This legislative proposal directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and disseminate guidance to states within one year of its enactment. The primary objective of this guidance is to bolster the mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) care workforce by outlining effective strategies under the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, the guidance will focus on increasing the education, training, recruitment, and retention of providers participating in these programs. A critical aspect of this initiative is to improve the capacity of the behavioral health workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas , where access to care is often limited. The guidance is also required to include strategies for states to utilize existing waivers and authorities under the Social Security Act to achieve these goals.