HF 3745

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 02/19/2024 04:54pm

A bill for an act
relating to education; enhancing services for children's mental health; creating a
pilot program for digital mental health services; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Youth mental health pilot program established. new text end

new text begin A pilot program is
established to expand digital mental health services for Minnesota students.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this section
have the meanings given.
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new text begin (b) "Digital mental health services" means qualifying mental health and behavioral health
services provided through telehealth as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 62A.673,
subdivision 2.
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new text begin (c) "Qualifying student" means a Minnesota resident between the ages of 14 and 25
attending a secondary school as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 120A.05, subdivision
13, or a postsecondary institution as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.103, who
seeks mental health services.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Pilot program. new text end

new text begin (a) A pilot program for digital mental health must provide
digital mental health services to qualifying students. The mental health services must be
available to all qualifying students in the piloted districts. The services must supplement
existing school and community mental health and behavioral health resources. The services
must include at least the following:
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new text begin (1) moderated student online peer support communities;
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new text begin (2) evidence-based self-guided therapeutic tools, content, and clinical activities; and
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new text begin (3) the ability for students to interact with a mental health practitioner in real time.
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new text begin (b) The program provider must have proven risk management processes in place. The
program provider must demonstrate an ability to service multiple school districts regardless
of geographic location. The mental health and behavioral health services must be proven
and supported by peer-reviewed research with evidence-based clinical outcomes. The
program provider must demonstrate experience with large scale implementation to
school-based populations.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Appropriation; general fund. new text end

new text begin (a) $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated
from the state general fund to the commissioner of education for one or more grants to
provide the services according to subdivision 3. A mental health provider and its school
partners must apply for the grant in the form and manner specified by the commissioner.
The commissioner of education must consult with the commissioner of human services
when awarding these grants.
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new text begin (b) Up to five percent of this appropriation may be retained for administration of this
program.
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new text begin (c) This appropriation does not cancel but is available until June 30, 2027.
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new text begin (d) This is a onetime appropriation.
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