Attorney General No.
SA97RF0002
Secretary of State No.
737
Description
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. REGULATION. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Requires health care businesses to provide mental health benefits as part of overall covered benefits and to make such services available. Prohibits health care businesses from: restricting access to mental health services; denying mental health services deemed medically necessary; retaliating against health care professionals who support care for mental health patients; using monetary incentives to restrict mental health service; and, refusing to reimburse psychologist's or psychiatrist's fees. Regulates premium increases. Authorizes psychologists to write certain prescriptions. Prohibits hospitals from barring medical staff membership to psychologists. Provides appeal process for patients. Provides for civil enforcement. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Unknown but potentially significant costs of tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the costs of Medi-Cal Programs, purchasing health care benefits, offsetting the potential loss of federal funds, and for administrative costs which may be partially offset by fine revenues.
Proponents
Dr. John Caccavale The California Committee For The Mental Health Parity Initiative, 15720 Ventura Blvd., Ste 225, Encino, Ca 91436-2911 (818) 562-1955
Date
3-27-1997
Document Type
Initiative
Qualified
Failed to Qualify
Recommended Citation
Mental Health Services. Regulation. California Initiative 737 (1997).
https://repository.uclawsf.edu/ca_ballot_inits/895