C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
What this bill does
This bill, the C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act, would establish a grant program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The program aims to incentivize counselors to practice in states that have agreements, known as interstate compacts, to recognize licenses across state lines. It would also fund the creation and operation of commissions that manage these interstate compacts.
The legislation defines "counselor" as a licensed professional providing guidance on personal, social, or psychological issues. "Eligible entities" for grants include specific interstate compact commissions or state licensure boards participating in occupational licensure compacts. An "interstate compact" is an agreement between states to mutually recognize the professional qualifications of licensed counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and pediatric mental health professionals.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. If enacted, $4 million would be authorized annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to carry out the program.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Compacts, Access, and Responsible Expansion for Mental Health Professionals Act or the C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act
This bill establishes a grant program to promote interstate licensure compacts for mental health professionals. These are licensure agreements enacted by two or more states to mutually recognize the licenses of counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, or pediatric mental health professionals.
The Health Resources and Services Administration must award grants to interstate compact commissions or professional licensing boards. Recipients may use grants for projects to (1) incentivize mental health professionals to practice in states with interstate licensure compacts and (2) develop or maintain interstate compact commissions to implement the compacts.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9866 do?
- This bill, the C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act, would establish a grant program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The program aims to incentivize counselors to practice in states that have agreements, known as interstate compacts, to recognize licenses across state lines. It would also fund the creation and operation of commissions that manage these interstate compacts. The legislation defines "counselor" as a licensed professional providing guidance on personal, social, or psychological issues. "Eligible entities" for grants include specific interstate compact commissions or state licensure boards participating in occupational licensure compacts. An "interstate compact" is an agreement between states to mutually recognize the professional qualifications of licensed counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and pediatric mental health professionals. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. If enacted, $4 million would be authorized annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to carry out the program.
- Has H.R. 9866 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9866. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9866?
- H.R. 9866 was sponsored by Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] (D-CO), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9866?
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (22 Jul 2026).
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