This bill (HD 3581) allows licensed physician assistants to authorize psychiatric holds in Massachusetts, expanding their existing authority under Chapter 123 of the General Laws. It directly affects physician assistants working in mental health settings by permitting them to initiate involuntary psychiatric holds for individuals in crisis. Key provisions require physician assistants to complete 3 hours of specialized mental health evaluation training developed by the Department of Mental Health before authorizing such holds. The bill amends specific sections of the law to explicitly include "physician assistant" alongside "physician" in relevant provisions. This is a policy change to clarify and expand the scope of practice for physician assistants in mental health emergencies.
This bill (SD 1628) requires faster processing of inpatient mental health care decisions in Massachusetts. It mandates that hospital hearings for patients in mental health facilities occur within 7 days (instead of "as expeditiously as possible") and shortens timelines for independent medical exams to 24 hours after counsel is appointed, with completion within 3 business days. It also creates a new process for approving antipsychotic medication for children in state custody who are hospitalized, requiring the Department of Children and Families and the Child Advocate to develop a specific timeline. These changes directly affect hospitals, indigent patients seeking care, and children in foster care receiving psychiatric treatment.
This bill (HD 1927) standardizes the definition of "licensed mental health professional" across multiple Massachusetts laws by explicitly listing qualifying professions - including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, nurse specialists, and educational psychologists. It directly affects insurance policies and healthcare providers by ensuring consistent eligibility criteria for mental health services under state insurance regulations. The bill does not create new services or funding but clarifies existing definitions to align insurance coverage requirements with current licensed professional roles. It applies to all insurance policies issued or renewed on or after March 1, 2006.
This bill creates mandatory "Forensic Units" within certain facilities for specific patient populations. It defines these units as physically separate spaces with incarceration-like restrictions, specialized staff training, and appropriate environments. The law requires that individuals admitted under conditions specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (e) of certain facility admission rules must initially be placed in these Forensic Units. The direct effect is on patients meeting those admission criteria, ensuring they receive care in a designated unit rather than standard facility units. The bill focuses on structural requirements for facility placement, not on treatment protocols or funding.
HD 2988 requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover post-pregnancy mental health care - encompassing both postpartum and post-miscarriage care - without any deductibles, copayments, or cost-sharing. It applies directly to insured individuals and their covered spouses or dependents, ensuring equal access to this care as part of existing postpartum coverage requirements. The bill mandates that insurers provide this coverage without unreasonable delays or restrictions, aligning with existing health care laws. These changes apply to multiple sections of Massachusetts General Laws governing health insurance plans and Medicaid.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1488) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation relative to facilitating the utilization of psychologists on the health care team. Public Health.
This bill establishes a 30% annual growth target for behavioral health spending above 2025 baseline levels for the 2026-2028 period, requiring the state commission to track and report on progress. It mandates annual public hearings and detailed annual reports analyzing behavioral health spending trends, cost drivers, and how well the system meets the target. The commission must publish these reports publicly and propose strategies to improve affordability and efficiency in behavioral health care. The law applies to all behavioral health expenditures in Massachusetts, directly affecting how the state monitors and manages these costs through defined targets and reporting mechanisms.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1414) of Michael O. Moore, John J. Cronin, James B. Eldridge, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the Senate for legislation to increase access to Applied Behavior Analysis services by recognizing assistant level providers. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon that the Center for Health Information and Analysis be authorized to conduct an analysis of eliminating or capping co-pays for mental and behavioral health services. Health Care Financing.
This bill (HD 2956) expands health insurance coverage requirements to explicitly include **post-pregnancy mental health care** - covering both after childbirth and after pregnancy loss (like miscarriage) - in multiple existing Massachusetts health care laws. It mandates that this coverage be provided **without any deductibles, copays, or cost-sharing** and must be equally available to the enrollee, their spouse, and dependents. The bill amends provisions across several chapters of the General Laws (including those governing Medicaid, employer plans, and specific health services) to add this language and requirement. It takes effect six months after passage.
