Pennsylvania HB 2653: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, providing for the offense of masked intimidation; and imposing penalties.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3662
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 2653
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY SAPPEY, KHAN, HOWARD, BOYD, RIVERA, PROBST,
SHUSTERMAN, STEELE AND SANCHEZ, JUNE 18, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE, JUNE 22, 2026
AN ACT
Amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, providing for behavioral health care provider
access; and imposing penalties.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Title 40 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes is amended by adding a chapter to read:
CHAPTER 46
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ACCESS
Sec.
4601. Scope of chapter.
4602. Legislative findings and intent.
4603. Definitions.
4604. Behavioral health care provider access to insurer
networks.
4605. Preclusion permitted.
4606. Parity and nondiscrimination.
4607. Claim handling.
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4608. Scope of practice.
4609. Regulations.
4610. Violations.
4611. Administrative procedures.
§ 4601. Scope of chapter.
This chapter relates to behavioral health care coverage
provided under a health insurance policy.
§ 4602. Legislative findings and intent.
(a) Legislative findings.--The General Assembly finds and
declares as follows:
(1) Timely and effective behavioral health care services
are critical for the mental and behavioral health of
Pennsylvanians.
(2) The selection of a behavioral health care provider
is a personal choice that can be based upon many factors,
including the provider's background, experience with a
particular condition or treatment methods.
(3) Individuals should have access to a behavioral
health care provider who understands their particular needs.
(4) Cost concerns or network restrictions should not
prevent an individual from finding and seeking treatment with
a behavioral health care provider that is right for the
individual.
(b) Intent.--The intent of this chapter is to maximize
timely and effective access to behavioral health care services
for residents of this Commonwealth.
§ 4603. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
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"Administrative policy." A written document or collection of
documents reflecting the terms of the contractual or operating
relationship between an insurer and a health care provider.
"Behavioral health care provider." A health care provider
that is licensed, certified or otherwise permitted by law or
regulation to provide behavioral health care services under the
laws of this Commonwealth, including an individual governed by
the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), known as the Social
Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional
Counselors Act.
"Behavioral health care service." A health care service
intended to address behavioral health, including services for
mental health and for substance use disorders.
"Commissioner." The Insurance Commissioner of the
Commonwealth.
"Covered behavioral health care service." A behavioral
health care service covered by a covered person's health
insurance policy.
"Covered person." A policyholder, subscriber or other
individual who is entitled to receive health care services under
a health insurance policy.
"Health care provider." A person that is licensed, certified
or otherwise permitted by law or regulation to provide health
care services under the laws of this Commonwealth.
"Health care service." A treatment, procedure, medical
supply or other service, prescribed or otherwise provided or
proposed to be provided by a health care provider to a covered
person.
"Health insurance policy." As defined in section 9103
(relating to definitions).
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"Insurer." As defined in section 9103.
"Participating network provider." A health care provider
that has entered into a contractual or operating relationship
with an insurer to participate in one or more designated
networks of the insurer to provide health care services to
covered persons under the terms of the administrative policy of
the insurer.
"Service area." The geographic area in which an insurer may
offer a health insurance policy.
"Telemedicine." As defined in section 4802 (relating to
definitions).
§ 4604. Behavioral health care provider access to insurer
networks.
(a) Willing provider.--An insurer may not refuse to contract
with a behavioral health care provider that is willing to enter
into a contract for participation in a network for a health
insurance policy if the behavioral health care provider
satisfies all of the following:
(1) Is in good standing with the regulatory authority
under which the behavioral health care provider is permitted
to practice in this Commonwealth.
(2) Provides behavioral health care servic