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
Mike Kushmerek
DDemocratic
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