Md. Code, Educ. § 7-14A-04

Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 7-14A-04 - School behavioral health plan
(a)
(1) The school personnel at each school shall develop a school behavioral health plan to assist students who are struggling when the school is operating under a virtual education plan that includes:
(i) Proper assignments for all behavioral and mental health staff;
(ii) Methods for all students to access behavioral and mental health supports, including through telehealth if necessary;
(iii) Procedures for referral of students who are struggling to access proper behavioral and mental health supports; and
(iv) Increased attention and care for students struggling with the emotional, behavioral, or psychological stressors of virtual education.
(2) In establishing a behavioral health plan under this subsection, a school may use a multitiered system of supports model.
(b)
(1)
(i) While a school is operating under a virtual education plan, the principal shall require a staff member to conduct regular wellness check-ins with students at least once per week.
(ii) The principal may assign a community school coordinator, staff member, or team of staff to conduct the wellness check-ins required under this subsection.
(2)
(i) If a regular wellness check-in reveals that a student is struggling with the educational, emotional, behavioral, or psychological stressors of virtual education, the principal shall require a staff member, in accordance with subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, to:
1. Check in with the student multiple times per week; and
2. Develop an individual behavioral health plan consistent with the school behavioral health plan established under subsection (a) of this section.
(ii) The principal shall arrange for a school psychologist, pupil personnel worker, school social worker, school counselor, or behavioral health specialist to perform the tasks required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

Md. Code, ED § 7-14A-04

Added by 2023 Md. Laws, Ch. 804, Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2023.