IL HB5109

Establishes the Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program, administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, effective July 1, 2019

Provides loan repayment grants to mental health and substance use professionals working in underserved or rural federally designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas

Maximum grant awards per year are $35,000 for psychiatrists, $15,000 for advanced practice registered nurses or physician assistants, $12,000 for doctoral psychologists, $6,500 for licensed clinical social workers or professional counselors, and $2,500 for substance use professionals

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, Illinois residents, have 12+ consecutive months of work experience in eligible community mental health centers, have outstanding educational loan balances, and not be in default on any educational loans

Recipients can receive grants for a maximum of 4 years, with each grant requiring an additional separate 12-month work period in an eligible facility