SECTION 17M. Preauthorization for substance abuse treatment not to be required

For the purposes of this section the term ''substance abuse treatment'' shall include: early intervention services for substance use disorder treatment; a substance use disorder evaluation as defined in section 511/2 of chapter 111; outpatient services including medically assisted therapies; intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization services; residential or inpatient services, not covered under section 17N; and medically managed intensive inpatient services, not covered under said section 17N.

Any coverage offered by the commission to an active or retired employee of the commonwealth insured under the group insurance commission shall not require a member to obtain a preauthorization for substance abuse treatment if the provider is certified or licensed by the department of public health.