Amendment #625 to H3400

MA Child Psychiatry Access Project

Ms. Balser of Newton moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

SECTION XXXX.  Chapter 19 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 16 the following section:-

Section 16A.

(a) The department shall operate a statewide program to provide mental health consultations by telephone, available for a minimum of 5 days a week, to pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners and primary care practices for persons under the age of 19 who exhibit a possible mental health or substance use disorder.

(b) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the costs of this program shall be assessed on surcharge payers under section 38 of chapter 118G and may be collected in a manner consistent with said chapter 118. All surcharge revenue generated under this section shall be allocated to support the program, including an expansion into educational settings.