Pupil health: mental and behavioral health services: telehealth technology: guidelines.
By establishing guidelines on telehealth usage, AB 2315 is expected to reshape how mental health services are delivered in schools. This may lead to an increase in the number of students receiving necessary mental health care, thereby improving overall pupil well-being. However, the bill stipulates that its provisions shall only take effect if adequate funding is provided, which raises concerns about the practical implementation of the guidelines and the accessibility of these services across different school districts.
Assembly Bill 2315, introduced by Quirk-Silva, aims to enhance pupil health in California public schools through the implementation of telehealth technology. The law mandates the State Department of Education to collaborate with the State Department of Health Care Services and stakeholders to develop guidelines by July 1, 2020, for providing mental and behavioral health services via telehealth. This initiative is intended to foster access to mental health care directly on school campuses, making it more convenient for students to seek help without leaving the premises.
The general sentiment surrounding AB 2315 is one of support from educators and mental health advocates who recognize the importance of addressing student mental health needs. However, there are underlying concerns regarding funding and resource allocation. Stakeholders are optimistic about the potential benefits of telehealth but are cautious about whether schools will have the financial means to implement the required technology and infrastructure comfortably.
A notable point of contention arises from the bill's reliance on sufficient funding for its implementation. Many educators and parents fear that without guaranteed funding from the state budget, the guidelines may remain aspirational and fail to translate into actual services for students. Additionally, concerns have been voiced regarding the adequacy of training and qualifications for personnel involved in delivering telehealth services in a school setting, which raises questions about the effectiveness and safety of such care.