Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3817

Introduced
6/5/23  
Refer
6/5/23  

Caption

Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2023

Impact

The passage of HB 3817 could lead to improved mental health outcomes within diverse communities by ensuring that language is not a barrier to receiving essential services. Health centers that serve a significant percentage of patients in languages other than English will be prioritized for funding. This could potentially increase the number of qualified professionals in the field and enhance the overall quality of care provided to underserved populations, thereby aligning with broader public health goals of inclusivity and accessibility in healthcare services.

Summary

House Bill 3817, titled the 'Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2023', seeks to enhance access to behavioral health services by increasing language access at eligible health centers. This bill proposes a demonstration program that would provide grants for health centers to hire bilingual behavioral health professionals capable of communicating effectively with limited English proficient individuals. By recruiting professionals fluent in both English and other languages, the bill aims to address significant barriers faced by non-English speaking populations in accessing mental health services.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support for its intention to enhance services for non-English speaking patients, some might argue about the effectiveness of allocating resources to bilingual professionals as a solution. Concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of funding and the broader implications for health service delivery in diverse communities. Moreover, the challenges of recruitment and retention of qualified bilingual professionals could present additional obstacles in implementing the objectives of the bill. Overall, the bill raises critical discussions around resource allocation and the infrastructure needed for effective mental health service delivery in a multilingual society.

Companion Bills

US SB1784

Same As Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2023

US HB3189

Related Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2023

Similar Bills

MI HB4326

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

MI HB4870

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

NJ AR96

Changes membership of Budget and Labor Committees; clarifies that bill or resolution may be listed on committee agenda for purposes of amendment.

MN HC6

A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.

CA AB3239

Advisory bodies.

CA SB602

Advisory bodies.

CA SB1048

Advisory bodies.

KS HR6003

Providing temporary rules of the House of Representatives for the 2023 session until permanent rules are adopted.