Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now 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
The "Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act" would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide states with guidance on how to strengthen the mental health and substance use disorder provider workforce within Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This guidance would focus on strategies to improve the education, training, recruitment, and retention of these providers.
The bill specifically aims to increase the capacity of this workforce, with an emphasis on rural and underserved areas. It directs the Secretary to consider how states can use existing federal programs and waivers to achieve these goals. The provisions would affect states that administer Medicaid and CHIP programs, as well as the providers and individuals who rely on these programs for mental health and substance use disorder care.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It is currently in the initial stage of the legislative process. If enacted, the Secretary would have 12 months to issue the required guidance to the states.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act
This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to issue guidance for states on ways to increase education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance use disorder providers under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9867 do?
- The "Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act" would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide states with guidance on how to strengthen the mental health and substance use disorder provider workforce within Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This guidance would focus on strategies to improve the education, training, recruitment, and retention of these providers. The bill specifically aims to increase the capacity of this workforce, with an emphasis on rural and underserved areas. It directs the Secretary to consider how states can use existing federal programs and waivers to achieve these goals. The provisions would affect states that administer Medicaid and CHIP programs, as well as the providers and individuals who rely on these programs for mental health and substance use disorder care. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It is currently in the initial stage of the legislative process. If enacted, the Secretary would have 12 months to issue the required guidance to the states.
- Has H.R. 9867 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9867. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9867?
- H.R. 9867 was sponsored by Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2] (D-CO), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9867?
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (22 Jul 2026).
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