This bill mandates the establishment of a school-based telehealth program by the commissioner of health in Minnesota, specifically outlined in a new section of the Minnesota Statutes, chapter 145. The program will involve contracting with a single telehealth provider to deliver mental and physical health care services to students in participating school districts. The bill includes detailed definitions of key terms such as "health care provider," "telehealth," and "school district," and sets forth qualifications for telehealth providers, including experience in educational settings and the ability to provide culturally competent care. Additionally, the bill stipulates that services must be provided free of charge to uninsured students and outlines the responsibilities of both the telehealth provider and participating school districts.

The bill also appropriates $20 million for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the implementation of the telehealth program. It requires the commissioner to evaluate the program's effectiveness in increasing student access to health care services and to report findings to legislative committees every two years. Furthermore, school districts are required to cooperate with the commissioner in fulfilling reporting requirements and must not use telehealth services to replace existing student support services. The program is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.