The bill aims to enhance suicide prevention efforts in schools by mandating that school health care providers and educators in Massachusetts receive at least two hours of evidence-based in-service training on suicide awareness and prevention every two years. This training will be integrated into existing in-service training programs or required professional development activities. Additionally, for staff members who are hired during a school year when the training is not mandated, the bill requires that they be provided with suicide prevention and identification materials within thirty days of their hiring.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Mental Health, and suicide prevention experts, will develop a list of approved training materials. These materials must be evidence-based and shown to be effective or promising in addressing suicide prevention. This legislative effort underscores the importance of equipping educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and support students at risk of suicide.