An Act relative to patient centered access to behavioral health services in accountable care organizations

This bill requires Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts to provide patient navigation and care coordination services to individuals with diagnosed or suspected mental illness or substance use disorders. To implement this, ACOs must hire licensed Patient Engagement Advocates who help patients find providers, navigate insurance issues, schedule appointments, and coordinate transportation or medication adherence. The law defines these advocates as social workers, nurses, community health workers, or peer support specialists who must be certified within two years of hiring. Existing ACOs must begin offering these services six months after the act takes effect, while new ACOs must include them as a condition for certification.