Amendment ID: S2572-1

Amendment 1

Addressing wait times for MassHealth patients

Ms. Lovely and Mr. Tarr move that the proposed new draft be amended by inserting the following section:-

SECTION 59. There shall be a special commission to study and make recommendations on methods for decreasing wait times for mental and behavioral health services, and early intervention services for MassHealth patients.

The commission shall consist of the following members or their designees: the chairs of the joint committee on health care financing, who shall serve as chairs; the chairs of the joint committee on mental health and substance use; the commissioner of the department of public health; the commissioner of the department of mental health; and 12 members to be appointed by the chair: 2 of whom shall be representatives of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society, Inc., 1 of whom shall specialize in the treatment of children; 2 of whom shall be representatives of the Massachusetts Psychological Association, Inc., 1 of whom shall specialize in the treatment of children; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the National Association of Social Workers, Inc.; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc.; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Children’s Mental Health Campaign; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.; 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems, Inc.; 1 of whom shall be a licensed independent clinical social worker in an private practice; 1 of whom shall be a licensed occupational therapist working in private practice; and 1 of whom shall be a licensed speech pathologist working in private practice.

The commission’s review shall include, but not be limited to: (i) possible incentives for private practices to accept MassHealth patients, including grant programs or additional funding; (ii) workforce development; and (iii) potential partnerships between private practices and school districts.

Not later than six months after the effective date of this act, the commission shall submit its findings and recommendations, together with drafts of legislation or regulations necessary to carry those recommendations into effect, to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives.