Establishing the behavioral health workforce education initiative at the Higher Education Policy Commission

HB 2166 establishes a Behavioral Health Workforce Education Initiative at West Virginia's Higher Education Policy Commission to address shortages in critical mental health and behavioral health fields. It creates a dedicated revolving fund to provide financial support (minimum $10,000 for most fields, $20,000 for medical/dental students) to West Virginia residents enrolled in qualifying programs like nurse practitioner, clinical psychology, or social work degrees. Recipients must agree to work in underserved areas of the state for two years after graduation or repay the support, with license renewal in West Virginia contingent on full repayment. The bill also sets eligibility criteria, repayment terms, and administrative procedures for the initiative.