Bill > S1380

This bill aims to enhance the behavioral health workforce development by requiring the Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to direct several state departments, including Mental Health (DMH), Youth Services (DYS), Children and Families (DCF), Public Health (DPH), and Personnel Administration, to update their official Job Classification Specifications. Specifically, the bill mandates the inclusion of Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Supervised Mental Health Counselors (LSMHCs) in job descriptions, ensuring these professionals can be fully utilized according to their complete scope of practice. The bill requires these job classification updates to be completed by September 1, 2025, and stipulates that all behavioral health job postings within these departments must reflect these revised specifications by the same date. This legislation is designed to improve workforce opportunities and recognition for mental health professionals, potentially increasing access to behavioral health services by more accurately representing counselors' qualifications and capabilities in state employment frameworks.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1380