Bill > H4679

This bill aims to establish universal screening for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. It directs the Commissioner of Public Health, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Mental Health, to convene a task force to develop a plan to achieve universal screening of children for ACEs. The task force will include representatives from various state agencies and experts in childhood trauma and trauma screening. 2. The task force is tasked with recommending an evidence-based screening tool, identifying the most suitable settings for screenings (such as schools or pediatrician's offices), establishing guidelines to protect children's privacy, and determining the appropriate ages and frequency of screening. 3. The task force will also be responsible for establishing a training program to ensure proficiency in trauma screening and follow-up with children and families, identifying gaps in service availability for child trauma intervention, and providing legislative and budgetary recommendations to address these gaps. 4. The task force is required to meet at least 10 times a year and provide regular updates on its progress, including in the annual report on public health trends submitted by the Department of Public Health. 5. The bill sets a timeline for the task force to provide a preliminary report and plan, hold public hearings, and submit a final report and plan to the state legislature.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4679