NY A09750

Directs the Commissioner of Education, in conjunction with the Commissioners of Health and Mental Health, to develop model mental health screenings and guidelines for school mental health screeners (school psychologists, social workers, and other health professionals).

Model screenings must be designed to screen students for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), early psychosis, and potential addiction disorders, with varying models based on available professional expertise levels.

Guidelines must include screening frequency recommendations, confidentiality requirements compliant with FERPA and HIPAA, appropriate training levels for screeners, procedures for reporting results, and resources for further mental health treatment.

Makes model screenings and guidelines available to the public on the Department of Education website and to school districts at no charge, but does not require any school or district to use them or perform mental health screenings.

Takes effect one year after enactment, with authority for commissioners to adopt necessary rules and regulations.