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SD 936

An Act providing continuity of care for mental health treatment

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requiring insurers and providers to maintain uninterrupted mental health treatment during patient transitions between plans, providers, or care settings.

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Bill Summary · SD 936

Legislative bill overview

SD 936 establishes requirements to ensure uninterrupted mental health treatment when patients transition between providers, insurance plans, or treatment settings. The bill mandates that insurers and healthcare providers maintain continuity of care during these transitions, likely including provisions for bridge prescriptions, temporary authorization of ongoing treatments, and coordination between old and new providers.

Why is this important

Mental health treatment interruptions can destabilize patients, increase crisis episodes, and worsen outcomes. Gaps in care—even brief ones—are particularly harmful for conditions requiring consistent medication management and therapy. This bill addresses a real-world problem where administrative changes force patients to restart treatment protocols, find new providers, or go without care temporarily.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost concerns: Insurers may argue that continuity mandates increase premiums by requiring them to cover treatments before formal coverage determinations are complete
  • Provider burden: Healthcare providers may face administrative complexity implementing transition protocols and coordinating across multiple systems
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill likely needs specificity on what constitutes "continuity of care," how long transition periods last, and which treatments qualify for guaranteed continuation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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