MA H1131

Eliminates preauthorization requirements for medically necessary mental health services at inpatient psychiatric facilities, community health centers, community behavioral health centers, crisis stabilization programs, and hospital outpatient departments across all major insurance types including MassHealth, Group Insurance Commission, and commercial insurers

Requires facilities to notify insurance carriers of patient admissions within 3 business days, with notification limited to patient name, facility name, admission time, diagnosis, and initial treatment plan; services provided before notification must still be covered

Expands the definition of "licensed mental health professional" to include supervised clinicians with master's degrees in clinical behavioral health practice who are pursuing licensure, in addition to psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and nurse practitioners

Authorizes qualified physician assistants to conduct psychiatric evaluations, apply for emergency psychiatric hospitalizations, authorize restraints, and admit patients to mental health facilities alongside physicians and advanced practice registered nurses

Exempts mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) programs focused on behavioral health services from application and registration fees, and requires insurers to reimburse emergency departments for behavioral health crisis services at no less than prevailing MassHealth rates