Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 6672

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-11: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-04-21T08:06:06Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation aims to address shortages of mental health professionals in underserved areas by establishing a federal loan repayment program. It incentivizes qualified individuals to work in these areas by forgiving portions of their educational loans in exchange for service commitments.

Key Provisions

• Program Structure: The Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will enter agreements with eligible mental health professionals. Participants agree to serve in designated shortage areas, and the program repays loans on their behalf.
• Loan Repayment Details:
• For each of the first five years of service, the program repays 1/6 of the outstanding principal and interest on eligible loans.
• Upon completing the sixth year, the remaining balance is repaid.
• The maximum total repayment per individual is $250,000.
• Eligible Loans: Includes loans for education in mental health or related fields (e.g., master's, doctoral, or post-doctoral programs), as well as specific federal student loans like Direct Stafford, PLUS, Unsubsidized Stafford, Consolidation, and Perkins Loans. The Secretary may add other federal loans as appropriate.
• Service Requirements: Up to six years of full-time employment as a mental health professional in the U.S., with no more than one year between consecutive years of service. Mental health professionals include roles like psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, and others focused on direct treatment or recovery support for mental health disorders.
• Shortage Areas: Defined as areas officially designated under existing law (Section 332 of the Public Health Service Act) for mental health professional shortages, or other facilities/programs deemed appropriate by the Secretary (e.g., clinics or private practices with shortages).
• Restrictions and Protections:
• Participants cannot receive loan forgiveness from other federal programs for the same service (e.g., no double-dipping with programs like those under the Higher Education Act).
• Breaches of agreement may trigger liquidated damages (a pre-set penalty formula), but partial completion in good faith (for years already paid) does not count as a breach.
• Administration and Oversight:
• The Secretary can set additional rules and must notify congressional committees.
• HRSA must report to Congress (starting five years after enactment, then biennially) on participant numbers, locations, and program impacts on mental health service availability.
• Funding: Authorizes $25 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2035.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Title VII of the Public Health Service Act by inserting a new Part G dedicated to this loan repayment program and redesignating the existing Part G as Part H.
• Builds on existing shortage designations (under Section 332) but expands eligibility to include broader federal loans and non-traditional shortage sites (e.g., private practices).
• Introduces specific repayment mechanics (e.g., 1/6 annual payments over six years) and a cap ($250,000) not previously detailed in similar mental health workforce programs, while prohibiting overlap with other federal forgiveness initiatives.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: HRSA will administer the program, requiring new resources for agreements, payments, and reporting, potentially straining budgets without full appropriations. Could enhance federal efforts to map and address mental health shortages.
• Citizens: Improves access to mental health services in underserved U.S. areas (e.g., rural or low-income communities) by attracting professionals, potentially reducing wait times and untreated conditions. Loan-burdened graduates gain financial relief, encouraging career entry into the field.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the program is U.S.-focused and limited to domestic service.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Mental Health Professionals: Primary beneficiaries, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and therapists, who can offset educational debt through service.
• Patients and Communities: Residents in shortage areas gain better access to care for mental health disorders.
• Health Facilities: Clinics, hospitals, and private practices in designated areas may see workforce influx, aiding service delivery.
• Federal Agencies: HRSA and the Department of Health and Human Services handle implementation; Congress oversees via reports.
• Educational Institutions: Indirectly affected through reduced debt for graduates in mental health fields.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens existing public health workforce incentives without overriding other loan programs, but the liquidated damages provision could face challenges if deemed overly punitive (though it's optional for the Secretary). Ensures compliance with federal loan rules by barring double benefits.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power to promote general welfare (e.g., public health), with no apparent free speech, due process, or equal protection issues, as eligibility is merit- and service-based.
• Political: Supports bipartisan mental health priorities (introduced by a diverse group of representatives), potentially advancing workforce equity in underserved areas. The authorization without mandatory funding may lead to debates over appropriations, influencing future health policy budgets.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-11: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-12-11: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-11 — PDF (7 pages)