S. 3486 — Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, not later than 12 months after the date of enactment, to issue non-mandatory guidance to states on strategies under Medicaid (title XIX of the Social Security Act) and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, title XXI) to increase education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance use disorder care providers participating in such programs, with a focus on rural and underserved areas. The guidance must include strategies for states to utilize section 1115 waivers (i.e., authority to waive certain Medicaid requirements for demonstration projects likely to promote program objectives) and other authorities under Medicaid and CHIP for these purposes.