To amend title VII of the Public Health Service Act to strengthen the mental health workforce, and for other purposes.
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (May 31, 2023)
This bill establishes a student loan deferment and forgiveness program for physicians who provide mental and behavioral health services (including substance abuse prevention and treatment services) to racial and ethnic minority groups and low-income individuals.
To carry out the program, the Department of Health and Human Services must pay the outstanding principal and interest (up to a maximum limit) on specified federal student loans for eligible physicians who work in qualifying employment. While participating in the program, physicians do not need to pay the principal of their loans but must pay any interest that accrues.
To be eligible, physicians must complete a mental or behavioral health professions degree or certificate at a minority-serving institution of higher education. Physicians must also provide mental and behavioral health services for five consecutive years while working either (1) as solo practitioners where at least 30% of patients receive Medicaid and at least 50% of patients are members of racial and ethnic minority groups; or (2) at institutions that accept Medicaid and where at least 50% of patients served by the institution are members of racial and ethnic minority groups.
What just happenedJun 2, 2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseMay 31, 2023
- Jun 2, 2023Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Health Subcommittee - May 31, 2023IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Energy and Commerce Committee - May 31, 2023IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- May 31, 2023IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House