Behavioral health treatment plans.

Removed the phrase 'due to unavoidable circumstances, including patient illness, family travel, or provider unavailability' from the prohibition on restrictions that result in forfeiture of unused treatment hours. This broadens the rule so that any limitation causing forfeiture of unused hours is prohibited, not just those tied to specific unavoidable circumstances.

Deleted subdivision (h) from both Section 1374.73 (Health and Safety Code) and Section 10144.51 (Insurance Code). This subdivision had stated that the section does not prohibit a plan or insurer from applying evidence-based utilization management or a clinically appropriate schedule, provided the enrollee or insured is permitted to reasonably make up missed services within the authorization period. Its removal eliminates this explicit safe harbor.

The Senate amendment date was updated from June 8, 2026 to August 6, 2026, with the earlier date retained as a secondary line. Page numbers shifted from 98 to 97 due to re-pagination.

A stray word 'hours' was inserted after 'provider unavailability' in the treatment hours provision (Section 1374.72, subdivision (d)(1)(C) and Section 10144.51, subdivision (d)(1)(C)), likely a drafting artifact with no intended policy effect.

The prohibition on restricting authorized treatment hours is narrowed. Plans and insurers may now impose limitations on hours lost due to unavoidable circumstances (patient illness, family travel, or provider unavailability), provided the use of remaining hours is reasonably consistent with the treatment plan and clinical guidelines and is documented in the treatment plan and progress reports.

New subdivision (h) added to both Section 1374.73 (Health and Safety Code, governing health care service plans) and Section 10144.51 (Insurance Code, governing health insurers). It states that the section does not prohibit applying evidence-based utilization management or a clinically appropriate schedule, provided the enrollee or insured is permitted to reasonably make up missed services within the authorization period.

Senator Valladares added as coauthor, indicating Senate sponsorship of the amended version.