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2023 SESSION

23101851D
HOUSE BILL NO. 1534
Offered January 11, 2023
Prefiled January 5, 2023
A BILL to amend and reenact § 32.1-122.8 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 32.1-122.6:2, relating to loan repayment programs; mental health professionals.
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Patrons-- Clark, Bagby, Guzman, Willett, Bennett-Parker, Glass, Helmer, Jenkins, Kory, Maldonado, Mundon King, Rasoul and Williams Graves; Senator: Locke
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Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 32.1-122.8 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 32.1-122.6:2 as follows:

§ 32.1-122.6:2. Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program.

A. With such funds as are appropriated for this purpose, the Board shall establish the Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (the Program) for mental health professionals as defined in § 54.1-2400.1 who have worked in the mental health profession in the Commonwealth for at least five years. The Commissioner shall act as the fiscal agent for the Board in administration of these funds.

B. The Board shall promulgate regulations for the implementation and administration of the Program. Applications for participation in the Program shall be accepted from any mental health professional employed in the Commonwealth.

§ 32.1-122.8. Board's authority to receive and expend funds.

The Board of Health is hereby authorized to apply for, receive, and expend federal and any other available funds for the enhancement of the primary health care system, including, but not limited to, any funds designated for any physician loan repayment program or mental health professional loan repayment program, for medical scholarships, and for area health education centers.