MA H4895

Eliminates preauthorization requirements for medically necessary mental health services at inpatient psychiatric facilities, community health centers, community behavioral health centers, crisis stabilization services, and youth crisis stabilization services across all insurance types including Group Insurance Commission, Medicaid, and commercial insurers

Requires facilities to notify insurers 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 be covered

Expands the definition of "licensed mental health professional" to include licensed alcohol and drug counselors, marriage and family therapists, physician assistants practicing in psychiatry, and master's-level clinicians pursuing licensure under supervision

Authorizes licensed independent clinical social workers and qualified physician assistants to apply for emergency psychiatric hospitalization under Section 12, expanding beyond physicians and psychologists

Exempts Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) programs focused on behavioral health from application and registration fees, and requires the Division of Insurance to issue regulations within 30 days mandating carrier reimbursement for emergency behavioral health services at rates no less than MassHealth rates