Tennessee Senate Bill SB2301

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63 and Title 68, relative to mental health professionals.

Impact

If enacted, SB2301 is expected to address the growing need for mental health services in underserved areas, as it encourages qualified professionals to practice in locations where mental health resources are scarce. The bill assigns the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to administer the loan repayment program, with the authority to develop rules for its operation. By offering grants to reduce the loan burden on these professionals, the legislation seeks to improve accessibility to mental health services across the state, potentially benefiting the overall wellbeing of communities that are currently lack adequate mental healthcare.

Summary

Senate Bill 2301 aims to amend the Tennessee Code to establish a mental health professional loan repayment grant program. This program is designed to incentivize licensed mental health professionals to work in primary care settings, particularly in areas designated as mental health professional shortage areas. The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for mental health professionals who wish to participate in the program, including providing services to various vulnerable populations, such as Medicaid recipients and students in certain school districts. The program would require individuals to enter into a contract to serve in these areas for at least three years.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB2301 may center on the allocation of state funds for this program and the efficacy of using financial incentives as a means to address healthcare workforce shortages. Some may argue that while loan repayment grants can attract professionals to underserved areas, there should be a balanced approach that also considers increasing funding for mental health programs at large, rather than focusing solely on individual incentivization. The possibility of professional obligations tied to grant acceptance may also be scrutinized with respect to the pressures it places on new entrants in the mental health field.