Bill > H1410

This bill establishes a primary care workforce development and loan forgiveness grant program administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to enhance recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals at community health centers throughout Massachusetts. The program will focus on supporting primary care physicians, clinicians, bachelor's degree-level mental health professionals (such as community health workers, recovery coaches, and family partners), and other non-clinician staff, with priority given to clinicians and mental health professionals. To be eligible for loan repayment assistance, individuals must work at a community health center, have outstanding educational debt, not participate in other loan repayment programs, and commit to working in the Commonwealth for at least four years. The program emphasizes recruiting a culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse workforce, and loan repayment amounts will be prorated for part-time workers. The executive office will develop regulations including penalties for non-compliance, and the program will be funded through the Behavioral Health and Community-Based Primary Care Reserve established in a previous legislative act. The goal is to strengthen the primary care workforce by providing financial incentives and support for healthcare professionals working in community health centers.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1410