SF86

The bill introduced, SF No 86, aims to establish a school-based telehealth program in Minnesota. This program, overseen by the state's Commissioner of Health, will contract a single telehealth provider to offer mental and physical health services to students in participating schools. Key points of the bill include:

1. Program Establishment: The commissioner needs to select a suitable telehealth provider through a proposal request process. The telehealth provider must have significant experience in providing healthcare in educational settings, including services to a large school district, and be capable of culturally competent pediatric care.

2. Definitions: Clearly defines relevant terms such as health care provider, health carrier, Minnesota health care programs, school districts, telehealth, and telehealth provider.

3. Provider Requirements: The telehealth provider must offer free services to uninsured students, cover costs for minor students consenting to treatment independently, and ensure no cost-sharing charges are transferred to students.

4. School District Participation: Participating schools must have a contract with the chosen telehealth provider, offer services at no cost to students, and ensure they are not replacing existing in-school health services with this telehealth service.

5. Funding: Appropriations for the program will be used to pay the telehealth provider and cover setup costs, as well as to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.

6. Reporting and Evaluation: The program will be evaluated on its effectiveness in increasing student access to healthcare, with regular reports due to legislative committees. Compliance monitoring and reporting by school districts are also mandated.

Essentially, this bill introduces a structured framework for integrating telehealth services into schools, which could greatly expand access to healthcare for students across Minnesota, particularly benefiting those who are uninsured or underinsured.