Subdivision 1. Establishment. The commissioner of human services shall establish a school-linked mental health grant program to provide early identification and intervention for students with mental health needs and to build the capacity of schools to support students with mental health needs in the classroom.

Subd. 2. Eligible applicants. An eligible applicant for school-linked mental health grants is an entity that is:

(1) certified under Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0750 to 9520.0870;

(2) a community mental health center under section 256B.0625, subdivision 5;

(3) an Indian health service facility or a facility owned and operated by a tribe or tribal organization operating under United States Code, title 25, section 5321;

(4) a provider of children's therapeutic services and supports as defined in section 256B.0943; or

(5) enrolled in medical assistance as a mental health or substance use disorder provider agency and employs at least two full-time equivalent mental health professionals qualified according to section 245I.16, subdivision 2, or two alcohol and drug counselors licensed or exempt from licensure under chapter 148F who are qualified to provide clinical services to children and families.

Subd. 3. Allowable grant activities and related expenses. (a) Allowable grant activities and related expenses may include but are not limited to:

(1) identifying and diagnosing mental health conditions of students;

(2) delivering mental health treatment and services to students and their families, including via telemedicine consistent with section 256B.0625, subdivision 3b;

(3) supporting families in meeting their child's needs, including navigating health care, social service, and juvenile justice systems;

(4) providing transportation for students receiving school-linked mental health services when school is not in session;

(5) building the capacity of schools to meet the needs of students with mental health concerns, including school staff development activities for licensed and nonlicensed staff; and

(6) purchasing equipment, connection charges, on-site coordination, set-up fees, and site fees in order to deliver school-linked mental health services via telemedicine.

(b) Grantees shall obtain all available third-party reimbursement sources as a condition of receiving a grant. For purposes of this grant program, a third-party reimbursement source excludes a public school as defined in section 120A.20, subdivision 1. Grantees shall serve students regardless of health coverage status or ability to pay.

Subd. 4. Data collection and outcome measurement. Grantees shall provide data to the commissioner for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the school-linked mental health grant program.

History: 1Sp2019 c 9 art 6 s 3