H.R. 5733: Community Mental Wellness Worker Training Act

This bill, known as the Community Mental Wellness Worker Training Act, aims to improve community mental health services by establishing training programs for community mental wellness workers. Below are the key provisions of the bill:

Grant Authorization

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to eligible organizations to start and manage training programs for community mental wellness workers. These workers will focus on offering basic mental health support and services within their communities.

Use of Grant Funds

Organizations that receive these grants can use the funds for several purposes, including:

• Training, certification, and ongoing supervision of community mental wellness workers.
• Providing evidence-informed counseling and intervention methods to individuals dealing with mental health or substance use disorders.
• Acquiring digital tools and platforms to enhance training and service delivery.

Technical Assistance

The Secretary may also offer training and technical support to help these organizations effectively implement their programs. This includes:

• Guidance on best practices for integrating wellness workers into existing services.
• Support in identifying diverse candidates for training.
• Assistance in connecting with behavioral health providers who could hire wellness workers.

Prioritization of Grants

The bill specifies that priority for grants will be given to organizations in various underserved areas, such as:

• Regions with high poverty and unemployment rates.
• Medically underserved communities.
• Areas with above-average substance use rates.
• Communities where many individuals qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Malpractice and Legal Protections

The bill includes provisions regarding liability protections for organizations and their employees participating in the grant program, ensuring they are safeguarded against malpractice and negligence claims under certain conditions.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary will be required to submit interim and final reports to Congress regarding the outcomes of the grant program. These reports will detail:

• The number of community mental wellness workers trained and certified.
• Evaluation of the program's effectiveness in addressing community mental health needs.

Definitions

The bill provides definitions for various terms, including:

• Community Mental Wellness Worker: A trained individual who provides basic mental health screenings and treatments.
• Culturally and Linguistically Competent: Services that are responsive to the cultural differences of individuals receiving assistance.
• Eligible Entity: Organizations such as certified community behavioral health clinics, community mental health centers, and other specified behavioral health organizations.

Funding

The bill authorizes a funding amount of $25 million per fiscal year from 2026 to 2030 to support the training programs and associated activities.

Overall Impact

The aim of this legislation is to develop a skilled workforce capable of enhancing mental health services in communities, particularly those that are underserved or facing significant challenges related to mental health and substance use disorders.

Relevant Companies

None found