HB 5667 Summary

• Requires the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services, to develop or adopt a professional development course on mental health first aid for teachers within 1 year of the bill's effective date.

• Course must include instruction on identifying risk factors and warning signs for mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury.

• Course must cover strategies for assisting individuals in mental health crisis, including risk assessment, respectful listening, support techniques, and identification of professional resources.

• Course must include techniques for approaching individuals potentially experiencing a mental health crisis.

• Professional development hours completed through this course may be counted toward the professional development requirements under existing section 1527.

• Effective date is 90 days after enactment.