Schools; student mental health; State Department of Education to create a school-based telehealth pilot program; request for proposals; definitions; optional school district participation; reporting to the Legislature; requiring the Department to seek funding; effective date; emergency.
If enacted, HB1523 will require participating school districts to offer mental health care services at no cost to enrolled students. The bill stipulates that schools can opt-in to the pilot program by entering into a contract with the selected telehealth provider. Furthermore, the funding for the program is limited to specific uses, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support mental health services in schools without supplanting existing support structures provided by educational service providers like counselors and social workers.
House Bill 1523 aims to enhance student mental health services in Oklahoma schools by mandating the establishment of a school-based telehealth pilot program. This program will be managed by the State Department of Education, which will contract with a telehealth provider to ensure mental health care accessibility for students enrolled in participating school districts. The bill requires the Department to issue a request for proposals to select a qualified telehealth provider that meets specific criteria for providing mental health care services through technology.
Key points of contention surrounding HB1523 include the management of funding and the effectiveness of telehealth services in an educational context. Critics may argue that while telehealth can enhance accessibility, it cannot replace the in-person support provided by traditional mental health resources within schools. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and security when utilizing telehealth platforms. Proponents of the bill, however, emphasize the necessity of expanding mental health access amid rising concerns about student well-being, particularly in light of recent societal challenges.