The bill amends the Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Protocol Act of 2017 by prohibiting limits on utilization criteria for crisis stabilization units unless such rules are adopted in conjunction with the Insurance Commissioner. It also modifies the definition of "healthcare provider" under the Patient Protection Act of 1995 and the any willing provider laws to explicitly include crisis stabilization units. Additionally, the bill establishes regulations for crisis stabilization units and healthcare insurers, ensuring that prior authorizations for services provided by these units are only required if authorized by the Insurance Commissioner.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new subchapter that defines crisis stabilization units and outlines the responsibilities of healthcare insurers regarding behavioral or medical management utilization limitations. It specifies that health benefit plans cannot impose limitations on services provided by crisis stabilization units that are not consistent with those applied to similar services by Medicaid. The Insurance Commissioner is granted the authority to implement rules related to these provisions, ensuring a structured approach to crisis intervention in behavioral health.

Statutes affected:
HB 1320: 20-47-813, 23-99-203(d), 23-99-802(4)
Act 626: 20-47-813, 23-99-203(d), 23-99-802(4)