Bill > HB2313

This bill establishes a new early childhood mental health home visiting program in Tennessee, administered by the Department of Health in partnership with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. This program is designed as a voluntary, evidence-based intervention delivered directly in families' homes to support the mental health, development, and stability of children from birth to five years old and their families, particularly those facing significant challenges like poverty, trauma, or parental substance abuse. The program will offer services such as parent-child psychotherapy, care coordination to connect families with resources, and developmental assessments, with eligibility prioritized for at-risk families. The Department of Health can contract with various organizations to deliver these services, ensuring providers are licensed and trained in evidence-based methods. Funding for the program will be sought from federal, state, and private sources, and may include TennCare reimbursement. The bill also mandates coordination with existing state programs and requires an annual report to the General Assembly detailing program outcomes and finances.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2313&ga=114