Bill > H4563

This bill requires school health care providers and educators in Massachusetts to receive two hours of evidence-based suicide awareness and prevention training every two years, which can be integrated into existing professional development programs. For staff members hired during a school year when the training is not formally required, they must be provided with suicide prevention and identification materials within 30 days of being hired. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will develop the training requirements in collaboration with the Departments of Public Health and Mental Health, as well as suicide prevention experts. The training materials must be evidence-based and demonstrated to be either effective or promising in preventing youth suicide. The goal of this legislation is to ensure that school staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to potential suicide risks among students, ultimately improving mental health support in educational settings.

Budget and Finance

Committee on Education (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4563