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SD 2960

Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP) Service FY23-FY24 Report

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts requires a fiscal 2023-2024 performance report on its Child Psychiatry Access Project to assess psychiatric consultation access for children through primary care providers.

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Bill Summary · SD 2960

Legislative bill overview

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to submit a report on the Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP) service performance during fiscal years 2023-2024. The report would document program metrics, outcomes, and operational data from this initiative that provides psychiatric consultation and support to pediatric primary care providers.

Why is this important

MCPAP helps primary care physicians manage children's mental health issues by providing specialist consultation without requiring direct patient referrals, increasing access to psychiatric expertise in underserved areas. The report would provide legislators with data on whether this model is effectively reaching children and reducing barriers to mental health care, informing future funding and policy decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost-benefit clarity: The report's data may reveal whether MCPAP produces measurable health improvements and cost savings, or whether resources could be allocated more efficiently
  • Access equity: Results may show disparities in service reach across different geographic regions, income levels, or racial/ethnic groups, potentially exposing systemic gaps
  • Scope limitations: The report may highlight whether current capacity is sufficient to meet demand, potentially revealing unmet need that requires additional funding or resources

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

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