Bill > HB1523

This bill establishes a school-based telehealth pilot program through the State Department of Education aimed at improving student mental health access. The program requires the Department to contract with a single telehealth provider through a competitive proposal process, with specific requirements for potential providers including experience in educational telehealth, cultural competency, and ability to provide mental health services. Participating school districts can voluntarily join the program, and the telehealth services must be provided free of charge to uninsured students or those with cost-sharing barriers. The telehealth provider will be responsible for supplying equipment and mental health care providers at no cost to the school districts, with funding limited to up to $22 per enrolled student and one-time establishment costs. The program includes provisions to ensure that these telehealth services do not replace existing school-based support services. By January 15, 2027, the Department must evaluate and report on the program's effectiveness in increasing student mental health care access to legislative committees. The bill includes an emergency clause and is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, with the Department required to seek external funding to implement the program without exceeding acquired funds.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1523&Session=2600