MENTAL HLTH EDUC ASSISTANCE

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. Provides that subject to appropriation, beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, the Department of Human Services shall establish and administer the Mental Health Clinician Tuition Assistance and Student Loan Forgiveness Program for the purpose of recruiting and retaining high-performing individuals who are employed as mental health clinicians committed to providing direct care services to Medicaid patients for a contracted or subcontracted provider of the Department or another State agency. Provides that under the program, the Department shall provide financial assistance to individuals who (1) are students at a participating university and have declared an intent to seek and maintain employment for 5 years as mental health clinicians providing direct care services to Medicaid patients; or (2) are graduates of a participating university who work as mental health clinicians providing direct care to Medicaid patients and will commit to work for 5 years as mental health clinicians providing direct care to Medicaid patients. Provides that the Department shall award an undergraduate forgivable loan in an amount that is sufficient to cover the cost of tuition, university fees, and books each year for a maximum of 2 academic years to a student if certain criteria are met. Provides that the Department shall award financial assistance for repayment of a higher education student loan each year for a maximum of 2 years to a graduate of a participating university who works as a mental health clinician if certain criteria are met. Contains provisions concerning the application process; promotion of the program by participating universities; the repayment of financial assistance when a recipient fails to comply with employment requirements; reporting requirements; and other matters. Effective immediately.