The bill amends sections of the General Laws related to "Insurance Coverage for Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders" to enhance coverage requirements for mental health and substance use disorder treatments. It mandates that payors rely upon criteria that reflect generally accepted standards of care when developing coverage for levels of care for mental health treatment. The bill prohibits payors from modifying clinical criteria to reduce coverage for mental health treatment below the level established by these generally accepted standards of care.

Additionally, the bill defines "generally accepted standards of care" as standards of care and clinical practice recognized by healthcare providers in relevant clinical specialties, including psychiatry, psychology, addiction medicine, and behavioral health treatment. These standards are reflected in various sources, including patient placement criteria, clinical practice guidelines, and recommendations from federal government agencies.

The act is set to take effect upon passage, aiming to improve access to necessary mental health and substance use disorder treatments.