Bill > S284

This bill aims to prevent adolescent substance abuse by expanding the use of SBIRT, which stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment, a public health approach to identify, reduce, and prevent problematic use of alcohol and other drugs. Specifically, it amends Section 57 of Chapter 71 of the General Laws to require that substance use screenings, using a validated tool, be included in the educational process. These screenings will be conducted by qualified personnel, such as nurses or physicians approved by the Department of Public Health, at least once annually for students in grades 8 or 9, and 11. Importantly, the results of these screenings will not be kept in student files accessible for general inspection, but will be recorded anonymously and reported to the Department of Public Health within 30 days of completion.