MPS Advocacy Updates
Topics:
The Study Act
Psychedelics
Telemedicine
Parity bills
Testimony at State House 6/17/25 - MPS support for S335 and H666
 
Dr. Jhilam Biswas testifying before the Joint Committee on Education on "The Study Act" filed by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell that will ban cell phone in the classrooms during school hours.
AG Campbell Testifies In Support Of The STUDY Act To Promote Safe Technology Use And Protect Youth Mental Health (Mass.gov - Office of the Attorney General 6/17/25)
“We are raising younger generations in a digital storm, where attention is fractured, sleep disrupted, and mood and confidence affected by likes and comparison. The Massachusetts Psychiatric Society strongly supports the STUDY Act because the evidence is clear: the unregulated use of smartphones in schools is part of a public health crisis in youth mental health. This legislation is a vital step toward protecting young developing minds. Schools should be a place of focus, connection, and digital detox—a space where children are free to think on their own, without the constant pull of an algorithm. Our kids deserve a break from the noise so they can truly learn, grow, and socialize,” said Jhilam Biswas, MD, President, Massachusetts Psychiatric Society.
Testimony of the President of the MPS in Support of H.1726 (July 15, 2025)
MPS Opposes 2024 Ballot Question 4: Psychedelics for All
Resources: Scientific studies on Hallucinogens relevant to Ballot Question 4
MA College of Emergency Physicians (MACEP) Question 4 Statement
MPS Parity Bills
S588 - An Act relative to mental health parity implementation
H910 - An Act relative to mental health parity implementation
Fact Sheet
Senate reported Parity Bill https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2519
Senate passed Parity Bill https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2546
Senate Bill 2519: An Act Addressing Barriers to Care in Mental Health Fact Sheet
Telemedicine
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S612
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H991
Coalition testimony
Listening Sessions feedback
Letter to Commissioner Beagan, DOI 3/8/21
Letter to Commissioner Beagan, DOI 3/29/21
Letter to Commissioner Beagan, DOI 4/9/21
Letter to Commissioner Beagan, DOI 4/26/21
Letter to Secretary Sudders, SMI as eligible phase 2 diagnosis
Massachusetts Senators Spilka, Rodrigues, Friedman and Cyr rally with invited guests at the State House before debate on An Act Addressing Barriers to Care for Mental Health
APA Federal Advocacy
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AG Healey Announces Groundbreaking Agreements that Expand Access to Behavioral Health Services for More Than One Million Residents
“The Massachusetts Psychiatric Society applauds Attorney General Healey for her admirable work to help the residents of the Commonwealth gain access to treatment and knowledge and transparency about their mental health and substance use benefits,” said Marilyn Price, MD, President, Massachusetts Psychiatric Society. “The mental health parity investigation is a tremendous endeavor. Persons seeking mental health care should have the same access to timely care as they would with any other illness.”
AG Office Press Release Boston Business Journal article
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