SECTION 16BB. Statewide program to provide remote consultations to health care providers providing care for persons exhibiting symptoms of substance abuse disorder

(a) Subject to appropriation, the executive office of health and human services shall develop and implement a statewide program to provide remote consultations available for not less than 5 days a week to primary care practices, nurse practitioners and other health care providers for persons over the age of 17 who exhibit symptoms of a substance use disorder. Consultation services shall include, but not be limited to, support of screening, diagnosis, treatment, other interventions and referrals for substance use disorder.

(b) Expenditures by the executive office of health and human services that for the program are related to services provided on behalf of commercially-insured clients may be assessed by the secretary of health and human services on surcharge payors, as defined in section 64 of chapter 118E.