Bill > SB631

This bill introduces the Virtual Mental Health in Schools Act, which establishes new requirements for parental consent regarding virtual mental health services in school settings. The bill defines key terms such as "virtual mental health services" (which include online peer support communities, counseling from non-professional providers, and AI-based behavioral health support) and "qualified professional" (licensed mental health practitioners with specific credentials). For students under 18, school entities must now create a standardized consent form that outlines the available virtual mental health services and obtain annual parental or guardian approval before providing any such services. The form must include a summary of services, a consent area, and any additional information the school deems necessary. Critically, schools are prohibited from offering virtual mental health services to a student without explicit parental consent, overriding previous regulations that might have allowed minors to independently consent to such services. The bill also includes a provision clarifying that it does not grant immunity to unqualified individuals providing mental health services and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, or immediately thereafter, depending on the timing of its passage.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=631