The bill establishes a new fund called the "integrating behavioral health and primary care workforce trust fund" within Chapter 6A of the General Laws. This fund will receive appropriations, bond proceeds, and other designated funds, including federal grants and private donations. The purpose of the fund is to expand primary care capacity in underserved communities, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Secretary will administer the fund through grants to primary care physicians who meet specific criteria, including working in integrated primary and behavioral health care settings, having outstanding educational debt, and committing to a contract with the Commonwealth for at least four years.
Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for grant eligibility, emphasizing the importance of recruiting a diverse workforce. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services is tasked with creating regulations for the fund's administration, including the grant application process and compliance penalties. The Secretary is also required to submit annual reports detailing the fund's activities, including the number of applications received and grants awarded, to various legislative committees.