Health & Saf. Code, § 11794.5

(a) (1) On or before July 1, 2023, the State Department of Health Care Services shall develop a statewide substance use disorder (SUD) workforce needs assessment report that evaluates the current state of the SUD workforce, determines barriers to entry into the SUD workforce, and assesses the state’s systems for regulating and supporting the SUD workforce. The evaluation shall include an assessment of existing tuition, scholarship, and grant programs available to students, with a particular focus on those students who represent vulnerable populations, and provide recommendations for expanding these programs. The department shall submit this report to the Legislature and post the report on its internet website.

(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(b) (1) The department may contract with a qualified individual, organization, or entity to implement subdivision (a).

(2) Contracts entered into or amended pursuant to this section may be entered into on a noncompetitive bid basis, and are exempt from Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 14825) of Part 5.5 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, Part 2 (commencing with Section 10100) of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code, the State Administrative Manual, and from the review or approval of any division of the Department of General Services.