AZ SB1317

Appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Department of Health Services for the primary care provider loan repayment program to pay off education loans for physicians, dentists, pharmacists, advance practice providers, and behavioral health providers.

Appropriates an additional $250,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Department of Health Services for the rural private primary care provider loan repayment program for the same categories of healthcare providers.

Directs the Department of Health Services to consider providing additional education loan repayment assistance specifically to behavioral health providers to incentivize entry and retention in the profession.

Recognizes that expanded access to mental and behavioral health treatment services is necessary to address the opioid epidemic in Arizona.

Short title: "Expanded Access for Mental Health Treatment and Opioid Abuse Prevention Act."