Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2022

Senate Bill 4677 - Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2022: Overview, Status, and Impact

Hozzl · 2022-12-29T18:48:37Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 4677 Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2022 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/29/2022, 6:48 PM

Congressional Summary of S 4677

Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2022

This bill establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) two demonstration programs to increase access to mental health services provided in languages other than English at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). In carrying out the programs, HHS must give preference to FQHCs at which at least 20% of the patients are best served in a language other than English.

First, HHS must provide National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayments to mental health care providers who agree to serve their period of obligated service in an FQHC. Additionally, HHS must provide enhanced payments to those who serve in an FQHC with non-English language needs. (The NHSC is a scholarship and student loan repayment program for eligible health care providers who agree to work in areas with a shortage of primary care, dental care, and mental health care providers.)

Second, HHS must award grants to FQHCs for recruiting and retaining mental health care providers who are fluent in a language other than English.

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Current Status of Bill S 4677

Bill S 4677 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 28, 2022. Bill S 4677 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the Senate on July 28, 2022. Bill S 4677's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of July 28, 2022