H 1997 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to further define medical necessity determinations

This bill directs insurance companies and healthcare providers in Massachusetts to determine the medical necessity of mental health services based on the judgment of the treating clinician working with the patient. The legislation requires that these determinations be documented in the patient's medical record to ensure transparency and patient involvement. By amending two specific state laws, the bill shifts the authority for deciding what mental health care is needed from external reviewers to the doctors and patients directly involved in the treatment. This change aims to give more weight to clinical expertise and patient input when evaluating coverage for mental health services.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jun 6, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mike Kushmerek
Mike Kushmerek
DDemocratic
MA
3rd Worcester