The bill proposes the establishment of the Ladders to Licensure Program under a new chapter (Chapter 166) in Title 42 of the General Laws, which is titled "STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT." The program, to be overseen by the executive office of health and human services (EOHHS), aims to increase the number of licensed health professionals, enhance the diversity of the health professional workforce, and provide support to working adults seeking health professional higher education degrees and licensure. The program will include public-private partnerships and align with existing state workforce and higher education initiatives. It will also develop career ladders, establish policies to counter systemic racism and institutional barriers, provide flexible scheduling, and identify state policy barriers to entry and advancement in the health field.

The bill specifies that appropriated funds will be used to provide grants to partnerships between private sector health and human services employers and education entities, with a focus on behavioral health and nursing. Employers will be required to contribute a 25% in-kind match and a 10% cash match. The EOHHS will collaborate with the department of labor and training and the office of the postsecondary commissioner for the development, implementation, and oversight of the program. Additionally, the EOHHS must provide quarterly reports on the program's progress to the speaker of the house of representatives and the senate president. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.