Sen. Angus King (I) has introduced legislation that would expand access to mental health services in rural areas, including the more remote parts of Maine.
Known as the Compacts, Access, and Responsible Expansion (CARE) for Mental Health Professionals Act, this bill would create incentives for interstate provider networks via federally funded grant opportunities.
As explained by the senator, interstate networks allow providers to practice across state lines while avoiding duplicative registration processes, thereby allowing them to bring mental health resources more easily to rural areas.
The National Institutes of Health reports that over 60 percent of rural Americans live in areas that are considered to have mental health provider shortages.
“The expansion of telehealth has been a game changer, especially for rural Maine communities, older adults, and those who might otherwise forgo care due to their inability to pay for or drive to their appointments,” said Sen. King.
“Telehealth has improved access to mental health services, eased burdens on providers, and helped patients receive the care they need when they need it,” said King.
“The CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act adapts care with the times, and reduces unnecessary red tape that makes it harder for qualified providers to deliver telehealth services across state lines, ensuring more Maine people can access quality mental health care for years to come,” King said.
Jennifer Thompson, Executive Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine, also shared comments praising the proposed legislation.
“NAMI Maine remains committed to advancing policies that improve access to mental health care and strengthen the behavioral health workforce,” said Thompson. “We support bipartisan solutions, such as Sen. King’s CARE for Mental Health Professionals Act, that ensure individuals, families, and communities can find qualified professionals when and where they need them.”
