Bill > S2884

This bill establishes a new trust fund called the "integrating behavioral health and primary care workforce trust fund" to expand primary care services in underserved areas. The fund will be financed through various sources, including government appropriations, bond proceeds, federal grants, and private donations, and any remaining money will carry over to the next fiscal year. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will administer this fund by awarding grants to primary care physicians, such as family doctors, pediatricians, and OB/GYNs, with a priority given to those who are culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse. To qualify for these grants, physicians must work in a practice that serves a significant number of patients covered by public insurance programs and integrates both primary and behavioral health care, have substantial educational debt, not be part of any other Massachusetts loan repayment program, and commit to working in the Commonwealth for at least four years. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services will create regulations for the fund's administration, including how to apply for grants, what the funds can be used for, and penalties for non-compliance. Before any funds are committed, a detailed plan must be submitted to various state committees, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services will be required to submit an annual report on the grant program's progress.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2884