An Act expanding access to mental health services
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to improve access to mental health services in Massachusetts. It expands coverage for mental health treatments at various facilities, including psychiatric hospitals, community health centers, and substance use disorder providers, and removes preauthorization requirements for many services. The bill also clarifies the definition of ‘licensed mental health professional’ to include a broader range of clinicians and addresses emergency mental health care through regulations and reimbursement policies.
Key provisions
- Expands coverage for medically necessary mental health services at various facilities without requiring preauthorization.
- Clarifies the definition of ‘licensed mental health professional’ to include a wider range of clinicians.
- Requires facilities to notify insurers of patient admissions and initial treatment plans.
- Establishes reimbursement rates for acute care hospitals providing emergency behavioral health services.
- Addresses emergency mental health care through regulations regarding restraint and commitment.
- Modifies regulations regarding the use of restraint on minors.
- Expands coverage for emergency behavioral health services via telemedicine.
- Requires insurers to reimburse for patients awaiting inpatient psychiatric placement.
Who is affected
- Individuals in Massachusetts seeking mental health services
- Mental health providers (physicians, psychologists, social workers, etc.)
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
6 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Cosponsors
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