OK HB1523

State Department of Education shall establish a school-based telehealth pilot program and contract with a single telehealth provider to deliver mental health care services to students in participating school districts through a request for proposal process.

Telehealth provider must have experience serving school districts of 50,000+ students, employ Oklahoma-licensed mental health professionals, provide culturally competent pediatric care, and waive all cost-sharing for uninsured students and minors who give effective consent.

School districts may voluntarily participate by contracting with the selected provider and must provide services at no cost to all enrolled students without supplanting existing school-based student support services.

Funding is limited to annual capitation payments of up to $22.00 per student in participating districts, one-time fixed costs for program establishment, and program evaluation, with the Department not to exceed total funds acquired.

Department shall evaluate program effectiveness by January 15, 2027, and report results to legislative committees overseeing education and health finance; school districts must provide compliance information regarding prohibition on supplanting existing services.