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Bill

H 2536

An Act relative to facilitating the utilization of psychologists on the health care team

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Greg Schwartz

Bill expands psychologists' roles in Massachusetts healthcare teams to improve mental health service access and provider collaboration while removing practice barriers.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2536

Legislative bill overview

H 2536 seeks to expand the role of psychologists within Massachusetts healthcare teams by facilitating their integration and utilization in clinical settings. The bill aims to remove regulatory or structural barriers that may limit psychologists' ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare providers in delivering patient care.

Why is this important

This bill addresses workforce efficiency and patient access to mental health services by potentially allowing psychologists to take on expanded clinical responsibilities. Given national shortages in mental health providers, enabling psychologists to practice more flexibly could improve care availability and reduce wait times for psychological treatment in Massachusetts.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice concerns: Other healthcare professions (psychiatrists, primary care physicians) may resist expanded psychologist roles, particularly regarding prescription authority or diagnostic privileges that could overlap with their domains
  • Regulatory clarity: The bill's language about "facilitating utilization" is vague, creating uncertainty about which specific barriers are being removed and whether additional licensing or credentialing standards need clarification
  • Reimbursement and billing: Insurance coverage and payment parity between psychologists and other providers performing similar services may become contentious, affecting healthcare costs and provider compensation

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

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