FL H1073

District school boards must adopt policies providing mental health assistance for students in grades 9-12.

Policies must include access to mental health professionals (therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers) in school settings and a continuum of services available during the school day.

Schools must establish procedures for mental health crises that minimize use of law enforcement and hospitalization, including mobile crisis response services that arrive within 1 hour of being called.

Crisis procedures must include a discreet method for educators to request assistance and methods to engage students and families in continuing mental health treatment to maintain school stability without hospitalization.

The act takes effect July 1, 2021.