June 3, 2024
The Honorable Angelique Ashby
Chair, Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee
1021 O Street, Room 3320
Sacramento, CA 95814
Subject: Support for AB 1991 (Bonta)
Dear Chair,
Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support AB 1991 (Bonta), legislation which would require certain boards that regulate healing arts licensees or registrants to collect workforce data.
MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy. However, the behavioral health workforce shortage in California is a major barrier preventing people from receiving adequate care in a timely manner.
This bill will help the state address workforce needs by collecting accurate data such as a licensee’s or registrant’s type of employer (i.e. clinic, hospital, managed care organization, or private practice) and anticipated year of retirement. This information can help guide behavioral health workforces’ investments and the efficient use of current available staff. For this reason, we support AB 1991(Bonta) and ask for your “aye” vote. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Public Policy Director, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.
In Community,
Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO