California Assembly committee advances bill to create Black mental health navigator certification

The California State Assembly Health Committee on March 25, 2025 advanced AB 73, a bill that would require the Department of Health Care Access and Information to create a Black mental health navigator certification within the community health worker certificate program.

The bill’s author, Dr. Jackson, said AB 73 would “require the department to develop specific training and mental health resources, including crisis intervention, training for nonemergency case cases, entry level assessments, navigation support, and culturally specific practices” to help connect individuals with licensed mental health professionals and wellness services.

The bill’s supporters argued it aims to reduce stigma and address documented disparities in access and quality of mental health care for Black Californians. Tracy Stafford, chair of the California Black Health Policy Advisory Council, told the committee the council “conducted extensive state stakeholder engagement” and described high rates of misdiagnosis, stigma, and distrust that the group says persist in Black communities. “Black health navigators…will serve as trusted bridges trained in assessment, scribe crisis prevention, and culturally specific practices,” Stafford said.

Witnesses and organizational supporters who spoke in favor included Lizzie Kutsona on behalf of the California State Association of Psychiatrists, Barbara Schmitz for First 5 California, Mel Asagai for the Greater Sacramento Urban League, Linda Wei of Western Center on Law and Poverty, Malik Bynum of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association, Al Chen of Drug Policy Alliance, and advocates from Planned Parenthood affiliates and other groups. Supporters urged that specialized certification follow existing precedent in other health specialties and help prepare the workforce for rising demand for community health workers.

Chair Mia Bonta said she appreciated the bill and that it was “a step in the right direction to make sure that we are creating optional specialization to train navigators that we know are incredibly helpful.” The committee placed the measure on call for a future vote to appropriations.

Discussion versus action: The transcript records committee members expressing support and promising an “I” vote, but the roll-call vote was deferred until quorum was established; the measure was recorded as due passed to appropriations at a later roll call in the hearing sequence.