AL SB223

Requires each local board of education in Alabama to employ a mental health service coordinator, commencing with the 2021-2022 school year, subject to legislative appropriations.

Coordinator qualifications include a bachelor's degree in social work, school counselor credentials, school nurse credentials, professional mental health experience, or licensure as a licensed professional counselor or marriage and family therapist.

Hired coordinators must earn a school-based mental health certificate within one year by completing a certification program developed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

Each local board of education must complete and submit a needs assessment and resource map to the Alabama Department of Mental Health by the last day of fiscal year 2021, and as requested thereafter, to document mental health status and guide quality improvements.

The Alabama Department of Mental Health and State Department of Education are authorized to adopt rules and policies for implementation, with all administration subject to legislative appropriations.