July 22, 2026
Mr. Neguse (for himself and Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to States on strategies under Medicaid and CHIP to increase mental health and substance use disorder care provider education, training, recruitment, and retention.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act
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Sec. 2. Guidance to States on strategies under Medicaid and CHIP to increase mental health and substance use disorder care provider education, training, recruitment, and retention
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue guidance to States on strategies under Medicaid and CHIP to increase education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance use disorder care providers that participate in Medicaid or CHIP, with a focus on improving the capacity of the mental health and substance use disorder care workforce in rural and underserved areas. Such guidance shall include, and not be limited to, strategies on how States may utilize waivers under section 1115 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1315) and authorities under titles XIX and XXI of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq., 1397aa et seq.) for such purposes.