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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7924 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7924
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to support graduate programs
in mental and behavioral health professions at minority-serving
institutions, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 10, 2024
Mr. Bowman (for himself, Mr. Cardenas, Ms. Garcia of Texas, Mr. Goldman
of New York, Ms. Jackson Lee, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Lee of
Pennsylvania, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mr. Moulton, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms.
Norton, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Ms. Omar, Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. Thanedar, Ms.
Tlaib, Ms. Velazquez, and Mrs. Watson Coleman) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the
Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to support graduate programs
in mental and behavioral health professions at minority-serving
institutions, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Advancing Culturally Competent and
Equitable Supportive Services in Mental Health Act'' or the ``ACCESS in
Mental Health Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to increase the number, size, and
quality of accredited graduate training programs for mental and
behavioral health professions at minority-serving institutions to
address shortages in the mental and behavioral health professional
workforce and diversify such workforce.
SEC. 3. GRANTS TO SUPPORT GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AT HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES, TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AND OTHER
MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.
Part A of title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1070) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subpart 5 as subpart 6;
(2) in section 731--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``subparts
1 through 4'' and inserting ``subparts 1 through 5'';
(B) in subsection (a), by striking ``subparts 1
through 4'' and inserting ``subparts 1 through 5'';
(C) in subsection (b), by striking ``subparts 1
through 4'' and inserting ``subparts 1 through 5''; and
(D) in subsection (d), by striking ``subpart 1, 2,
3, or 4'' and inserting ``subpart 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5'';
and
(3) by inserting after subpart 4 the following:
``Subpart 5--Grants To Support Graduate Programs in Mental and
Behavioral Health Professions at Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Other Minority-
Serving Institutions
``SEC. 727. DEFINITIONS.
``In this subpart:
``(1) Cost of attendance.--The term `cost of attendance'
has the meaning given that term in section 472.
``(2) Culturally responsive care.--The term `culturally
responsive care' means care that is conducted or provided in a
manner that is responsive to the beliefs, backgrounds, customs,
interpersonal styles, lived experiences, language, and
behaviors of individuals who are receiving the care, and in a
manner that has the greatest likelihood of ensuring maximum
benefit and participation in the treatment provided.
``(3) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible
institution' means--
``(A) an institution of higher education that is--
``(i) a part B institution (as defined in
section 322);
``(ii) a Hispanic-serving institution (as
defined in section 502);
``(iii) a Tribal College or University (as
defined in section 316);
``(iv) an Alaska Native-serving institution
(as defined in section 317(b));
``(v) a Native Hawaiian-serving institution
(as defined in section 317(b));
``(vi) a Predominantly Black Institution
(as defined in section 318);
``(vii) an Asian American and Native
American Pacific Islander-serving institution
(as defined in section 320(b)); or
``(viii) a Native American-serving,
nontribal institution (as defined in section
319);
``(B) a consortium of institutions described in
subparagraph (A); or
``(C) an institution described in subparagraph (A),
or a consortium described in subparagraph (B), in
partnership with any other institution of higher
education, but only if the program supported with a
grant under this subpart is carried out at an
institution described in subparagraph (A).
``(4) Health professional shortage area.--The term `health
professional shortage area' means an area designated as a
health professional shortage area by the Administrator of the
Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department
of Health and Human Services.
``(5) Mental or behavioral health professional.--The term
`mental or behavioral health professional' means an individual
with a graduate degree from an institution of higher education
with an accredited program that prepares students for State
licensing or certification in fields such as psychiatry,
psychology, school psychology, behavioral pediatrics,
psychiatric nursing, social work, school social work, substance
use disorder prevention and treatment, marriage and family
counseling, school counseling, professional counseling, child
and adolescent psychiatry, or any other provider that is a
State licensed or certified mental health professional
qualified under State law to provide mental health services.
``(6) School-based mental health services provider.--The
term `school-based mental health services provider' has the
meaning given the term in section 4102 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7112).
``(7) Trauma-informed care.--The term `trauma-informed
care' means care received by individuals who have experienced
or witnessed trauma that is healing-centered and culturally
responsive in accordance with professional standards of
practice and accounting for patients' experiences and that
recognizes the emotional, behavioral, and developmental
challenges that can accompany trauma exposure in order to
eliminate or mitigate triggers that may cause re-traumatization
of the patient.
``SEC. 728. GRANTS TO INSTITUTIONS FOR GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAMS IN
MENTAL OR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS.
``(a) Program Authorized.--From amounts made available to carry out
this section for each fiscal year and not reserved under subsection
(b), the Secretary is authorized to award grants, on a competitive
basis, to eligible institutions--
``(1) to establish, expand, or improve graduate programs in
mental and behavioral health professions, including programs
that train school-based mental service providers; or
``(2) to engage in planning activities necessary for the
establishment of new graduate programs in mental and behavioral
health professions, including programs that train school-based
mental health service providers.
``(b) Reservation.--The Secretary may reserve not more than two
percent of the funds made available to carry out this section for a
fiscal year to provide technical assistance to eligible institutions on
matters relating to the grant program under this section and the
implementation of programs supported by such grants.
``(c) Use of Funds.--
``(1) Required use of funds.--An eligible institution that
receives a grant under subsection (a)(1) shall use at least
five percent of grant funds to award scholarships or stipends,
based on financial need, to cover all or part of a student's
cost of attendance for the mental or behavioral health graduate
program. Scholarships and stipends awarded under this
subsection shall prioritize students who are from health
professional shortage areas.
``(2) Allowable use of funds.--After fulfilling the
requirement in paragraph (1), an eligible institution that
receives a grant under subsection (a)(1) shall use any
remaining grant funds to carry out one or more of the following
activities:
``(A) Establish new accredited graduate programs
that prepare students for State licensing and
certification to serve as mental or behavioral health
professionals or school-based mental health services
providers, including through hiring and compensating
faculty, purchasing or developing culturally responsive
course materials, or other activities necessary to
establish such programs.
``(B) Ensure that graduate programs in mental or
behavioral health professions offered by the
institution are preparing professionals who are highly
qualified, are able to provide culturally responsive
and trauma-informed behavioral health care, and are
equipped to serve in health professional shortage areas
or other high-need areas or schools, which may
include--
``(i) recruiting, training, retraining, or
retaining faculty for such programs;
``(ii) designing or redesigning such
programs--
``(I) to prepare mental or
behavioral health professionals to
serve in health professional shortage
areas or other high-need areas or
schools, provide culturally responsive
and trauma-informed care to diverse
patients, and meet the needs of the
whole child or person;
``(II) to incorporate rigorous
academic content and scientifically
valid research; and
``(III) to adequately prepare
students to meet State licensure and
certification standards; and
``(iii) developing or implementing high
quality course materials, which may include
purchasing necessary educational materials or
other academic resources, to support the design
or redesign of the program as described in
clause (ii).
``(C) Provide students with sustained and high-
quality preservice and clinical experience that is
aligned with graduate education standards for their
respective fields, which may include--
``(i) arranging for exemplary mental or
behavioral health professionals in relevant
fields or work settings to mentor students who
are prospective mental or behavioral health
professionals; or
``(ii) substantially increasing the level
of interaction between faculty at institutions
of higher education and new and experienced
mental and behavioral health professionals, and
providing support, including preparation time,
for such interactions.
``(D) Establish partnerships with other
institutions of higher education with accredited
programs that prepare students for State licensing or
certification in mental or behavioral health fields to
allow cross registration or other forms of program
collaboration determined eligible by the Secretary for
the purposes of expanding access to classes,
certificate programs, or degree programs in mental or
behavioral health fields for students from racial or
ethnic minority communities.
``(E) Develop and implement supportive services for
former students of the institution who work as mental
or behavioral health professionals or partnerships with
school districts, State or local agencies, or other
places of employment for former students to promote
retention in those professions, including services such
as--
``(i) mental or behavioral health
professional mentoring from exemplary mental or
behavioral health professionals in relevant
fields or work settings, including those
working in schools or home-based care settings;
``(ii) materials, resources, and support
for mental or behavioral health professionals
during their first three years of employment in
such profession; or
``(iii) services to prevent or mitigate
secondary trauma or burnout associated with
working in mental health professional shortage
areas or other high-need areas or schools.
``(F) Disseminate information on effective
practices for the preparation of mental or behavioral
health professionals, including practices for obtaining
any certifications or licenses needed to practice as a
mental or behavioral health professional or a school
mental health services provider in a State.
``(G) Develop strategies to increase awareness,
interest, and experiential learning opportunities in
mental and behavioral health careers, especially among
racial and ethnic minority communities, including
through partnerships with State educational agencies,
local educational agencies, or other institutions of
higher education to increase awareness of and interest
in such careers among elementary school students,
secondary school students, or undergraduate students.
``(3) Planning grants.--An eligible institution that
receives a grant under subsection (a)(2) shall use the grant to
engage in planning activities necessary for the establishment
of at least one new graduate program in mental or behavioral
health professions.
``(d) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
section, an eligible institution shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Secretary may require. An eligible institution applying for a
grant under subsection (a)(2) shall include in the institution's
application for such grant information demonstrating evidence of--
``(1) an institutional commitment to opening and sustaining
a graduate program that prepares students to work as a mental
or behavioral health professional; and
``(2) a relationship with the relevant professional
organization, accreditation agency or association, or
regulatory body to ensure that planning aligns with
professional standards and State credentialing requirements.
``(e) Grant Amount.--
``(1) In general.--The minimum amount of each grant under
subsection (a)(1) shall be $500,000.
``(2) Planning grants.--The amount of each grant under
subsection (a)(2) shall be an amount determined by the
Secretary.
``(f) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--An eligible
institution that receives a grant under this section may use not more
than three percent of funds provided to administer the grant, not
including salary and benefits for faculty and staff.
``(g) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations
as may be necessary to carry out this section.
``(h) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this section, and not less frequently than once every two
years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the authorizing
committees a report on the grant program under this section. Each
report shall include--
``(1) descriptions of the programs supported with grants
under this section;
``(2) demographic information about the students served by
such programs; and
``(3) such other information as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for each fiscal year.
``SEC. 729. GRANTS TO STUDENTS FOR GRADUATE STUDY IN MENTAL OR
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to carry out a
program under which the Secretary shall pay to an eligible institution
such sums as may be necessary to enable the institution to provide each
eligible student with a grant in the amount of $10,000 for each year
during which the student attends an eligible graduate program at the
institution.
``(b) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
section, a student shall submit to the institution an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
Secretary, in consultation with the institution, may require.
``(c) Distribution to Students.--Subject to subsection (d), grants
to students under this section shall be made in accordance with a
process determined by the Secretary for such purpose, in such manner as
will best accomplish the purpose of this section.
``(d) Limitation on Secretarial and Institutional Authority.--In
carrying out the grant program under this section, the Secretary and
any institution participating in the program may not--
``(1) convert a grant into a loan or otherwise require a
student to repay any portion of the grant amount; or
``(2) require a student to complete a service obligation as
a condition of receiving such a grant.
``(e) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this section, and not less frequently than once every two
years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the authorizing
committees a report on the grant program under this section. Each
report shall include information on the following:
``(1) The number and demographic information of students
who received grants under this section.
``(2) The degrees obtained by such recipients.
``(3) Such other information as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible graduate program.--The term `eligible
graduate program' means a graduate degree program in a mental
or behavioral health profession, including school-based mental
health services, offered by an eligible institution.
``(2) Eligible student.--The term `eligible student ' means
a student who--
``(A) is enrolled in an eligible graduate program
at a eligible institution participating in the program
under this section;
``(B) is in good academic standing, as determined
by the institution; and
``(C) has submitted an application to the
institution in accordance with subsection (b).
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for each fiscal year.''.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2304)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2869)
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