Bill Summary:

The act establishes a temporary youth mental health services program (program) in the office of behavioral health within the department of human services (department) to facilitate access to mental health services, including substance use disorder services, for youth to respond to identified mental health needs, including those needs that may have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program reimburses providers for up to 3 mental health sessions with a youth and may provide additional reimbursement subject to available money.As soon as practicable, but no later than August 1, 2021, the department is required to enter into an agreement with a vendor to create, or use an existing, website or web-based application as a portal available to youth and providers to facilitate the program.The program is repealed, effective June 30, 2022.The act appropriates $9,000,000 to the department of human services from the general fund to implement the act.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)  

CEA Position Rationale: Student mental health supports are critically needed, especially in reaction to the on-going impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation does not increase workload on schools nor re-direct funds from our public schools. 

Tier: 3