H.R. 3655 — STAR Plus Scholarship Act

This section establishes the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Behavioral and Mental Health Workforce Scholarship Program within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The program awards scholarships to eligible full-time students in accredited state educational institutions pursuing secretary-approved courses leading to covered employment (i.e., substance use disorder treatment or behavioral and mental health services), requiring recipients to enter a written contract for service in a mental health professional shortage area for an applicable period of obligated service. In selecting recipients, the Secretary must consider applicants' demonstrated interest in such services and gives priority to those likely to continue post-service in shortage areas or from underrepresented groups in the workforce; the Secretary must also provide applicants with clear information on program rights, liabilities, and damages for breach, distribute outreach materials via health professions schools, and offer transition assistance to encourage ongoing service.