MA S773

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 programs across all major insurance types (Group Insurance Commission, Medicaid, commercial insurers, HMOs)

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 be covered

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

Authorizes qualified physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to conduct psychiatric examinations, authorize emergency hospitalizations under Section 12, and order patient restraints alongside physicians and psychologists

Exempts behavioral health-focused Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) programs 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