Signed by Governor Brian Kemp

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a substitute bill that establishes the Mental Health Parity Act, effective July 1, 2022.

Highlights:

• Establishes Mental Health Parity Act (Page 3).

• Requires mental health insurance plans to accord with federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (Page 5).

• Requires same-day reimbursement option for select patients (Page 7).

• Requires “culturally and linguistically sensitive” complaint process materials (Page 7).

• Establishes position of mental health parity officer (Page 8).

• Establishes minimum medical loss ratio of 85 percent, beginning July 1, 2023 (Page 16).

• Amends statutory references to “disorders” to include substance abuse (Page 20).

• Authorizes educational loans for residents studying primary care medicine (Page 28).

• Authorizes such loans to residents studying mental health or substance use (Page 31).

• Establishes Behavioral Health Care Workforce Data Base (Page 33).

• Expands alternatives to arrest, incarceration, prosecution of outpatients (Page 36).

• Establishes outpatient grant program (Page 37).

• Specifies handling, commitment, etc. of mentally ill persons (Page 44).

• Establishes Multi-Agency Treatment for Children (MATCH) Team (Page 68).

Full Bill Text