Bill > HF504

This bill establishes a statewide school-based telehealth program administered by the Minnesota Commissioner of Health, designed to provide mental and physical healthcare services to students through remote medical consultations. The bill requires the commissioner to contract with a single telehealth provider selected through a competitive proposal process, with specific qualifications including experience providing healthcare in educational settings, cultural competence, and the ability to serve large student populations. Participating telehealth providers must offer services free of charge to uninsured students and waive cost-sharing for all students, while providing necessary equipment and technology platforms at no cost to school districts. School districts can voluntarily participate but cannot use these telehealth services to replace existing student support services like school nurses or counselors. The program is funded by appropriating $20 million in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with funds used to pay providers a per-student rate, cover initial program establishment costs, and support program evaluation. The commissioner is required to report on the program's effectiveness in increasing student healthcare access every two years, starting in January 2027. The telehealth program is set to become effective on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0504&ssn=0&y=2025