| | |
appropriate, the provider shall use the same criteria | | for medical or psychiatric treatment for mental | | illness as for medical treatment for physical illness | | under the individual or group contract. |
|
| | | This subsection may not be construed to allow coverage and | | benefits for the treatment of alcoholism and other drug | | dependencies through the diagnosis of a mental illness listed | | in paragraph A. |
|
| | | Sec. 22. 24-A MRSA §4234-A, sub-§8, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 407, | | §10, is amended to read: |
|
| | | 8. Contracts; providers. Subject to approval by the | | superintendent pursuant to section 4204, a health maintenance | | organization incorporated under this chapter shall allow | | providers, including those listed in subsection 8-A or | | sections 2744 or 2835, subsection 1, to contract, subject to | | the health maintenance organization's credentialling policy, | | for the provision of mental health services within the scope | | of the provider's licensure. |
|
| | | Sec. 23. 24-A MRSA §4234-A, sub-§8-A, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 174, | | §1, is amended to read: |
|
| | | 8-A. Mental health services provided by counseling | | professionals. A health maintenance organization that issues | | individual or group health care contracts providing coverage | for mental health services shall offer | | those services when performed by a counseling professional who | is licensed by the State pursuant to Title 32, chapter 119 to | assess and treat interpersonal and intrapersonal problems, has | at least a masters degree in counseling or a related field | from an accredited educational institution and has been | employed as counselor for at least 2 years | | providing coverage for the services of counseling | | professionals pursuant to this subsection may be subject to | | any reasonable limitations, maximum benefits, coinsurance, | | deductibles or exclusion provisions applicable to overall | benefits under the contract. This subsection applies to all | contracts executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued | or renewed in this State on or after January 1, 1998. For | purposes of this subsection, all contracts are deemed renewed | no later than the next yearly anniversary of the contract | date. |
|
| | | Sec. 24. 24-A MRSA §4234-A, sub-§11, as amended by PL 1995, c. 673, | | Pt. D, §8, is further amended to read: |
|
| | | 11. Application. Except as otherwise provided, the | | requirements of this section apply to all policies, contracts | | and |
|
|
