Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF692

Introduced
4/6/23  
Introduced
4/6/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the staffing of brain health professionals in primary and secondary schools and making appropriations.

Impact

One significant provision of HF692 mandates that all public schools and nonpublic accredited schools must have at least one health care professional with brain health credentials on-site during instructional hours. This requirement is intended to improve accessibility to brain health services for students, ultimately encouraging earlier diagnosis and treatment of brain-related issues. The state will allocate funds annually to the Department of Education to support this staffing requirement. By institutionalizing brain health professionals in schools, the bill represents a proactive approach to tackle mental health issues in the youth population and aims to promote a healthier school environment.

Summary

House File 692 focuses on enhancing the mental health support system within the education sector in Iowa. The bill seeks to introduce and establish 'brain health' into the legislative framework concerning mental health and disability services. It aims to normalize the discourse around brain health by allowing the term to be used interchangeably with mental health and mental illness, facilitating a broader understanding and treatment approach. The bill explicitly defines brain health as encompassing various aspects of brain function that influence mood and behavior, thus framing it similarly to existing mental health categorizations.

Contention

While HF692 has many proponents who believe in the importance of addressing mental health at a young age, there are potential points of contention regarding the implications of introducing 'brain health' into existing mental health frameworks. Critics might argue that the integration of brain health terminology could lead to confusion in medical billing and licensure, as it intertwines with established terms without clear delineation. Additionally, concerns may arise over the adequacy of funding for the mandate and whether sufficient resources will be allocated to appropriately staff schools, ensuring that the quality of care is not compromised.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2063

A bill for an act providing for the staffing of mental health professionals in primary and secondary schools and making appropriations.

IA HF273

A bill for an act relating to the term brain health.(Formerly HSB 76.)

IA SSB1078

A bill for an act relating to the term brain health.(See SF 210.)

IA SF210

A bill for an act relating to the term brain health.(Formerly SSB 1078.)

IA HF2509

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 653; See HF 2673.)

IA SSB3146

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2354, SF 2420.)

IA HSB653

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 2509, HF 2673.)

IA SF2354

A bill for an act relating to the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, and the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3146; See SF 2420.)

IA HF2673

A bill for an act related to state behavioral health, disability, and addictive disorder services and related programs, including the transition of behavioral health services from a mental health and disability services system to a behavioral health service system, the transfer of disability services to the division of aging and disability services of the department of health and human services, the elimination of the commission on aging, the elimination of special intellectual disability units at state mental health institutes, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2509, HSB 653.) Effective date: 05/15/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025.

IA HF363

A bill for an act relating to free school meals for children attending a public or accredited nonpublic primary or secondary school, and establishing a standing appropriation.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.