Bill > HR2044

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program aimed at preventing self-harm and suicide in primary care settings. The bill would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award up to 10 grants, with each grant not exceeding $500,000 and lasting two years, to primary care offices across different states. Under the program, primary care offices would be required to hire clinical social workers who will help implement a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy. This strategy includes screening patients for self-harm and suicide risk, providing short-term prevention services, and referring patients to long-term care facilities when necessary. The bill mandates that the Secretary develop standardized screening practices in consultation with expert stakeholder groups and requires grant recipients to submit quarterly reports detailing the number of patients screened, services provided, and adherence to established practice standards. Additionally, the Secretary must submit biennial reports to Congressional committees and relevant health agencies like the CDC and National Institute of Mental Health, evaluating the effectiveness of the grant program. The goal is to improve early detection and intervention for individuals at risk of self-harm or suicide within primary care settings.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2044/all-info