A new law has been signed to establish a pathway to fund a pilot program aimed at expanding opportunities to invest in Oklahoma’s mental health workforce. House Bill 3449, authored by Rep. Jeff Boatman, modifies the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority Behavioral Health Workforce Development Fund and establishes the University Hospitals Authority Behavioral Health Workforce Development Fund. These funds will be used to implement a pilot program at behavioral health facilities to support workforce development and improve access to behavioral health professionals.
Rep. Boatman expressed his satisfaction with the passage of House Bill 3449, emphasizing the importance of public universities assisting the private sector in growing the mental health workforce. Oklahoma currently faces a shortage of psychology and psychiatry professionals, and this bill is a step towards addressing this issue.
State Representative Haste also commended the signing of House Bill 3449, highlighting the significance of establishing funds for innovative pilot programs that will expand access to mental health services and support the growth of the mental health workforce. The bill requires the University Hospitals Authority and the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority to submit a report to the Legislature outlining the results of the first year of funding.
HB3449 was passed with an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon being signed by the governor on May 13th. This legislation represents a positive step forward in addressing
