The bill amends the General Laws to establish guidelines for emergency medical services (EMS) transport to alternate facilities and coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment. It defines terms such as "Basic life support" (BLS), "Emergency medical services" (EMS), and "Mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine," and authorizes approved EMS agencies to divert non-emergency BLS calls to alternative facilities. From January 1, 2024, health insurance contracts must cover transport to these facilities at the same rate as transport to an emergency department. Additionally, the bill allows licensed providers to evaluate and treat mental health and substance use disorders in the community, with insurance required to cover these services at rates not lower than traditional office settings.

The bill also mandates that treatment and coverage for mental health disorders comply with existing laws and that the Department of Health and the office of the health insurance commissioner will promulgate rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of these sections. It adds sections to the Health Maintenance Organizations chapter to align with these new provisions and outlines that only EMS agencies with plans meeting the department of health's requirements can participate in the mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine program. The bill also allows EMS to bill at the basic life support transport rate even if an advanced life support assessment is provided, and it permits licensed providers to evaluate and treat mental health and substance use disorders in the community, with transport to facilities designated by the department of health. This act would take effect upon passage.