HB 2949

Abstract

Requires Oregon Health Authority to provide incentives to increase recruitment and retention of mental health workforce, including pipeline development, scholarships for undergraduates and stipends for graduate students, loan repayments and retention activities. Directs authority to expand funding, develop programs and provide incentives to improve access to culturally responsive behavioral health services by tribal members, people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, veterans, persons with disabilities, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, individuals working in correctional facilities, residents of rural areas and other underserved communities. Directs authority to provide funding to counties, community mental health programs and organizations to support individuals to transition from incarceration back into community.] Directs authority to provide grants to licensed practitioners to pay costs of providing supervision of mental health practitioners in private practice. Requires employers of mental health workers to pay supervision costs of workers. Requires authority to provide funding to community mental health programs and private practitioners to ensure access to mental health care by communities disproportionately challenged by COVID-19.] Appropriates moneys to authority to carry out provisions of Act. Changes name of "licensed professional counselor intern" and "licensed marriage and family therapist intern" to "licensed professional counselor associate" and "licensed marriage and family therapist associate." Declares emergency, effective on July 1, 2021.