House Bill No. by Representative Jackson aims to enhance health services in public schools by requiring governing authorities to adopt policies that facilitate the provision of both primary health and behavioral health services by licensed providers. The bill introduces new definitions for primary health services and primary care providers, emphasizing the importance of routine healthcare in schools. It mandates that public school governing authorities allow these providers to deliver medically necessary services during school hours upon request from parents or guardians, while ensuring that policies do not create barriers to service provision. Additionally, the bill outlines necessary insurance and background check requirements for providers and prohibits contracts that restrict parents' choices of providers.

The legislation also clarifies that the determination of medical necessity for both behavioral and primary health services will be made by the respective providers, with no unlicensed school employee permitted to make such determinations. It ensures that existing contracts with both behavioral and primary care providers remain intact and establishes that the same policies applicable to behavioral health providers will now apply to primary care providers. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with creating rules for the implementation of these provisions in consultation with relevant health authorities, ultimately seeking to create a more supportive environment for student health by integrating primary care into the school setting.

Statutes affected:
HB1022 Original: 17:173(A)(1), 17:3996(B)(48)