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HR9866119th CongressWALLET

C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act

Sponsored By: Representative Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]

Introduced

Summary

Makes it easier for licensed mental health professionals to practice across state lines. This bill would create a Mental Health Licensure Portability Program at the Department of Health and Human Services to fund grants that encourage counselors to work in States that join interstate licensure compacts and to support the commissions that run those compacts.

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  • Counselors and licensed mental health workers: Could receive incentives to practice in compact states, helping grow the pool of credentialed professionals.
  • State licensure boards and compact commissions: Eligible entities can get grants to develop, operate, or maintain interstate compact commissions and related projects.
  • Patients and communities: By expanding the credentialed workforce across States, the bill aims to increase access to mental health care where compacts take effect.

*Would authorize $4.0 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to carry out the program.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More mental health counselors across states

If enacted, the bill would create a Mental Health Licensure Portability Program at HHS run by the HRSA Administrator. The Secretary would have 90 days after enactment to start the grant program. The program would give grants to interstate compact commissions or State licensure boards. Grants would encourage counselors to practice in States that join interstate licensure compacts. Grants would also help develop, run, or maintain those compact commissions. The bill would authorize $4 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to carry out the program. It defines terms such as "Administrator," "counselor," "eligible entity," and "interstate compact."

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]

CO • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 7/22/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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