An Act to improve child and adolescent 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 clarifies the definition of "licensed mental health professional" across several sections of Massachusetts law, specifically Chapters 32A, 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G. It ensures that the term encompasses a range of qualified professionals, including physicians, psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurse specialists, and educational psychologists, as long as they practice within their lawful scope.
Key provisions
- Defines "licensed mental health professional" to include specific types of licensed healthcare providers.
- Applies this definition to Sections 22 of Chapter 32A, 47B of Chapter 175, 8A of Chapter 176A, 4A of Chapter 176B, and 4M of Chapter 176G.
- Specifies the types of professionals included in the definition: psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurse specialists, and educational psychologists.
- Ensures these professionals’ practice aligns with their licensed scope of practice.
Who is affected
- Child and adolescent mental health service providers
- Licensed physicians
- Licensed psychologists
- Licensed social workers
- Licensed counselors
Notable changes
- Standardizes the definition of ‘licensed mental health professional’ across multiple Massachusetts statutes.
- Expands the list of qualifying professionals to include nurse mental health clinical specialists and educational psychologists.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
3 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Cosponsors
Jennifer Balinsky Armini
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