HB 5528 Summary

• Establishes a behavioral health professional incentive program administered by the Department of Public Health providing educational loan reimbursement (up to $75,000 for psychiatrists and $50,000 for other licensed behavioral health providers) distributed over five years to providers serving health professional shortage areas with specific patient demographics.

• Authorizes $2 million in state bonds to fund the behavioral health professional incentive program and $250,000 for a telemedicine equipment grant program for schools and school-based health centers in health professional shortage areas.

• Creates a behavioral health grant program for boards of education to employ or contract with licensed social workers or psychologists, with up to five full-time positions funded for two years in designated shortage areas.

• Establishes state licensure for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts effective January 1, 2016, requiring certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board with application fees of $350 and biennial renewal fees of $175.

• Modifies the regional behavioral health consultation program for primary care providers to expand services to young adults up to age 26 and requires annual publication of provider guidance on health information communication and continuity of care.