AUGUSTA - A measure that changes the educational requirements for behavioral health professionals who work with children, LD 1424, sponsored by Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, was passed in the Maine Legislature.
Currently, behavioral health professionals who work in home and community-based treatment settings are required to have considerable educational and training experiences prior to working in the field. These requirements have deterred prospective professionals with an interest in pursuing this work.
LD 1424 changes those requirements to a minimum of 60 credit hours in a related field, 90 credit hours in an unrelated field or a high school diploma with a specific training and support plan established by an employer and guided by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. These updated requirements will qualify someone to work in home and community-based treatment settings.
"We all know how incredibly important our behavioral health professionals are," said Salisbury. "The issue is, we are seeing a decline in those who are pursuing this crucial work, in part, due to the extensive educational and training requirements. LD 1424 will encourage more Mainers to pursue this work and help us meet the needs of our communities."
The measure now heads to the governor's desk.
Salisbury, a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs, is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives. She serves a portion of Westbrook.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Salisbury], c. 812-1111