HI SB2206

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 begins.

Guidelines must address 14 specific areas including student privacy, parental consent requirements, staffing and supervision, liability issues, health insurance coordination, and physical space requirements for confidential conversations.

Addresses youth mental health crisis cited by CDC data showing increased depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts among students, while noting telehealth use among youth declined from 18.3% in 2021 to 14.2% in 2023.

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