An account shall be created within the Mental Health Practitioner Education Fund and, upon appropriation by the Legislature, moneys in that account shall be used solely to fund grants, consistent with this article, to repay educational loans for applicants who meet all of the following requirements:
(a) Commit to provide direct patient care in a publicly funded facility or a mental health professional shortage area for at least 24 months.
(b) Are marriage and family therapists, associate marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, associate clinical social workers, licensed professional clinical counselors, or associate professional clinical counselors.
(c) Were formerly in California’s foster youth care system.
(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 585, Sec. 1. (AB 2608) Effective January 1, 2019.)