Sec. 1. 24-A MRSA §2744, as amended by PL 1995, c. 561, §2, is further amended to read:

§2744. Mental health services

1. Notwithstanding any provision of a health insurance policy subject to this chapter, whenever the policy provides for payment or reimbursement for services which that are within the lawful scope of practice of a psychologist licensed to practice in this State,; a certified social worker licensed for the independent practice of social work in this State who has at least a masters degree in social work from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in social work for at least 2 years, and who, after January 1, 1985, must be licensed as a clinical social worker in this State,; a licensed clinical professional counselor licensed for the independent practice of counseling who has at least a masters degree in counseling from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in counseling for at least 2 years and, after January 1, 2002, must be licensed as a clinical professional counselor in this State, or a licensed nurse who is certified by the American Nurses' Association as a clinical specialist in adult psychiatric and mental health nursing or as a clinical specialist in child and adolescent psychiatric and mental health nursing, any person covered by the policy shall be is entitled to reimbursement for these services if the services are performed by a physician,; a psychologist licensed to practice in this State,; a certified social worker licensed for the independent practice of social work who has at least a masters degree in social work from an accredited educational institution, who has been employed in social work for at least 2 years, and who, after January 1, 1985, must be licensed as a clinical social worker in this State,; a licensed clinical professional counselor licensed for the independent practice of counseling who has at least a masters degree in counseling from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in counseling for at least 2 years and, after January 1, 2002, must be licensed as a clinical professional counselor in this State; or a licensed nurse certified by the American Nurses' Association as a clinical specialist in adult or child and adolescent psychiatric and mental health nursing. With respect to services provided by physicians or psychologists, this section applies to all health insurance policies, contracts or certificates issued, renewed, modified, altered, amended or reissued on or after July 1, 1975. Payment or reimbursement for services rendered by clinical social workers licensed in this State shall, licensed clinical professional counselors licensed in this State or licensed nurses certified by the American Nurses' Association as clinical specialists in adult or child and