Section 7-440 - Individualized or group behavioral counseling services(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.(2) "Behavioral health counseling services" means prevention, intervention, and treatment services for the social-emotional, psychological, behavioral, and physical health of students, including mental health and substance abuse disorders.(3) "Health care provider" has the meaning stated in § 20-104 of the Health - General Article.(b)(1) The Maryland Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department, shall recommend best practices for county boards of education to provide to students: (i) Behavioral needs assessments; and(ii) Individualized or group behavioral health counseling services with a health care provider through a school-based health center or through community partnered school-based behavioral health services.(c) This section may not be construed to require a county board to provide behavioral needs assessments or individualized or group behavioral health counseling services to students.Added by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 583,Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2017.