Bill > SB581

This bill creates a psychology provider incentive program within the Oregon Health Authority designed to support psychology students and licensed psychologists through several key provisions. The program will offer housing stipends to doctoral psychology students who complete at least four courses in cultural competency training, and later provide loan repayment subsidies to those same students once they become licensed psychologists. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training will guarantee full-time employment for eligible licensed psychologists for six to twelve months, and public employers must give hiring preferences to these psychologists during civil service job applications by adding five preference points to their application scores or providing special consideration during the hiring process. The bill establishes a Psychology Provider Incentive Fund to support these initiatives, which can receive money from public and private sources, and sets the program's operative date as January 1, 2026. The goal appears to be addressing mental health workforce needs by incentivizing psychology students to complete cultural competency training and supporting their subsequent professional placement, with a particular emphasis on promoting diversity and cultural understanding in mental health services.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB581