O.C.G.A. § 31-2-17: [Repealed effective December 1, 2022] Study of mental health care services under state health plans; reporting; repealer.

(a) The department shall undertake a study of the following:

(1) Comparison of reimbursement rates for mental health services under Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, and the state health benefit plan with other states;

(2) Reimbursement for health care providers providing mental health care services under Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, and the state health benefit plan and comparison with other states;

(3) Reimbursement for hospitals caring for uninsured patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders in the emergency department for extended periods of time while the patient is waiting on placement and transfer to a behavioral health facility for evaluation and treatment;

(4) An accurate accounting of mental health fund distribution across state agencies, including, but not limited to, the department, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Juvenile Justice;

(5) Medical necessity denials for adolescent mental and behavioral health services; and

(6) Implementation of coordinated health care for any child who enters foster care such that Medicaid claims data shall be shared immediately with the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services.

(b) The department shall complete such study and submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor, General Assembly, the Office of Health Strategy and Coordination, and the Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission no later than December 31, 2022.

(c) This Code section shall stand repealed in its entirety by operation of law on December 31, 2022.