PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB341

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB341

Introduced
3/13/23  

Caption

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

Impact

This bill is expected to have significant implications for state laws regarding the provision of psychological and health services in schools. By providing a clearer framework for the inclusion of school social workers and counselors, HB341 could lead to improved support systems for students. It can potentially increase the staffing and resource allocation for mental health services, ensuring that more students could access these essential services within their schools.

Summary

House Bill 341 aims to modify regulations surrounding psychological services in intermediate units and expand the definitions related to professional employees in the education sector. The bill seeks to clarify the roles and definitions of school psychologists, school social workers, and health services personnel within educational institutions. By doing so, it intends to enhance the quality of mental health services provided to students, reflecting an increasing recognition of the importance of mental health in education.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB341 appears to be positive, with support for the need to enhance mental health support in schools becoming increasingly recognized. Advocates emphasize the importance of addressing students' mental health needs as a crucial aspect of their overall well-being and academic success. However, there may be some concerns regarding funding and resource availability, which could affect the implementation of the proposed changes.

Contention

There may be discussions about the specifics of the definitions and roles outlined in the bill. Notably, while expanding the roles of school personnel in mental health identification and support, there could be concerns regarding how these changes may be implemented in practice. Stakeholders may debate whether existing personnel can meet these new requirements and how to ensure adequate funding and training for effective service delivery.

Latest PA HB341 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB341

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB192

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

PA HB1530

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

PA SB1055

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

PA SB232

In school health services, further providing for health services.

PA HB857

In safe schools, further providing for definitions, for Office for Safe Schools and for reporting.

PA HB1078

In school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations, providing for eye health examinations and further providing for examinations by examiners of own choice.

PA HB562

In school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations, providing for eye health examinations and further providing for examinations by examiners of own choice.

PA HB2191

In school health services, further providing for vision screening and examinations.

PA SB337

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA SB799

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

Similar Bills

PA SB900

Providing for Commonwealth support for a Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Staff Member Loan Forgiveness Program and an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor Loan Forgiveness Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

PA SB874

Providing for Commonwealth support for a Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Staff Member Loan Forgiveness Program and an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor Loan Forgiveness Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

PA SB1055

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

PA HB1530

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

PA HB192

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

PA SB1091

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA SB579

Providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB563

Providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.