(1) The offer of coverage must provide benefits for the treatment and diagnosis of mental illnesses under terms and conditions that are no less extensive than the benefits provided for medical treatment for physical illnesses.

(2) At the request of a reimbursing health maintenance organization, a provider of medical treatment for mental illness shall furnish data substantiating that initial or continued treatment is medically necessary and appropriate health care. When making the determination of whether treatment is medically necessary and appropriate health care, the provider shall use the same criteria for medical treatment for mental illness as for medical treatment for physical illness under the individual or group contract.

This subsection may not be construed to allow coverage and benefits for the treatment of alcoholism and other drug dependencies through the diagnosis of a mental illness listed in paragraph A.

Sec. VV-22. 24-A MRSA §4234-A, sub-§8, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 407, §10, is amended to read:

8. Contracts; providers. Subject to approval by the superintendent pursuant to section 4204, a A health maintenance organization incorporated under this chapter shall allow providers to contract, subject to the health maintenance organization's credentialling policy, for the provision of mental health services within the scope of the provider's licensure.

Sec. VV-23. 24-A MRSA §4234-A, sub-§8-A, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 174, §1, is amended to read:

8-A. Mental health services provided by counseling professionals. A health maintenance organization that issues individual or group health care contracts providing coverage for mental health services shall offer coverage for those services when performed by a counseling professional who is licensed by the State pursuant to Title 32, chapter 119 to assess and treat interpersonal and intrapersonal problems, has at least a masters