SENATE BILL 631 / HOUSE BILL 599 (Chapter 357 / Chapter 358) – Health Insurance – Coverage for Mental Health Benefits and Substance Use Disorder Benefits – Treatment Criteria took effect January 1.  This new law requires health plans to use ASAM criteria for medical necessity and utilization management determinations for substance use disorder benefits.  The Maryland Insurance Administration proposed a change to the Uniform Treatment Plan form regulation to implement the new requirement; however, the MPS felt the change should be improved with clearer instructions and elimination of redundant reporting on the form.  Click here for the MPS input aimed at improving the user experience and reducing the administrative burden.