Politics & Government
Demmer Bill Tapping Vets for IL Mental Health Workforce Approved
Legislation removes barriers on behavioral health-trained military veterans entering into the civilian workforce
(Springfield, IL) – A plan in Springfield to plug gaps in Illinois’ mental health workforce by recruiting veterans with military behavioral health training received final legislative approval last week and is now heading to the governor’s desk.
The legislation, House Bill 4936, sponsored by State Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) aims to address the behavioral healthcare workforce shortage in Illinois, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas, by easing state mental professional licensure requirements for veterans with psychiatric training program certification.
The bill, which won final approval, 110-0, from the Illinois House on May 31, would allow any military-trained individual in psychiatry and who has at least one year of experience in a mental health setting to be recognized as an Illinois mental health professional.
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“A veteran’s military experience may have direct or proximate equivalents in the civilian workforce but transitioning service members might lack the relevant civilian occupational credentials required under state law to secure employment,” said Community Behavioral Health Association C.E.O. Marvin Lindsey. “This bill fixes that. It removes barriers to entrance into the civilian workforce.”
According to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, Illinois has the 6th largest number of mental health professional shortage areas among states. 85 of 102 counties in Illinois having areas designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas for Mental Health Services.
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“Veterans of the United States Armed Forces gain invaluable education, training, and practical experience through their military service,” said Lindsey. “And Rep. Demmer recognized the value of veterans’ training and experience, so we applaud him for both his leadership and successful efforts to win legislature’s approval of the bill.”
Once the legislation is sent to Governor Bruce Rauner’s desk, he will have 60 days to act on the measure.
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