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HD 1566

An Act relative to access to psychiatric collaborative care

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 2 co-sponsors

HD 1566: An Act relative to access to psychiatric collaborative care OverviewBill Number: HD 1566 Title: An Act relative to access to psychiatric collaborative careStatus: Propose

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Bill Summary · HD 1566

HD 1566: An Act relative to access to psychiatric collaborative care

Overview

Bill Number: HD 1566
Title: An Act relative to access to psychiatric collaborative care
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to improve access to psychiatric care and treatment for individuals in Massachusetts by establishing a statewide psychiatric collaborative care program. The bill aims to address the shortage of mental health providers and long wait times for psychiatric services by enabling primary care providers to deliver evidence-based mental health treatment in coordination with consulting psychiatrists.

Key Provisions

  • Requires the state's Medicaid program (MassHealth) to cover psychiatric collaborative care services provided by primary care practices
  • Establishes standards and certification requirements for psychiatric collaborative care programs, including the use of a treating psychiatrist, care manager, and validated screening/outcome measures
  • Provides grants and technical assistance to help primary care practices implement certified psychiatric collaborative care programs
  • Mandates insurance coverage for psychiatric collaborative care services by all state-regulated health plans
  • Directs the state's Department of Mental Health to oversee the program and collect data on utilization and outcomes

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Individuals with mental health conditions who receive care through MassHealth or private insurance plans in Massachusetts
  • Primary care providers who will be able to offer expanded mental health services through the collaborative care model
  • Consulting psychiatrists who will work with primary care teams to provide remote expertise and treatment guidance
  • Insurance companies that will be required to cover the new psychiatric collaborative care services

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HD 1566 was introduced in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery for initial consideration. If passed by the committee, the bill would then proceed to a full House vote. If approved by the House, it would move to the Senate for further review and a potential final vote. If enacted, the psychiatric collaborative care program would be required to be implemented within 12 months.

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

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