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HB 1351

Health Insurance - Provider Panels - Credentialing for Behavioral Health Care Professionals

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 23 co-sponsors

Maryland expedites health insurance credentialing for behavioral health providers to reduce network access delays and expand mental health care availability.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 746
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1351

Legislative bill overview

HB 1351 reforms the credentialing process for behavioral health care professionals seeking to join health insurance provider panels in Maryland. The bill streamlines requirements and timelines for insurers to credential mental health providers, aimed at expanding access to behavioral health services and reducing administrative barriers that prevent qualified professionals from joining networks.

Why is this important

Maryland faces significant shortages of accessible mental health providers, with many qualified professionals unable to quickly join insurance networks due to lengthy credentialing delays. By expediting this process, the bill could reduce wait times for patients seeking behavioral health care and allow more providers to serve insured populations, particularly addressing the mental health care crisis.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance company burden: Streamlined credentialing requirements may increase operational costs for insurers or reduce their ability to thoroughly vet providers, raising quality assurance concerns
  • Scope of professionals covered: Disagreement over which behavioral health professionals qualify (therapists, counselors, peer specialists, etc.) and whether all should face identical credentialing standards
  • Network adequacy standards: Unclear enforcement mechanisms if insurers don't comply with new timelines, potentially limiting the bill's practical effectiveness without penalties

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

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