S.1673 - Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2025 (S.1673) aims to improve mental health and substance use disorder treatment facilities by authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide loans and loan guarantees for the planning, construction, or renovation of pediatric and adult facilities. It prioritizes facilities that increase bed capacity in underserved areas, serve high-need rural communities, offer comprehensive care, or provide specialized services for complex cases. A set-aside of 25% of funds is designated for facilities serving pediatric and adolescent populations.
The bill establishes the Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Trust Fund, which will receive revenues exceeding program costs and allocate them to community mental health services block grants. The legislation includes provisions for loan terms, conditions, and limitations, including refinancing options and default loss coverage.
Overall, the act seeks to enhance access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment services by improving infrastructure and increasing the availability of facilities, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is an increase in the number and quality of mental health and substance use disorder treatment facilities across the United States. This would be achieved through federal loans and loan guarantees, incentivizing the construction and renovation of facilities.
It could also lead to improved access to care, especially in underserved rural areas and for pediatric populations. The establishment of the Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Trust Fund could provide a sustainable funding source for community mental health services.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Access to Care: The bill aims to expand the availability of mental health and substance use disorder treatment facilities, particularly in underserved areas.
- Improved Facility Infrastructure: Loans and loan guarantees will support the construction and renovation of facilities, leading to better treatment environments.
- Focus on Pediatric Populations: The set-aside of funds for pediatric facilities addresses a critical need for specialized care for children and adolescents.
- Support for Rural Communities: Prioritization of facilities in high-need rural areas ensures that these communities have access to essential services.
- Comprehensive Care: Preference is given to facilities offering multiple services across the continuum of care, promoting integrated treatment approaches.
Potential Disadvantages
- Financial Risk: Loan guarantees expose the government to potential financial losses if borrowers default, potentially burdening taxpayers.
- Limited Funding: The $200 million annual funding cap may be insufficient to address the widespread need for infrastructure improvements.
- Bureaucratic Hurdles: The loan application and approval process could be complex and time-consuming, delaying project implementation.
- Refinancing Limitations: Restrictions on refinancing may limit the bill's effectiveness in assisting existing facilities with financial challenges.
- Potential for Misallocation: There is a risk that funds could be misallocated or used inefficiently, reducing the overall impact of the program.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution (Preamble), which allows Congress to enact legislation that promotes the overall well-being of the nation. The bill's focus on improving mental health and substance use disorder treatment facilities can be seen as an effort to address a significant public health concern and improve the lives of citizens.
Additionally, the bill's provisions for loans and loan guarantees fall under Congress's power to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare through financial mechanisms. The establishment of a trust fund and the allocation of funds for specific purposes are also within Congress's constitutional authority to appropriate funds and manage federal resources.
However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, so the federal role should be balanced with state and local responsibilities in healthcare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).