C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 22, 2026
Bottom line
The bill seeks to expand the mental health workforce and improve access to care by facilitating interstate licensure portability for mental health professionals through federal grants to states and compact commissions.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a new federal grant program, the Mental Health Licensure Portability Program, within the Department of Health and Human Services. The program aims to provide grants to eligible entities, such as interstate compact commissions or state licensure boards, to incentivize mental health professionals to practice in states participating in interstate compacts and to support the development and operation of these compact commissions. It authorizes $4 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 for this purpose.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill will significantly address the critical shortage of mental health professionals across the nation by removing barriers to practice across state lines. They contend that by incentivizing states to join and support interstate licensure compacts, the bill will streamline the licensing process, allow professionals to serve more patients, and ultimately improve access to essential mental health services, particularly in underserved areas.
Opponents contend
Critics might raise concerns about the effectiveness of federal grants in driving state-level policy changes, suggesting that states might have varying priorities or existing initiatives that could be duplicated. Some may also argue that the authorized funding level, while helpful, might be insufficient to create widespread, transformative change across all states, or that federal involvement in state licensure could lead to unintended consequences or administrative burdens.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions and implications quickly.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of Mental Health Licensure Portability Program
This provision directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to create a grant program within 90 days of the bill's enactment. The program, named the Mental Health Licensure Portability Program, will award grants to eligible entities. These grants are intended to encourage mental health counselors to work in states that are part of interstate compacts designed to grow the mental health workforce and to help develop, run, or maintain the commissions that oversee these compacts.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that establishing this program is a direct and effective way to leverage federal resources to address a national problem. By targeting grants at entities directly involved in licensure portability, the bill can accelerate the adoption and effectiveness of interstate compacts, thereby quickly expanding the pool of available mental health professionals.
Critics contend
Some might argue that while well-intentioned, the federal government's role in state licensure is best limited. They may contend that states should independently decide on compact participation and funding, and that federal grants could create an uneven playing field or unnecessary administrative overhead for states that prefer alternative solutions.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for federal intervention to address a national crisis with the traditional state authority over professional licensure. It seeks to incentivize rather than mandate, relying on states' willingness to participate in compacts for the program's success.
Section 2(b)
Definitions of Key Terms
This section defines several critical terms used throughout the Act. Key definitions include 'Administrator' (HRSA Administrator), 'Commission' (a joint interstate governmental agency for compacts), 'Counselor' (a licensed professional providing guidance for personal, social, or psychological problems), 'Eligible entity' (professional compact commissions or state licensure boards participating in compacts), and 'Interstate compact' (an agreement between two or more states for mutual recognition of professional qualifications for counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, or pediatric mental health professionals). These definitions clarify who can receive grants and what types of agreements the bill supports.
Section 2(c)
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes specific funding for the Mental Health Licensure Portability Program. It states that $4,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2029. This means Congress can choose to allocate up to $4 million annually for these four years to fund the grant program, totaling a potential $16 million over the period.