An Act relative to behavioral health workforce loan repayment eligibility

This bill expands eligibility for loan repayment programs designed to attract behavioral health professionals to work in underserved areas. Specifically, it allows these professionals to qualify for repayment if they work at acute care hospitals that received special Medicaid funding in 2022, in addition to existing psychiatric and general hospitals. The change aims to broaden the range of facilities where clinicians can serve while still receiving financial assistance for their education. By updating the list of qualifying employers, the legislation seeks to increase the availability of mental health and substance use services in communities that need them most.