An act to add Section 1367.626 to the Health and Safety Code, and to add Section 10123.868 to the Insurance Code, relating to mental health. This bill would require health care service plans and health insurers, by July 1, 2021, to provide access to a telehealth consultation program that meets specified criteria and provides providers who treat children and pregnant and certain postpartum persons with access to a mental health consultation program, as specified. The bill would require the consultation by a mental health clinician with expertise appropriate for pregnant, postpartum, and pediatric patients to be conducted by telephone or telehealth video, and to include guidance on the range of evidence-based treatment options, screening tools, and referrals. The bill would require health care service plans and insurers to communicate information relating to the telehealth program at least twice a year in writing. The bill would require health care service plans and health insurers to monitor data pertaining to the utilization of the program to facilitate ongoing quality improvements, as necessary, and to provide a description of the program to the appropriate department. The bill would exempt certain specialized health care service plans and health insurers from these provisions. Because a willful violation of the bill’s requirement by a health care service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Status: Vetoed by Governor.