Tennessee Senate Bill SB7032

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/21/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to mental health services for youth.

Impact

The act requires the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to reimburse providers who participate in the program for up to three mental health sessions per youth, either in-person or via telehealth. This structure is intended to break down barriers to accessing mental health care and to build sustainable relationships between youth and mental health professionals. Additionally, the program aims to facilitate an inclusive approach by addressing disparities in mental health access based on race, geography, and neurodiversity, ensuring that care providers reflect the diversity of Tennessee's youth population.

Summary

Senate Bill 7032, known as the 'Temporary Youth Mental Health Services Program Act', seeks to address the critical mental health needs of youth in Tennessee, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill establishes a temporary program that facilitates access to mental health services for individuals aged 21 and under, with a focus on free mental health sessions for youth to combat increased issues stemming from the pandemic. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the mental health crisis among young people and aims to provide necessary support without regard to payment ability.

Contention

While the bill is framed as a vital response to a pressing issue, there may be points of contention regarding the management of the program and its funding. Critics may raise concerns over the operational capacity of the Department to effectively implement the program and ensure adequate quality of care, arguing that without sufficient oversight, the initiative may fall short of its goals. Furthermore, the requirement for providers to maintain confidentiality and the effective nurturing of provider-youth relationships may present additional operational challenges that could affect the bill's overall effectiveness.