SB 57

Abstract

Amends the Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Act. Provides that up to a $2,500 grant may also be awarded to a certified alcohol and other drug counselor and a certified recovery support specialist. In a provision concerning eligibility for the grant, provides that an applicant may also work for at least 12 consecutive months for an organization that provides community based substance abuse disorder treatment or mental health services in an underserved or rural federally designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Area in this State. Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program Act. Provides that the grant amount awarded may not exceed (i) $40,000 per year (instead of $35,000 per year) for a psychiatrist, (ii) $20,000 per year (instead of $15,000 per year) for an advanced practice registered nurse or a physician assistant, (iii) $20,000 per year (instead of $12,000 per year) for a psychologist who holds a doctoral degree, (iv) $15,000 per year for a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed clinical professional counselor, or a licensed marriage and family therapist (instead of $6,500 per year for a licensed clinical social worker or a licensed clinical professional counselor), and (v) $4,000 per year for a substance use professional, a certified alcohol and drug counselor, or a certified recovery support specialist (instead of $2,500 per year for a substance use professional). Provides that awards shall also be given for up to $12,000 per year for a professional possessing a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy and $6,000 per year for a professional possessing a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. Provides that no less than 30% of the funding for grants each fiscal year shall be reserved for awards to minority applicants of African American or Black, Hispanic or Latinx, Asian, or Native American origin. Provides that if the Illinois Student Assistance Commission does not receive enough applications from qualified minorities on or before January 1 of a given fiscal year to award 30% of the funding to qualified minority applicants, then the Commission may award a portion of these reserved funds to other qualified applicants. In provisions concerning eligibility, requires an applicant to have worked in a community mental health center, behavioral health clinic, substance use treatment center or State-operated psychiatric hospital licensed or certified by the Department of Human Services or the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (instead of in a community mental health center). Effective July 1, 2024.