An Act establishing the Emerging Psychologists Workforce Initiative Program; and providing for authorization of internship positions, for award of internship positions and for funding of program.

This bill creates the Emerging Psychologists Workforce Initiative Program in Pennsylvania to help address shortages of mental health professionals by offering financial support to new doctoral-level psychologists. The program provides commitment stipends to eligible applicants who agree to complete an accredited internship in designated shortage areas or facilities and then remain employed there for at least 12 months after finishing their training. To qualify, applicants must be Pennsylvania residents holding a relevant doctoral degree and must not have previously completed a full year of internship hours. The Department of Health is responsible for administering the program, distributing internship positions between rural and urban areas, and enforcing the employment contract terms, including requiring recipients to repay the stipend if they fail to meet the service requirements.