COLUMBUS (December 29, 2006) - Governor Bob Taft today signed into law Substitute Senate Bill 116, sponsored by state Senator Robert Spada (R-North Royalton), which prohibits, with some exceptions, discrimination in group health care policies, contracts, and agreement in the coverage provided for the diagnosis, care and treatment of biologically based mental illnesses. The bill also prohibits the establishment of special hospitals in certain counties for 90 days.

"Untreated mental illnesses impose great costs on individuals, families, schools, employers and government," Taft said. "Ensuring access to appropriate treatment for people with a mental illness improves productivity for adults and school success for children."

Substitute Senate Bill 116 will go into effect 90 days after it is signed by the Governor and filed with the Secretary of State.

# # #

Media Contact: Mark Rickel, Governor's Press Secretary, at (614) 644-0957.

Back to News Releases