A bipartisan overhaul of Georgia’s psychiatric system took the first step toward passage on Wednesday when a House of Representatives committee gave its approval.
The House Health and Human Services Committee approved the comprehensive legislation and referred it to the House Rules Committee to schedule a vote.
Wednesday’s vote came after House Speaker David Ralston, the bill’s lead sponsor, asked the panel to respond to what he says is the most important issue facing lawmakers this year.
“This discussion affects almost every family in Georgia in one way or another,” said Ralston, R-Blue Ridge. “Many Georgians suffer from mental health problems. their families are suffering.
“They are seeking help and either don’t know where to turn or may not have a viable option for mental health services.”
Georgia ranks 48th nationwide for access to mental health and substance abuse services.
The Mental Health Parity Act would require health insurers to treat mental illness in the same way as physical illness. The parity provision would also apply to Georgia’s Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids programs, as well as the state health insurance plan for Georgian teachers and government employees.
The legislation would also require Care Management Organizations (CMOs) participating in Georgia Medicaid to spend at least 85% of their revenues on patient care.
To address shortages of mental health workers and substance abuse workers, the bill would create a callable loan program, an initiative expected to cost $8 million to $10 million.
“Whoever can be a part of the growth and expansion of the workforce is paramount to what we do,” said Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome.
The lengthy bill underwent a number of changes as it went through the committee, which targeted concerns from advocates of mental health and substance abuse treatment.
For one, a planned register of children who required intervention by government crisis services following complaints that would constitute an invasion of privacy was removed.
