Bill > H640

This bill aims to prevent teen suicide by introducing comprehensive suicide prevention training and policies in schools. The legislation requires all students from grades 6-12 and licensed school personnel to receive suicide prevention training annually. The state's education department, in collaboration with health and mental health departments, will develop and update a list of approved training materials every three years. These materials must include guidance on identifying appropriate mental health services and how to refer youth and their families to those services. Additionally, the bill mandates that each public school district adopt a suicide prevention policy that addresses prevention, intervention, and "postvention" (counseling and support provided after a suicide attempt or ideation). The bill defines "postvention" as including regular check-ins with affected students, with the frequency determined by a licensed mental health professional. The education department is also tasked with developing a model policy to guide school districts, which will cover areas such as parental notification procedures and distinguishing between in-school and out-of-school issues related to student mental health and suicide prevention.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H640