Chapter 3.6 - Substance Use Disorder Workforce Development

California Health and Safety Code — §§ 11794.5-11794.6

Sections (2)

Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 7, Sec. 3. (AB 666) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)(1) On or before July 1, 2023, the State Department of Health Care Services shall develop a statewide substance use disorder (SUD) workforce needs assessment report that evaluates the current state of the SUD workforce, determines barriers to entry into the

SUD workforce, and assesses the state’s systems for regulating and supporting the SUD workforce.

The evaluation shall include an assessment of existing tuition, scholarship, and grant programs available to students, with a particular focus on those students who represent vulnerable populations, and provide recommendations for expanding these programs. The department shall submit this report to the Legislature and post the report on its internet website.

(2)A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(b)(1) The department may contract with a qualified individual, organization, or entity to implement subdivision (a).
(2)Contracts entered into or amended pursuant to this section may be entered into on a noncompetitive bid basis, and are exempt from Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 14825) of Part 5.5 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, Part 2 (commencing with Section 10100) of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code, the State Administrative Manual, and from the review or approval of any division of the Department of General Services.

Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 7, Sec. 3. (AB 666) Effective January 1, 2023. Conditionally operative as prescribed by its own provisions.

(a)The Department of Health Care Access and Information may implement SUD workforce development programming, including, but not limited to, any of the following elements:
(1)Paid tuition for students attending vocational education programs related to substance use disorders approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
(2)Stipends

to cover costs related to testing, registration, and certification for individuals who are seeking registration and certification with a certifying organization approved by the department pursuant to Section 11833.

(3)Stipends to cover costs of portfolio review for individuals who are seeking registration and certification

with a certifying organization approved by the department pursuant to Section 11833.

(4)Tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate students who complete coursework in programs related to SUDs.
(5)Tuition reimbursement for licensed mental health and medical professionals to complete SUD-specific courses.
(6)Grants for behavioral health organizations to recruit and train individuals representing vulnerable populations.
(b)This

section shall become operative only upon appropriation. Upon an appropriation by the Legislature for these purposes, the department shall make reasonable efforts to implement the

program elements specified in subdivision (a), so that SUD services can be expanded to meet the needs of those individuals seeking those services.