Section 18-707 - Economic development assistance grants as tuition assistance for mental health professionals [Section subject to repeal]. - Maryland Statutes

§ 18-707. Economic development assistance grants as tuition assistance for mental health professionals [Section subject to repeal].
 

(a)  Definitions.-  

(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 

(2) "Eligible institution" means an accredited college or university that has a program of studies that would lead to licensing or certification as a mental health professional. 

(3) "Grant" means a mental health professional grant awarded under this section. 

(4) "Mental health facility" means any public or nonprofit clinic, hospital, or other institution that provides or purports to provide treatment or other services for individuals who have mental disorders. 

(5) "Mental health professional" includes: 

(i) A psychiatrist; 

(ii) A psychologist as defined in § 18-101(g) of the Health Occupations Article; 

(iii) A social worker within the meaning of § 19-101 of the Health Occupations Article; 

(iv) A certified professional counselor as defined in § 17-101(f) of the Health Occupations Article; 

(v) A nurse psychotherapist who is certified by the State Board of Nursing; 

(vi) A school psychologist who is certified by the State Department of Education; and 

(vii) Any other mental health professional designated by the Office. 

(6) "Recipient" means an individual who is awarded a grant under this section. 

(7) "Service obligation" means the obligation of a recipient to provide professional mental health services in a mental health facility or public or nonpublic school in the State. 

(b)  Authorized.- Economic development assistance grants may be awarded as tuition assistance grants to train mental health professionals. 

(c)  Requirements.- Each recipient of a grant shall: 

(1) Be accepted for admission at an eligible institution; 

(2) Sign a letter of intent to: 

(i) Enroll in a degree-granting program of studies that would lead to licensing as a licensed or certified mental health professional; 

(ii) Become a licensed or certified mental health professional; and 

(iii) Fulfill a service obligation upon completion of required studies; 

(3) Use the grant at an eligible institution; 

(4) Be selected by the Office from qualified applicants based on: 

(i) Competitive standards; and 

(ii) Financial need; and 

(5) Satisfy any additional criteria the Office may establish. 

(d)  Renewal of grant.- A recipient may renew a grant if the recipient: 

(1) Remains enrolled full time in a program of studies that would lead to licensing or certification as a mental health professional; and 

(2) Satisfies any additional criteria the Office may establish. 

(e)  Permissible uses of grant.- A grant may be used for: 

(1) Tuition and mandatory fees; 

(2) Room and board; and 

(3) Books and supplies. 

(f)  Inclusion in annual Commission budget.- Funds for the tuition assistance grants awarded under this section shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor. 
 

[1995, ch. 348; 1996, ch. 10, § 21; 1997, ch. 14, § 1; 2000, ch. 61, § 6; 2001, ch. 29, § 1; 2002, ch. 315, § 6; ch. 429, § 6; 2006, ch. 44, § 6.]