Bill > HB2313

This bill authorizes the Tennessee Department of Health, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, to create and manage a voluntary early childhood mental health home visiting program. This program is designed as an evidence-based intervention delivered in families' homes to support the mental well-being, development, and stability of children from birth to age five and their families, especially those facing significant challenges like poverty, trauma, or parental substance abuse. The program will involve home-based therapy by licensed clinicians, care coordination to connect families with essential services, developmental and mental health assessments for children, and regular checks to ensure it's being delivered according to established standards. Eligibility will be prioritized for families with young children at risk due to various challenges, and the program can be implemented through contracts with qualified organizations. Funding will be sought from federal, state, and private sources, and it may also be supported by TennCare, the state's Medicaid program, for medically necessary services. The program is also required to coordinate with existing state initiatives to avoid duplication and will submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing its services, outcomes, and finances.