FL H1285

Changes mental and nervous disorder coverage from optional to mandatory in group health insurance policies, health maintenance organizations, and nonprofit hospital and medical service plans in Florida.

Reduces minimum inpatient hospital benefits from 45 days to 30 days per benefit year, but allows unused inpatient benefits to be transferred to outpatient or residential treatment benefits.

Defines "residential treatment" as continuous observation, monitoring, and treatment by professional staff for patients with mental or nervous disorders.

Revises outpatient benefits limit to 30 hours of consultations with licensed physicians, psychologists, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers.

Increases partial hospitalization services limit from 30 days to 121 days when combined with inpatient services in a given benefit year.

Effective date: July 1, 2016.