Collaborative Plan for Loan Repayment for Behavioral Health Practitioners
Biennium
2016-2018
Budget Round
Initial Bill
Half Sheet Number
288 #2c
Description
This amendment requires the Virginia Department of Health to collaborate with the Virginia Health Care Foundation, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the state's teaching hospitals and other relevant stakeholders to develop a plan to increase the number of behavioral health practitioners practicing in state and local behavioral health agencies, and health safety net organizations through the use of a student loan repayment program. Language sets out provisions that the program design is to include a preference for applicants to practice in underserved areas for at least two years. The plan shall be reported to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees and the Chairman of the Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the Twenty-First Century by November 1, 2016.