MS HB1600

Exempts income earned by board-certified psychiatrists and licensed psychologists from gross income taxation when providing mental health services to low-income Medicaid patients in state-designated critical mental health services shortage areas.

Requires the Department of Mental Health to annually designate by December 31 which areas of the state qualify as critical mental health services shortage areas based on underserved availability of mental health services.

Grants the Department of Mental Health authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement and administer the income tax exemption provisions.

Amends Mississippi Code Section 27-7-15 to add the new income exemption category to the list of excluded items in gross income calculations.

Effective January 1, 2017.