HI SB36

Director of health shall convene a 14-member mental health and substance abuse parity working group consisting of representatives from state government, legislature, insurance commission, health divisions, and mental health/substance abuse advocacy organizations.

Working group shall review the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, federal interim final rules, and national health care reform provisions related to behavioral health care.

Working group shall determine Hawaii's role and responsibilities in implementing federal mental health parity requirements and examine components of state parity laws including coverage options, financial limits, managed care provisions, and provider network adequacy.

Legislative reference bureau shall assist the working group in drafting proposed legislation based on its findings and recommendations.

Working group shall submit a report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2013 regular session and dissolve on June 30, 2013.