Sec. 1. 24-A MRSA §2744, as amended by PL 2003, c. 65, §1 and affected by §5, is further amended to read:

§2744. Mental health services

1. Notwithstanding any provision of a health insurance policy subject to this chapter, whenever the policy provides for payment or reimbursement for services that are within the lawful scope of practice of a psychologist licensed to practice in this State; a certified social worker licensed for the independent practice of social work in this State who has at least a masters degree in social work from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in social work for at least 2 years, and who, after January 1, 1985, must be licensed as a clinical social worker in this State; a licensed clinical professional counselor licensed for the independent practice of counseling who has at least a masters degree in counseling from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in counseling for at least 2 years and, after January 1, 2002, must be licensed as a clinical professional counselor in this State,; a licensed pastoral counselor licensed as a pastoral counselor in the State; or a licensed nurse who is certified by the American Nurses' Association as a clinical specialist in adult psychiatric and mental health nursing or as a clinical specialist in child and adolescent psychiatric and mental health nursing, any person covered by the policy is entitled to reimbursement for these services if the services are performed by a physician; a psychologist licensed to practice in this State; a certified social worker licensed for the independent practice of social work who has at least a masters degree in social work from an accredited educational institution, who has been employed in social work for at least 2 years, and who, after January 1, 1985, must be licensed as a clinical social worker in this State; a licensed clinical professional counselor licensed for the independent practice of counseling who has at least a masters degree in counseling from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in counseling for at least 2 years and, after January 1, 2002, must be licensed as a clinical professional counselor in this State; a licensed pastoral counselor licensed as a pastoral counselor in this State; or a licensed nurse certified by the American Nurses' Association as a clinical specialist in adult or child and adolescent psychiatric and mental health nursing. Payment or reimbursement for services rendered by clinical social workers licensed in this State, licensed clinical professional counselors licensed in this State, licensed pastoral counselors licensed in this State or licensed nurses certified by the American Nurses' Association as clinical specialists in adult or child and adolescent psychiatric and