An Act relative to increasing available support systems for those with substance use disorder

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tackey Chan

Expands qualified professionals in SUD treatment by adding licensed psychologists and licensed independent clinical social workers to the list after physician in Chapter 123, Sec.

Referred to the committee on House Rules

Summary of the Bill: HD 6233 (Session 194th) – An Act relative to increasing available support systems for those with substance use disorder

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to expand the range of qualified professionals who can be involved in prescribing or delivering services to individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) in Massachusetts.

Specifically, it adds certain licensed mental health professionals to the group identified after the term “physician,” thereby broadening the pool of professionals who can participate in relevant medical or treatment activities within the framework of Chapter 123, Section 35.

Key provisions and changes

Amends Section 35 of Chapter 123 of the Massachusetts General Laws (as it appears in the 2024 Official Edition).

The amendment inserts after the word “physician” the following categories of licensed professionals:

Qualified psychologist licensed pursuant to sections 118 to 129, inclusive, of Chapter 112.
Licensed independent clinical social worker licensed pursuant to sections 130 to 137, inclusive, of Chapter 112.

Practically, this expands the set of credentialed professionals who can participate in the statutory framework related to substance use disorder treatment or related medical oversight, by explicitly recognizing psychologists and licensed independent clinical social workers as qualified professionals within the referenced statute.

Who or what would be affected

Licensed professionals:

Qualified psychologists (as defined under Chapter 112, Sections 118–129).
Licensed independent clinical social workers (as defined under Chapter 112, Sections 130–137).

SUD treatment providers and patients:

By enlarging the qualifying professional categories, more providers may be able to engage in treatment, oversight, or related services for individuals with substance use disorder.

State regulatory and health systems:

May influence credentialing, collaboration, and service delivery models within public and private SUD treatment programs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill is filed as House Docket No. 6233 in the 194th General Court (Massachusetts).

Introduced by Rep. Tackey Chan (with a listed co-sponsor).

The text indicates a straightforward statutory amendment to insert the new professional categories after the term “physician” in Section 35 of Chapter 123, with no other substantive amendments or fiscal provisions shown in the provided excerpt.

If enacted, the changes would take effect as part of the statute upon passage and any effective-date provisions the General Court includes in the final bill (not specified in the excerpt).

Notes

The bill’s scope appears narrow, focusing on expanding the set of recognized professionals within the existing framework to support individuals with substance use disorders.

No new funding, enforcement mechanisms, or programmatic duties are specified in the provided text; those details may appear in other sections or in the accompanying bill language as it moves through the legislature.