HI HB1706

Expands Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement to cover mental health services provided by pre-licensed or trainee mental health professionals working under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional at federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.

Addresses Hawaii's shortage of licensed mental health professionals by allowing supervised pre-licensed providers to serve Medicaid beneficiaries, reducing waitlists and expanding access to care for low-income individuals and families.

Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt administrative rules implementing the expanded reimbursement and to seek any necessary waivers or approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Sections 2 and 3 take effect only upon federal approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, with a general effective date of July 1, 3000.