SB 1816

Abstract

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to develop policies and procedures with the goal of increasing the capacity of behavioral health services provided by federally qualified health centers. Requires the Department to develop, no later than July 1, 2023, billing policies that provide reimbursement to federally qualified health centers for services rendered by graduate-level, sub-clinical behavioral health professionals who deliver care under the supervision of a fully licensed behavioral health clinician who is licensed as a clinical social worker, clinical professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or clinical psychologist. Provides that to be eligible for reimbursement, a graduate-level, sub-clinical professional must meet the educational requirements set forth by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for licensed clinical social workers, licensed clinical professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, or licensed clinical psychologists. Provides that an individual seeking to fulfill post-degree experience requirements in order to qualify for licensing as a clinical social worker, clinical professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or clinical psychologist shall also be eligible for reimbursement so long as the individual complies with certain requirements. Requires the Department to work with a trade association representing a majority of federally qualified health centers operating in Illinois to develop the policies and procedures required under the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.