Connecticut House Bill HB05988

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Inclusion Of A Mental Health Questionnaire As Part Of A Student Health Assessment.

Impact

If passed, HB 05988 would significantly impact the approach to student health assessments in schools across the state. This legislation highlights the importance of mental health by integrating it into the standard health evaluation process that students undergo. As a result, it could lead to more students receiving necessary mental health support at an earlier stage, which may ultimately improve educational outcomes and student well-being. Furthermore, the implementation of this bill might require additional training for school personnel in how to effectively administer and assess the mental health questionnaire.

Summary

House Bill 05988 aims to amend section 10-206 of the general statutes to include a mental health questionnaire as part of the required student health assessments. This bill mandates that parents or guardians of students will need to complete this questionnaire to assist healthcare professionals in determining whether a student should be referred to a mental health specialist. The inclusion of this questionnaire emphasizes the growing recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being in educational settings.

Contention

The bill may face scrutiny regarding parental privacy and the implications of collecting sensitive information. Some stakeholders might argue that requiring a mental health questionnaire could add pressure on families, particularly those who are hesitant to acknowledge mental health issues. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the adequacy of resources available for mental health referrals resulting from the increased identification of issues. The discussion could also revolve around the extent of government involvement in family matters and educational institutions’ roles in addressing mental health needs.