Existing law requires the Department of Health and Human Services to administer Medicaid. (NRS 422.270) Section 1.2 of this bill requires the Director of the Department to include under Medicaid coverage for the administration of certain medication to treat opioid use disorder. Section 1.1 of this bill defines “medication assisted treatment” for that purpose. Section 1.3 of this bill establishes the applicability of that definition, and section 1.5 of this bill eliminates a duplicative definition. Section 1.6 of this bill makes a conforming change to require the Director to administer the provisions of sections 1.1 and 1.2 in the same manner as the provisions of existing law governing Medicaid. Section 1.7 of this bill requires the transfer of certain money and authorizes the expenditure of certain money to carry out the provisions of section 1.2. The policies of the Department of Health and Human Services provide that Medicaid will provide coverage of services provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist, advanced practice registered nurse, marriage and family therapist or licensed clinical social worker at a federally-qualified health center. (Medicaid Services Manual 2903(B)(1)) In 2023, federal law was amended to authorize federal financial participation for Medicaid coverage of services provided by mental health counselors, including alcohol and drug counselors who hold a master's or doctoral degree and clinical professional counselors, when such services are provided in a federally-qualified health center. (42 U.S.C. § 1396a(a)(10), 42 U.S.C. § 1396d(a)(2)(c), 42 U.S.C. § 1396d(l)(2); Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Pub. L. No. 117-328, § 4121) Section 1.4 of this bill: (1) codifies into law existing requirements that Medicaid cover services provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist, advanced practice registered nurse, marriage and family therapist or licensed clinical social worker at a federally-qualified health center; (2) newly requires Medicaid to cover services provided by a clinical professional counselor, licensed alcohol and drug counselor or licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor at a federally qualified health center; and (3) newly requires Medicaid to cover services provided by a master's level intern in any of those professions practicing in a federally-qualified health center under supervision. Section 1.8 of this bill appropriates certain money and authorizes the expenditure of certain money to carry out the provisions of section 1.4.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 422.272366
Reprint 1: 422.272366
Reprint 2: 422.001, 422.272366, 422.272428, 232.320
As Enrolled: 422.001, 422.272366, 422.272428, 232.320
BDR: 422.272366