(1) As used in this subchapter:(1) “Behaviorally underserved community” means a given geographical area in this state that the Secretary of the Department of Human Services determines has unmet needs for behavioral health services caused by factors, including without limitation:(A) The ratio of mental health professionals to the population in the given geographical area;(B) The ratio of licensed alcoholism and substance abuse counselors to the population in the given geographical area;(C) The percentage of the population with incomes below the federal poverty level in the given geographical area;(D) Accessibility within the given geographical area to mental health professionals and alcoholism and substance abuse counselors; and(E) Other relevant criteria the secretary may deem necessary for a determination of unmet needs for behavioral health services in the given geographical area;(2) “Eligible loan” means the student loan debt incurred by a participant to become a mental health professional or a licensed alcoholism and drug abuse counselor;(3) “Licensed alcoholism and drug abuse counselor” means the same as defined in § 17-27-401;(4) “Mental health professional” means a psychiatrist, psychologist, advanced practice registered nurse, therapist, counselor, or social worker licensed in this state and certified by the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services; and(5) “Participant” means a mental health professional or a licensed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor who has been selected by the secretary to participate in the Behavioral Health Loan Forgiveness Program.
(1) “Behaviorally underserved community” means a given geographical area in this state that the Secretary of the Department of Human Services determines has unmet needs for behavioral health services caused by factors, including without limitation:(A) The ratio of mental health professionals to the population in the given geographical area;(B) The ratio of licensed alcoholism and substance abuse counselors to the population in the given geographical area;(C) The percentage of the population with incomes below the federal poverty level in the given geographical area;(D) Accessibility within the given geographical area to mental health professionals and alcoholism and substance abuse counselors; and(E) Other relevant criteria the secretary may deem necessary for a determination of unmet needs for behavioral health services in the given geographical area;
(A) The ratio of mental health professionals to the population in the given geographical area;
(B) The ratio of licensed alcoholism and substance abuse counselors to the population in the given geographical area;
(C) The percentage of the population with incomes below the federal poverty level in the given geographical area;
(D) Accessibility within the given geographical area to mental health professionals and alcoholism and substance abuse counselors; and
(E) Other relevant criteria the secretary may deem necessary for a determination of unmet needs for behavioral health services in the given geographical area;
(2) “Eligible loan” means the student loan debt incurred by a participant to become a mental health professional or a licensed alcoholism and drug abuse counselor;
(3) “Licensed alcoholism and drug abuse counselor” means the same as defined in § 17-27-401;
(4) “Mental health professional” means a psychiatrist, psychologist, advanced practice registered nurse, therapist, counselor, or social worker licensed in this state and certified by the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services; and
(5) “Participant” means a mental health professional or a licensed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor who has been selected by the secretary to participate in the Behavioral Health Loan Forgiveness Program.