaries by allowing reimbursement for services provided by advanced psychology trainees under specific conditions. The bill defines two types of advanced psychology trainees: doctoral interns completing a supervised training program accredited by the American Psychological Association, and postdoctoral residents who have a doctoral degree and are seeking licensure through additional supervised training. These trainees would be able to provide psychological services under the "general supervision" of a clinical psychologist, which means the supervising psychologist provides overall direction but does not need to be physically present during service delivery. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a special billing modifier code (GC modifier) within one year to accurately bill for these services under Medicare. Additionally, the bill mandates that HHS provide guidance to states within one year on how to implement coverage of advanced psychology trainee services under Medicaid and CHIP, including recommended legal mechanisms, billing codes, and examples of how states can use waivers to enable such coverage. The changes would take effect one year after the bill's enactment, with the goal of increasing access to mental health services and supporting the professional development of psychology trainees.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4484/all-info