Section 16A. (a) Subject to appropriation, the department shall operate a statewide program to provide remote mental health consultations available for a at least 5 days a week to pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners and primary care practices for persons under the age of 19 who exhibit a possible mental health or substance use disorder and to health care providers of women who are presenting with signs of postpartum depression.
(b) Expenditures on the program by the department that are related to services provided on behalf of commercially-insured clients shall be assessed by the commissioner on surcharge payors as defined in section 64 of chapter 118E.