Bill Explanation

Bill Explanation

The bill, officially known as H.R. 3713 or the Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2023, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act. The purpose of this amendment is to revise and extend projects related to children and provide access to comprehensive mental health programs in schools.

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 25, 2023, by Mrs. N. Apolitano and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The bill proposes several amendments to the Public Health Service Act. One of the key amendments is the establishment of comprehensive school-based mental health services and supports to help children dealing with traumatic experiences, grief, bereavement, risk of suicide, and violence. These services and supports should be appropriate for different ages, languages, and cultures, trauma-informed, and incorporate positive behavioral interventions and supports.

The bill also outlines the activities that grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements awarded under this amendment should be used for. These activities include implementing school- and community-based mental health programs, providing technical assistance to local communities, facilitating community partnerships, and establishing mechanisms for reporting incidents of violence or plans for violence.

The bill specifies the eligibility requirements for entities receiving grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements under this amendment. These entities should be partnerships that include a State educational agency and at least one community-based mental health provider. The bill also emphasizes compliance with patient privacy regulations (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

To ensure equitable distribution, the bill requires the Secretary to distribute grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements among different regions and between urban and rural areas. The duration of awards will be 5 years, with options for renewal.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of programs carried out under this amendment. The Assistant Secretary will develop a process for evaluating activities, including measures of outcomes. Recipients of assistance will be required to submit annual reports based on these measures, and the Assistant Secretary will submit an annual report to Congress concerning the results and effectiveness of the programs. The bill also authorizes appropriations of $300,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2027.

Rep. Jesus Garcia

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