Bill > HB07158

This bill requires health care providers to create and share safety plans for minor patients with their schools under specific conditions. The bill defines a "safety plan" as a written document outlining coping strategies and support networks to prevent or manage potential mental health crises. For safety plans to be transmitted to a school nurse or nurse practitioner, the health care provider must first obtain written consent from the minor patient's parent or legally authorized representative, or from the minor patient themselves if they are 16 or older. Additionally, the bill mandates that for minor patients receiving inpatient behavioral health treatment lasting more than 14 consecutive days, health care providers must develop a comprehensive discharge plan in consultation with the patient, their parent or representative, and potentially school representatives (with appropriate consent). The bill also requires the Commissioners of Education and Public Health to create and distribute a list of hospitals and health care providers offering inpatient behavioral health services, and instructs school nurses to provide contact information to these facilities by August 1, 2025, to facilitate secure transmission of safety plans. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of improving mental health support and communication between health care providers and schools for minor patients.

Health and Social Services

Public Health Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07158&which_year=2025