H 3478

Abstract

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-373 SO AS TO ESTABLISH THE GOAL OF OFFERING ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS TO STUDENTS IN GRADES SIX THROUGH TWELVE TO REDUCE RISKS RELATED TO STUDENTS' UNMET MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS AND IMPROVE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THIS STATE, TO CREATE THE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM IN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TO PROVIDE THE PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE OTHER SERVICES AND REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES TO STUDENTS, AND TO PROVIDE RELATED RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AMONG OTHER THINGS.