Substitute House Bill No. 7158 aims to improve the secure transmission of safety plans for minors receiving inpatient behavioral health care to their schools. Effective April 1, 2026, health care providers must review these plans with the minor and obtain consent from the minor or their legally authorized representative before sharing the plans with the school. The bill mandates that these plans be transmitted securely, in compliance with HIPAA regulations, and introduces definitions for key terms such as "designated employee," "health care provider," and "secure messaging system." Additionally, it requires local and regional boards of education to establish organizational accounts on secure messaging systems by January 1, 2026, ensuring that designated employees, including school nurse supervisors, have access to these plans while maintaining their confidentiality.

The bill also includes provisions for annual professional development for new designated employees on the secure messaging system, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Local education boards must submit their secure messaging system addresses to the State Department of Education by April 1, 2026, to facilitate the transmission of safety plans. Notably, the bill repeals and replaces subsection (b) of section 17b-59d of the general statutes, aligning with the goals of the State-wide Health Information Exchange, and emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and secure communication in managing sensitive student information. The original provisions regarding discharge plans for minors and the creation of a list of behavioral health providers have been removed, focusing instead on enhancing communication and safety planning for minors transitioning from inpatient care to school environments.