Connecticut House Bill HB05377

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/19
• Refer: 1/16/19

Caption

An Act Permitting Private Therapists To Provide Care To Students At School During Regular School Hours.

Impact

The proposed measure is significant in that it addresses the growing recognition of mental health needs among students, making essential therapy services more accessible. By allowing private therapists to work within schools, the bill aims to ensure that students can receive immediate support without the barriers that might come with off-campus appointments. This could lead to improved academic performance and well-being since students will have better access to necessary mental health services during the critical hours of the school day.

Summary

House Bill 5377 aims to authorize private therapists to provide medically necessary therapy to students during school hours. This bill seeks to amend chapter 169 of the general statutes and allows local or regional boards of education to permit therapists who are not direct employees of the school board to provide care to students. Such services would be delivered in accordance with a written order from a licensed medical professional, facilitating timely and accessible medical assistance for students in a school setting. The intent is to enhance the mental health resources available to pupils directly within their educational environment.

Contention

While the intentions behind HB 5377 are generally seen as positive, concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on existing staff and resources within schools. Critics of the bill might express worries about how this could affect the employment of school counselors and the organization of mental health services on campus. There may also be apprehensions regarding the compliance with collective bargaining agreements that dictate current employment structures, as the bill explicitly states it supersedes these agreements. Balancing the integration of private therapists while maintaining a cohesive and supportive school environment could be a contentious issue.