SECTION 4Z. 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 abuse 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 4AA; and medically managed intensive inpatient services, not covered under said section 4AA.

Any individual or group health maintenance contract that is issued or renewed 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.