HF 19: Relating to eligibility for the mental health professional loan repayment program

What it does

This bill relates to eligibility for the mental health loan repayment program. Under current law, loan repayment is available to mental health professionals who agree, in part, to practice in an “eligible practice area” which is defined as a city in Iowa that is within a federal mental health shortage area, as designated by the health resources and services administration of the United States department of health and human services. The bill instead provides that loan repayment is available to mental health professionals who agree, in part, to practice in an “eligible practice site” which is defined as a community-based mental health provider location including a community mental health center.

Lobbying · 13 for, 4 against

For: Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Exceptional Persons, Inc.; Hope Haven Area Development Center; IA Mental Health Planning Council; Imagine the Possibilities; Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council; Iowa State Association of Counties; Mosaic; National Alliance on Mental Illness - Iowa; Next Generation of Cystinosis; Nishna Productions Inc.; One Vision; and 1 more

Against: American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy; Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association; Iowa School Psychologists Association; Iowa School Social Workers Association

In plain words

1. January 12, 2023Filed in the House and sent to the Health and Human Services committee