Behavioral Health Care Workforce Data Base; expand to include data from licensed health care professionals

Georgia expands health workforce data collection

Georgia renames its behavioral health workforce database the Health Care Workforce Data Base and adds more health licensing boards. The law defines covered professionals as those mainly diagnosing or treating mental health or substance use disorders. Workforce surveys collect demographic information and insurance types accepted, including whether professionals accept Medicaid and Medicare. The Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce must maintain a public online dashboard and arrange information sharing with state leaders and agencies. It must seek federal or other funding, including for staffing; the law provides no new funding itself. The law does not change household eligibility for care or the cost of services.