HI SB2184

Requires the Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health, to develop guidelines for "safe spaces" where students can access telehealth services at public middle and high schools during normal school hours by December 31, 2026.

Mandates all public middle and high schools establish and maintain telehealth safe spaces before the 2027-2028 school year, with privacy sufficient for confidential conversations and necessary internet access and equipment.

Guidelines must address 14 areas including equity of access, staffing and supervision, student and parental rights, informed consent, privacy protections, liability issues, health insurance considerations, and protocols for missed instruction.

Addresses declining youth telehealth usage (from 18.3% in 2021 to 14.2% in 2023) and mental health crisis among students, citing lack of privacy and safe spaces as barriers to telehealth participation.

Schools are not required to construct new buildings to comply, and the program cannot limit or replace existing student support, counseling, or health services.