Limits patient information behavioral health care providers may disclose to health insurance carriers.
Impact
The implementation of A3514 is expected to significantly amend the interaction between mental health care providers and insurance carriers. It seeks to align state regulations with professional licensure standards, effectively preventing health insurers from requiring more detailed disclosures than what is deemed permissible under the new law. By limiting the information disclosed, the bill aims to fortify patient rights and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment by minimizing fear of exposure.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3514, introduced in New Jersey, aims to protect patient confidentiality specifically concerning behavioral health care information disclosed by mental health care providers to health insurance carriers. The bill restricts the scope of information that can be shared to basic identifying details such as the patient's name, age, and the number of sessions they have attended, along with diagnostic information and the reason for treatment. This measure is intended to enhance privacy for individuals seeking mental health services.
Contention
The bill has sparked discussions about the balance between patient privacy and insurer's needs for appropriate care management and reimbursement. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to protect sensitive patient information, while opponents may express concern over how this could hinder insurers’ ability to properly evaluate claims or manage care. Overall, the debate highlights ongoing tensions in the healthcare sector regarding confidentiality and transparency in behavioral health services.
Prohibits mental health care professionals from disclosing, and health insurance carriers from demanding, certain information concerning behavioral health care services provided to patients.
Prohibits mental health care professionals from disclosing, and health insurance carriers from demanding, certain information concerning behavioral health care services provided to patients.
Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders through collaborative care.
Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders through collaborative care.
Prohibits mental health care professionals from disclosing, and health insurance carriers from demanding, certain information concerning behavioral health care services provided to patients.
Prohibits mental health care professionals from disclosing, and health insurance carriers from demanding, certain information concerning behavioral health care services provided to patients.
Substitute for SB 131 by Committee on Public Health and Welfare - Authorizing the state board of healing arts to issue a sports waiver to practice healing arts professions in this state on a limited basis during certain sporting events, authorizing pharmacy technicians to administer certain vaccines, licensing of professional counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, addiction counselors, behavior analysts, psychologists and master's level psychologists, requiring the behavioral sciences regulatory board to process applications within a certain time and establish an expedited application process, establishing license categories for applicants from social work programs in candidacy for accreditation and for temporary reinstatement; extending the license period of temporary licenses, establishing a community-based license for certain licensed professions.
Mental health provider staffing, documentation, and diagnostic assessment requirements modified; certification process required; assertive community treatment and behavioral health home services staff requirements modified; adult rehabilitative mental health services provider entity standards modified; managed care contract requirements modified; grant data and reporting requirements modified; and family peer support services eligibility modified.