ODMHSAS Proposes New Rules Affecting Case Managers, Peer Support Specialists, and Tuition Assistance

On November 15, 2023, The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services posted proposed changes to administrative rules for public comment. Along with potential changes in regulations affecting case managers and Peer Support Specialists, the proposed rules outline loan reimbursement and tuition assistance for Oklahoma mental health professionals.  

Regarding student loan reimbursement, the proposed rules state, “successful applicants will be eligible to receive up to $30,000 in direct student loan repayment over a maximum of four (4) years of eligible employment. (2) Full-time practitioners (at least thirty-two [32] hours per week over the employment period) will be eligible for an initial payment of up to $20,000 after the completion of twenty-four (24) months of eligible employment. Subsequently, full-time practitioners may renew for a third year to receive an additional $10,000 in student loan repayment.  (3) For practitioners working less than full-time (twenty [20] to thirty-one [31] hours per 13  week over the employment period) during the first two (2) years, initial student loan repayment will be provided in the amount of up to $15,000 after the completion of twenty-four (24) months of eligible employment. Subsequently, part-time practitioners may renew for a third year and fourth year to receive up to an additional $7,500 in student loan repayment for each additional year.” 

The rules also outline tuition assistance, stating that, “ODMHSAS will provide tuition assistance to eligible applicants selected for an approved behavioral health graduate level cohort program with a university partner established by ODMHSAS which will provide an educational path to become a Licensed Behavioral Health Professional” 

To view all the proposed rule changes, go to  https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas/policy/administrative-rules/notice-of-proposed-rules.html  

Persons wishing to submit written comments may do so until 5:00 pm on Friday, December 15, 2023. Written comments may be submitted by email to publiccomment@odmhsas.org. 

An in-person public hearing will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10:00 am at the ODMHSAS offices at 2000 N. Classen Blvd., Suite 2-600, Oklahoma City, OK  73106. 

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The Oklahoma Counseling Institute provides continuing education for Oklahoma mental health professionals including case managers and Oklahoma LPCs, LMFTs, LADCs, and LCSWs. Go to CounselingInstitute.com to see what we have to offer!