An Act expanding access to mental health services

H 4895 removes preauthorization requirements for insured patients seeking specific mental health services, including inpatient psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, substance use disorder treatment, and community-based acute care. It directly affects Commonwealth employees with group insurance and Medicaid recipients by ensuring coverage for these services without prior insurer approval. Key provisions require facilities to notify insurers within 3 business days of admission (limited to basic patient and treatment details) while guaranteeing coverage for services provided before notification. The bill also expands the definition of "licensed mental health professional" to include more provider types, such as licensed clinical social workers and master's-level clinicians under supervision. These changes aim to streamline access to critical mental health care by reducing administrative barriers.