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C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act

USA119th CongressHR-9866| House 
| Updated: 7/22/2026
Joe Neguse

Joe Neguse

Democratic Representative

Colorado

Cosponsors (1)
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act" directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish the Mental Health Licensure Portability Program within 90 days of enactment. This program aims to expand the mental health workforce by promoting licensure portability across states. The program will award grants to eligible entities , specifically professional, psychiatric, psychological, social work, or pediatric counseling interstate compact commissions or state licensure boards participating in occupational licensure compacts. These grants are intended to incentivize counselors to practice in states that have entered into such interstate compacts, thereby increasing the availability of credentialed mental health professionals. Additionally, the funding will support the development, operation, or maintenance of interstate compact commissions , which are joint governmental agencies responsible for implementing and facilitating these compacts. The bill defines "counselor" broadly to include various licensed professionals providing guidance for personal, social, or psychological problems. To carry out this Act, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $4,000,000 annually for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-6076
C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-2438
C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act
Jul 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 22, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-6076
    C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-2438
    C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act


  • July 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 22, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act

USA119th CongressHR-9866| House 
| Updated: 7/22/2026
The "C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act" directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, to establish the Mental Health Licensure Portability Program within 90 days of enactment. This program aims to expand the mental health workforce by promoting licensure portability across states. The program will award grants to eligible entities , specifically professional, psychiatric, psychological, social work, or pediatric counseling interstate compact commissions or state licensure boards participating in occupational licensure compacts. These grants are intended to incentivize counselors to practice in states that have entered into such interstate compacts, thereby increasing the availability of credentialed mental health professionals. Additionally, the funding will support the development, operation, or maintenance of interstate compact commissions , which are joint governmental agencies responsible for implementing and facilitating these compacts. The bill defines "counselor" broadly to include various licensed professionals providing guidance for personal, social, or psychological problems. To carry out this Act, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $4,000,000 annually for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-6076
C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-2438
C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act
Jul 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 22, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-6076
    C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-2438
    C.A.R.E. for Mental Health Professionals Act


  • July 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 22, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Joe Neguse

Joe Neguse

Democratic Representative

Colorado

Cosponsors (1)
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted