AN ACT CONCERNING THE SECURE TRANSMISSION OF SAFETY PLANS OF MINOR PATIENTS TO SCHOOLS BY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

HB 5168 requires health care providers to securely share mental health safety plans with schools for minors who received inpatient behavioral health treatment for at least 12 consecutive days, **after obtaining written permission** from the minor’s parent/guardian or the minor (if 16+). It mandates transmission via secure digital platforms or HIPAA-compliant methods, with schools setting up designated secure accounts for school nurses, counselors, or psychologists to access these plans. The bill explicitly protects confidentiality for sensitive issues like pregnancy, mental health, or STI care, ensuring providers cannot share information without consent or in violation of existing privacy laws. This directly affects minors receiving inpatient mental health care, health care providers, and schools that must establish secure access for designated staff.