TN HB1212

Establishes a temporary youth mental health service program within the department to provide mental health and substance use disorder services for individuals under 18, including needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Requires the department to contract with a vendor by August 1, 2025 to create a web portal for mental health screenings, provider registration, and appointment scheduling via telehealth or in-person.

Providers receive reimbursement for up to 3 sessions per youth client, with the same rate for in-person and telehealth appointments; funding comes from the K-12 mental health special reserve account.

Department must implement a statewide public awareness campaign and report to legislative health committees by July 1, 2026 on program participation and services provided.

Program sunsets on July 1, 2026; act takes effect July 1, 2025 for implementation purposes.