S 898
An Act relative to patient centered access to behavioral health services in accountable care organizations
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House
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- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to improve access to behavioral health services for patients within accountable care organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts. It seeks to ensure that these organizations prioritize and provide comprehensive mental and behavioral healthcare as part of overall patient care. The legislation focuses on integrating behavioral health services into the existing healthcare system to address gaps in treatment and improve patient outcomes. Specifically, it encourages ACOs to expand their services and coordinate care for individuals needing mental health support.
Key provisions
- Requires ACOs to develop and implement plans for integrating behavioral health services.
- Promotes collaboration between behavioral health providers and primary care physicians.
- Encourages the use of telehealth for behavioral health services.
- Focuses on addressing social determinants of health that impact mental wellbeing.
- Expands access to early intervention and prevention services.
- Requires data collection and reporting on behavioral health service utilization.
- Supports training and workforce development in behavioral health.
- Prioritizes culturally competent care.
Who is affected
- Patients in Massachusetts
- Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
- Behavioral health providers
- Primary care physicians
- MassHealth consumers
Notable changes
- This bill builds upon previous attempts to improve behavioral health access within the state.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Michael O. Moore
Cosponsor
Michael O. Moore
Arguments in favor
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Bill S.898 194th (Current)
An Act relative to patient centered access to behavioral health services in accountable care organizations
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 898) of Michael O. Moore relative to patient centered access to behavioral health services in accountable care organizations. Health Care Financing.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Michael O. Moore
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.898
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Health Care Financing |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 5/22/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/02/2025 from 11:00 AM-03:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium |
| 1/29/2026 | Senate | Accompanied a study order, see S2931 |
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