This bill updates Pennsylvania's emergency medical services laws to clarify rules for patient transport and insurance coverage. It defines "receiving facilities" as places where patients need further medical assessment after an ambulance response and requires protocols for handling behavioral health and substance use crises before transport. The legislation also mandates that health insurers cover emergency service payments when patients are treated and transported to these designated facilities, while simultaneously removing an outdated regulation regarding covered services.
HB 2486 requires Pennsylvania public schools to create and share mental health support policies for students. The bill mandates that educators in grades six through twelve receive four hours of mental health training every five years. Additionally, the state Department of Education will develop model policies, training materials, and a curriculum to guide schools in identifying student needs and providing appropriate support.
Senate Resolution 314 designates the week of May 4 through 10, 2026, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. This symbolic resolution aims to highlight the condition, which involves involuntary movements and can affect people taking long-term antipsychotic medications for mental health issues. The bill encourages the public and medical community to learn more about the symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia and the importance of routine screening. It also urges individuals experiencing abnormal movements to consult their healthcare providers for evaluation.
This bill establishes a three-year pilot program to provide grants for treating veterans with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. The State Veterans' Commission will award $150,000 annually to nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and healthcare providers selected from the eastern, central, and western regions of Pennsylvania. Recipients must use the funds to develop and evaluate treatment programs aimed at improving mental health outcomes and reducing suicide risk among veterans. The program is set to expire three years after it begins, and the state will submit annual reports to the legislature detailing how the grants were used and their effectiveness.
This bill requires health insurance policies and government programs in Pennsylvania to cover behavioral health services for children involved in the juvenile justice system. It mandates that insurers provide funding for screenings, assessments, and treatments related to mental health conditions and substance use disorders during specific legal proceedings, such as mandatory intake conferences and informal adjustments. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for terms like "behavioral health provider" and "screening" to ensure consistent application of these coverage requirements. By integrating mental health support into the juvenile justice process, the bill aims to address the needs of youth facing delinquency charges while maintaining a neutral focus on policy implementation.
This bill requires Pennsylvania schools participating in the School Safety and Security Grant Program to create electronic records tracking traumatic events and adverse childhood experiences for students. These records, overseen by a mental health professional or trained administrator, will include information from law enforcement, medical providers, and school support services, organized into three tiers of access to protect sensitive data. The legislation strictly limits how this information can be used, prohibiting its use for student admissions or in criminal proceedings while ensuring confidentiality. Schools must develop individualized support plans based on these records to better assist students affected by trauma, with access granted only to authorized staff and parents.
This bill requires Pennsylvania's child protective services agencies to notify school principals, guidance counselors, or mental health professionals when a student has recently experienced a traumatic event. The law mandates that these agencies create specific procedures to share this information while strictly prohibiting the disclosure of confidential case details. By enabling schools to monitor affected students, the measure aims to ensure they can provide appropriate support without compromising privacy. The regulations will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
This Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "National Treatment Court Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about specialized courts that address substance use and mental health issues. The measure highlights the work of judges, prosecutors, treatment providers, and other professionals who operate these courts to help individuals recover rather than face traditional punishment. By acknowledging these programs, the resolution aims to educate the public and encourage continued support for initiatives that focus on rehabilitation and community safety.
This Senate resolution formally recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of mental health for all residents. The bill does not change any laws or require specific actions but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about mental health challenges. It also expresses the Senate's support for policies that promote mental health resources, education, and treatment with parity to physical health coverage.
This bill authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to transfer a 2.7-acre tract of land in Philadelphia, formerly part of the Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, to an organization called Gaudenzia DRC, Inc. for a nominal fee of one dollar. The transfer is conditional on the new owner using the property exclusively for drug and alcohol rehabilitation purposes, with a clause requiring the land to revert to the state if this restriction is violated or if the property is sold within 20 years. Additionally, the deal includes a permanent ban on using any part of the land for licensed gaming facilities, and the transaction requires final approval from the Governor.
