Bill > A04656

This bill amends the New York education law to require mental health certificates for students, similar to existing health and dental health certificate requirements. Specifically, the bill mandates that students provide a mental health certificate at the same time as other health certificates, which must be signed by a licensed physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed clinical social worker from New York or another jurisdiction with comparable licensure standards. The certificate must describe the student's mental health condition from an assessment conducted within the past 12 months and confirm the student's mental fitness to attend public school. Additionally, the bill requires school authorities to distribute a notice about mental health certificate requests alongside health examination notifications and provide a list of mental health service providers who offer free or reduced-cost services. The state departments of education and health will collaborate to compile and maintain this list, which must be made available to schools and parents upon request. The bill aims to promote students' educational interests by allowing school authorities to request mental health assessments at their discretion. The provisions will take effect on the first of July following the bill's enactment.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4656