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HB 612

Behavioral Health Coordinating Council; add member

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sharon Cooper and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 612 enhances Georgia's Behavioral Health Coordinating Council by adding members and creating a panel to ensure mental health services comply with parity laws.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · HB 612

Summary of House Bill 612: Behavioral Health Coordinating Council; Add Member

Bill Number: HB 612
Introduced: February 24, 2025
Status: Senate Read and Referred
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 612 aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council in Georgia by adding a new member and establishing a Parity Compliance Review Panel. The bill seeks to improve oversight and compliance with mental health parity laws, ensuring that mental health services are treated equitably compared to physical health services.

Key Provisions

1. Membership Expansion

  • The bill amends the composition of the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council to include additional members, specifically:
    • An expert on early childhood mental health
    • An expert on child and adolescent health
    • A pediatrician
    • An adult consumer of public behavioral health services
    • A family member of a consumer of public behavioral health services
    • A parent of a child receiving public behavioral health services
    • A member of the House of Representatives and a member of the Senate, each appointed by their respective leaders.

2. Establishment of the Parity Compliance Review Panel

  • A new Parity Compliance Review Panel will be created within the council, consisting of:
    • Designated members from the council, including commissioners from various health and human services departments.
    • Appointed members, including mental health clinicians and advocates.

3. Reporting and Evaluation of Mental Health Parity Violations

  • Health care providers will be required to report suspected violations of mental health parity laws to the panel.
  • The panel will evaluate these complaints and make recommendations for punitive actions against health insurers found in violation of mental health parity laws.

4. Educational Initiatives

  • The panel will develop educational materials for consumers and health care providers about mental health parity laws and the complaint process, ensuring accessibility and cultural sensitivity.

Impact

Who Would Be Affected?

  • Health Care Providers: Required to report parity violations.
  • Health Insurers: Subject to evaluation and potential punitive actions for non-compliance.
  • Consumers of Mental Health Services: Benefit from improved oversight and access to information regarding their rights under mental health parity laws.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill has passed the House and is currently in the Senate for consideration. Key legislative actions include:
    • March 3, 2025: House passed/adopted the bill.
    • March 4, 2025: Senate read and referred the bill for further discussion.

Conclusion

House Bill 612 represents a significant step towards enhancing the governance of behavioral health services in Georgia. By expanding the council's membership and establishing a dedicated panel for parity compliance, the bill aims to ensure that mental health services are provided equitably and that violations of parity laws are effectively addressed.

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

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