Bill > HB1926

This bill establishes the Social Worker Educational Enrollment and Training Program within the Department of Health. The program provides commitment stipends of $30,000 to qualified applicants who hold a master's or doctoral degree in social work and agree to practice clinical social work in mental health professional shortage areas upon completion of an authorized internship position. The bill authorizes the department to fund internship positions that provide comprehensive clinical training and supervision, prioritizing facilities that provide Medicaid-covered mental health services. Recipients must comply with employment requirements, such as applying for licensure and working in a shortage area for at least 12 months, or risk reimbursing the commitment stipend. The bill appropriates $10 million annually from the General Fund to the department to administer the program.