HF504

This legislative bill proposes the creation of a school-based telehealth program in Minnesota. The key points of the bill are:

1. Program Establishment: The Commissioner of Health is tasked with setting up a telehealth program specifically for schools. They are to select a single telehealth provider through a competitive bidding process to administer mental and physical healthcare services to students in participating school districts.

2. Eligibility and Requirements for Providers: The telehealth provider chosen must have experience in delivering healthcare in educational settings and must specialize in pediatrics and cultural competence. They should be able to employ enough licensed healthcare providers to meet the needs of the program and offer a capable technology platform.

3. Free Services for Uninsured Students: Healthcare delivered via the telehealth provider must be free for uninsured students. Providers may also need to absorb or reimburse any co-payment costs for services accessed through the program.

4. School District Participation: School districts that choose to join the program are required to offer these telehealth services at no cost to students. They must also ensure that these services complement, rather than replace, existing student support services provided by school professionals like nurses and counselors.

5. Funding and Use: The funds appropriated for this program will cover payments to the telehealth provider, including per-student fees and one-time setup costs, as well as program evaluation expenses.

6. Reporting and Evaluation: The Commissioner must regularly evaluate the program's effectiveness in increasing students' access to healthcare and report findings to the legislative bodies responsible for education and health policy every two years. School districts must also provide necessary data to assist in this evaluation.

Overall, the bill aims to improve access to healthcare for students via telehealth, ensuring even uninsured students can receive necessary medical services without cost barriers, and seeks ongoing evaluation to ensure its effectiveness and compliance.